Description
This Peach Berry Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing summer recipe combining juicy peaches with an assortment of fresh berries, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing and garnished with fresh mint and optional toasted almonds. Perfect as a healthy snack or a complement to any meal, this colorful salad is easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, and bursting with seasonal flavors.
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 if large
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
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
Additional
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the Berries: Gently rinse all the berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries) under cool water to remove any dirt or debris, then drain well.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing the green caps, then halve or quarter them depending on their size for even mixing and bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Peaches: Pit the peaches by removing the stone, then slice them into wedges or slices to complement the texture of the berries.
- Chop the Mint: Rinse and dry the fresh mint leaves thoroughly, then chop them finely to add a refreshing herbal note to the salad.
- 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 dissolves and the dressing is well blended.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more honey or lime juice as preferred to balance the flavors.
- Combine the Fruit: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, taking care not to crush the delicate berries.
- Add the Mint: Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves evenly over the mixed fruit to distribute the herbaceous flavor throughout.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the honey-lime dressing evenly over the fruit mixture ensuring all pieces will be lightly coated.
- Toss Gently: Using a large spoon, gently toss the fruit salad to coat the fruit evenly with the dressing without damaging the berries.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad chill.
- Garnish (Optional): Just before serving, garnish with toasted slivered almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if desired.
Notes
- This fruit salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the honey in the dressing depending on the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference.
- To toast almonds, place slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- If fresh mint is unavailable, a small amount of finely chopped basil or cilantro can be used as an alternative garnish.
