Description
This Peach Berry Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer recipe featuring ripe peaches and a medley of fresh berries tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing with fresh mint. It’s a perfect light dessert or healthy snack that highlights seasonal fruit flavors with a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 pint fresh raspberries
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
Instructions
- Wash the Berries: Gently rinse all the berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries) under cool water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops, then halve or quarter them depending on their size for even sizing throughout the salad.
- Slice the Peaches: Pit the peaches and cut them into wedges or slices, ensuring bite-sized pieces that blend well with the berries.
- Chop the Mint: Rinse the fresh mint leaves thoroughly, dry them, then chop finely to release their aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, honey, water, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is well blended.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or acidity if desired by adding more honey or lime juice to balance flavors to your preference.
- Combine the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries without crushing the delicate fruit.
- Add the Mint: Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the combined fruit to add freshness and aroma.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the honey-lime dressing evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Toss Gently: Use a large spoon to gently toss the fruit salad so that all pieces are coated with the dressing but remain intact and visually appealing.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to cool.
- Garnish (Optional): Just before serving, sprinkle toasted slivered almonds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
Notes
- Adjust honey quantity for preferred sweetness, especially if peaches are very ripe.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead but add almonds just before serving to maintain crunch.
- This salad is best served chilled but can also be enjoyed immediately after tossing.
- Substitute other nuts or omit garnish for nut allergies.
- Mint adds a refreshing flavor, but can be omitted if not available.
