If you’re on the lookout for the perfect sunny-day treat, look no further: this Summer Peach Fruit Salad is the vibrant bowl of fresh flavor your table’s been missing. Juicy peaches mingle with tangy blackberries, sweet blueberries, and pops of pomegranate, all given a bright finish by a drizzle of honey, a squeeze of lime, and ribbons of fresh basil. It’s quick to toss together and destined to be a hit at backyard BBQs, picnics, or any moment you need a summery, showstopping side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Summer Peach Fruit Salad keeps things refreshingly simple, letting every ingredient show off its color and taste. Together they create a salad that’s juicy, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-fresh. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each is essential:
- Yellow peaches: Choose four large ripe—but not mushy—peaches for the perfect juicy bite and vibrant golden color.
- Blackberries: One cup brings a slightly tart edge and a stunning deep purple hue to the mix.
- Blueberries: Three-fourths cup adds sweetness and the classic burst you expect from a summer fruit bowl.
- Pomegranate seeds: The seeds from one medium pomegranate provide juicy crunch and jewel-toned beauty.
- Fresh basil leaves: About six large leaves, cut into ribbons, infuse a fresh, herbal aroma that lifts every bite.
- Honey: Start with 1–2 teaspoons for natural sweetness; you can always drizzle a little more to taste.
- Lime juice: The juice of half a lime balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Summer Peach Fruit Salad
Step 1: Slice and Prep Your Fruit
Start by slicing your peaches into thin wedges, making sure to remove the pit. Rinse your blackberries and blueberries gently under cool water and pat them dry. For the pomegranate, carefully extract the seeds, letting the ruby-red arils tumble into a bowl. This first step is all about prepping every piece so it’ll be at its peak when tossed together.
Step 2: Cut the Basil into Ribbons
Stack the fresh basil leaves, roll them up, and slice them thinly into lovely ribbons. This classic technique, called a chiffonade, releases the basil’s sweet aroma and ensures that every serving of Summer Peach Fruit Salad gets a fragrant pop of green.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add your peach slices, blackberries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, and those beautiful basil ribbons. Using a bowl with plenty of room allows you to toss the ingredients gently without squishing the delicate fruit.
Step 4: Drizzle and Toss
Drizzle the salad with the honey and squeeze the lime juice evenly over the top. Using two large spoons or tongs, very gently toss everything together until the fruit glistens and the basil is evenly distributed. The honey and lime meld with the juices, creating a wonderfully refreshing dressing.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your Summer Peach Fruit Salad a quick taste. Does it need a touch more honey or an extra squeeze of lime? Adjust to your liking, serve right away, or chill for a few minutes so the flavors meld even more.
How to Serve Summer Peach Fruit Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few whole basil leaves or a few more pomegranate seeds on top just before serving. A drizzle of extra honey, a dusting of lime zest, or even some edible flowers add elegance and freshness to your salad bowl.
Side Dishes
This Summer Peach Fruit Salad pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, roasted veggies, or even a classic caprese sandwich. Its lively flavors bring brightness to any meal, making it a favorite companion at picnics, brunches, and family feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try layering your salad in clear glasses for individual parfaits, serving in hollowed-out cantaloupe halves, or spooning it over creamy yogurt for a breakfast twist. A big platter lined with leaves or a rustic wooden bowl always makes it look irresistible for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Summer Peach Fruit Salad keeps wonderfully for two to four days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to mingle, making it just as delicious the next day—though the basil is best added fresh each time for color and vibrancy.
Freezing
This salad is all about that just-picked texture, so freezing isn’t recommended. The fruit will lose its crispness, and the basil may darken and wilt. For best results, enjoy your salad fresh or within a couple of days of making it.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dish—it’s meant to be served beautifully chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve chilled it, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring out the fullest flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Summer Peach Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the fruit the night before and toss everything together a few hours ahead. Just keep the basil out until ready to serve, so it stays fresh and green.
What can I use instead of basil?
If basil isn’t your thing, try fresh mint for a cool twist or even a little lemon balm. Both pair nicely with the summer fruit and keep things lively.
Is there a vegan alternative to honey?
Of course! Pure maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey easily, keeping the salad fully vegan while still providing that subtle sweetness.
What if peaches aren’t in season?
No peaches? No worries! Try nectarines, mangoes, or even plums—any juicy, ripe stone fruit will do beautifully in this salad. It’s all about using what’s best and sweetest.
Can I add extra fruit or nuts?
Yes! This Summer Peach Fruit Salad is a wonderful base—you can toss in strawberries, kiwi, or slices of apricot. For a little crunch, sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds or pecans just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Summer Peach Fruit Salad is a true favorite in my kitchen: every bite tastes like sunshine and celebration. It’s quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe more than once!
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Summer Peach Fruit Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing and colorful summer peach fruit salad is a delightful blend of fresh peaches, blackberries, blueberries, and pomegranate seeds, lightly tossed with honey, lime juice, and basil leaves. Perfect for BBQs and parties!
Ingredients
Peach Fruit Salad:
- 4 large ripe (but not too ripe) yellow peaches, sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- ¾ cup blueberries
- Seeds from 1 medium pomegranate
- 6 large basil leaves, cut into ribbons
- 1–2 teaspoons honey
- ½ lime, juiced
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Combine peaches, blackberries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, and basil leaves in a large bowl.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle honey and lime juice over the fruit mixture and toss gently with tongs.
- Serve: Enjoy this delicious fruit salad immediately. Serves 6.
Notes
- If preparing ahead, add all ingredients except basil a day in advance. Add basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-4 days.
- Check the full post for customized variations of this fruit salad!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6)
- Calories: 88 cal
- Sugar: 16.2g
- Carbohydrates: 22.6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1.3g
