Print

Fresh Bright Summer Fruit Salad with Zesty Lemon-Thyme Dressing

fresh bright summer fruit salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and refreshing summer fruit salad tossed with a tangy lemon-thyme dressing that balances sweetness and herbaceous notes, perfect for hot afternoons and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 cup blueberries, washed and drained
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (if canned, drain well)
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
  • 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and sliced
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • Optional: 1 small banana, sliced (add just before serving to avoid browning)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped (about 6–8 sprigs)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse all the berries and grapes gently under cold water. Hull and halve the strawberries, halve the grapes, peel and dice the mango and kiwi, and cut pineapple into bite-sized chunks. If adding banana, slice it just before serving to avoid browning. Transfer all prepared fruit into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves. Add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk vigorously until the dressing looks emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed. Optionally, add freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick.
  3. Pour the zesty lemon-thyme dressing over the fruit. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated, being careful not to mash the berries.
  4. Optional: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the thyme aroma to become more pronounced. Serving immediately is also fine.
  5. Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Spoon into bowls or glass cups for a colorful presentation.

Notes

Use firm, ripe fruit to avoid mushiness. Add banana just before serving to prevent browning. For a sugar-free version, omit honey and add sparkling water with lemon zest. Fresh thyme is preferred; if using dried, reduce quantity. Gently toss to avoid crushing berries. Chill salad 15-30 minutes for best flavor but avoid longer to prevent sogginess. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days; toss gently before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer fruit salad, lemon-thyme dressing, fresh fruit salad, healthy salad, easy fruit salad, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian

Find it online: https://larameals.com/fresh-bright-summer-fruit-salad-with-5-easy-zesty-lemon-thyme-dressing-steps/