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Fresh Summer Fruit Salad Recipe with Easy Lemon Maple Thyme Dressing

fresh summer fruit salad - featured image

A refreshing and bright summer fruit salad tossed with a tangy-sweet lemon maple thyme dressing that elevates the natural sweetness of fresh seasonal fruits.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1 cup blueberries, washed and drained
  • 1 cup ripe peaches, pitted and sliced (or nectarines)
  • 1 cup green grapes, halved
  • 1 cup watermelon or cantaloupe, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A amber preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and prep all the fruit: rinse berries, grapes, and other fruits under cold water, then pat dry gently with a clean towel. Hull and quarter strawberries, slice peaches thinly, halve grapes, and cube melon. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Combine the fruit in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to mix the colors and textures evenly without bruising delicate berries.
  3. Make the lemon maple thyme dressing: in a small bowl or jar, whisk together fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Add finely chopped fresh thyme leaves. Optionally, sprinkle in freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing looks slightly thickened and glossy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour the dressing evenly over the fruit. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Let the salad sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If refrigerated, give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the fruit.

Notes

Avoid adding the dressing more than a few hours in advance to prevent fruit from becoming mushy. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Pat fruit dry thoroughly after washing to avoid sogginess. Sharp knives make slicing easier and safer. For prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Nutrition

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