Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

Introduction

This vibrant fruit salad is a celebration on a plate, perfect for patriotic holidays or any summer gathering. The combination of red, white, and blue fruits creates a stunning visual centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. You’ll love how the fresh, juicy flavors come together in every refreshing bite.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

1 small seedless watermelon (or 1/2 of a large watermelon)
8 apples (optionally reserve 1 for making stars)
1/2 yellow honeydew melon
4 cups strawberries (stems removed)
2 cups raspberries
2 cups blueberries
1 cup red grapes
1 cup blackberries
lemon juice (for soaking apples. 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water)

Instructions

Prepare a lemon-water bath by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of cold water in a large bowl.
Core the apples and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Immediately place the apple cubes into the lemon-water bath to prevent browning. Set aside.
Cut the watermelon and yellow honeydew melon into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a separate, very large serving bowl.
Hull the strawberries and slice them. Add them to the serving bowl with the melon.
Drain the apple cubes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Add them to the serving bowl.
Gently rinse the raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, and blackberries. Pat them dry.
Add all the berries and the grapes to the serving bowl with the other fruit.
Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the fruit together until evenly mixed. Serve immediately.

Variations

Flag Presentation: Arrange the fruit in the pattern of an American flag on a large platter. Use blueberries for the star field and stripes of strawberries and honeydew/watermelon.
Skewered: Thread the different colored fruits onto wooden skewers or decorative picks for individual, easy-to-eat servings.
Fruit Pizza: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese or yogurt on a large pre-baked sugar cookie crust and arrange the fruit on top in a decorative pattern.
Layered Parfait: Create individual servings by layering the red, white, and blue fruits in clear glasses with layers of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt.

Tips for Success

Keep it Dry: Ensure all berries are thoroughly dried after rinsing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Gentle Tossing: Use a light hand when mixing to avoid crushing the delicate raspberries and blackberries.
Chill Everything: For the freshest taste, chill all your fruit in the refrigerator before cutting and assembling the salad.
Cut Uniformly: Try to cut the melons and apples into similar-sized pieces for the best texture and appearance.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fruit salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the apples may soften and the salad will release more juice over time. This dish is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the individual fruit components (cut melons, washed berries, soaked apples) and keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. Combine everything gently just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of lemon juice for the apples?

Lime juice or a commercial fruit preservative (like Fruit-Fresh) mixed with water will work similarly to prevent browning.

My fruit salad is getting watery. What can I do?

This is natural as the fruit sits. To minimize this, ensure fruit is very dry before mixing, serve immediately, and consider placing the serving bowl over another bowl of ice to keep it chilled without dilution.

Can I use frozen berries?

It’s not recommended for this fresh salad recipe. Thawed frozen berries will release a significant amount of liquid and become very soft, making the salad soupy.

How do I make the optional apple stars?

Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter on thin slices of the reserved apple. Soak the stars in the lemon-water bath until ready to use them as a garnish on top of the salad.

Is the honeydew melon necessary for the “white” color?

The yellow honeydew provides a lovely pale, creamy color. If you can’t find it, green honeydew or cubed white peaches or nectarines would be a good substitute, though they are not listed in the official ingredients.