Mediterranean Creamy Fresh Fruit Salad
This colorful and refreshing fruit salad is elevated with a creamy, tangy-sweet Greek yogurt dressing. It’s perfect as a light dessert, a brunch side, or a healthy snack, combining a variety of fresh fruits with a zesty Mediterranean twist.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Fruits:
1 lb strawberries, sliced
½ medium pineapple, chopped
6 oz blackberries
2 cups red grapes, halved
4 kiwi, peeled and chopped
4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
Dressing:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup honey
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
Prepare the fruit
Wash all berries and grapes thoroughly.
Slice strawberries, halve grapes, peel and chop kiwi, segment mandarin oranges, and chop pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
Combine fruit and dressing
Place all prepared fruit in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat evenly.
Chill (optional)
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to meld with the fruit.
Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or individual cups. Optionally, garnish with a few mint leaves or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra flair.
Tips
Use ripe, fresh fruit: The natural sweetness of ripe fruits reduces the need for extra honey.
Prevent sogginess: Prepare and dress the fruit just before serving, or store the dressing separately and toss when ready.
Uniform pieces: Cut fruit into similar sizes so every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
Chill before serving: Refrigerating for 15–30 minutes allows flavors to meld and makes the salad extra refreshing.
Gentle tossing: Use a large spoon or spatula to avoid crushing delicate fruits like blackberries.
Variations
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for crunch and protein.
Citrus twist: Swap lime juice for orange or lemon juice for a different tangy flavor.
Herbal boost: Add a few finely chopped fresh mint or basil leaves for an aromatic lift.
Extra creamy: Fold in a little mascarpone, ricotta, or coconut yogurt for a richer dressing.
Exotic fruits: Incorporate mango, papaya, or pomegranate seeds for a more tropical Mediterranean vibe.
Light version: Reduce the honey or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave if desired.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: You can, but thaw and drain excess liquid first to avoid a watery salad. Fresh fruit gives the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Q: How long will it keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 24 hours is best. After that, softer fruits like strawberries and kiwi may become mushy.
Q: Can I add a crunch element?
A: Yes, nuts, seeds, or even granola sprinkled just before serving add texture and make it more filling.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~150
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 25g
Calcium: 80mg
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific fruits and yogurt used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Fresh Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and healthy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of fresh fruit with a lightly sweetened Greek yogurt dressing makes it both satisfying and light. With simple swaps and optional additions like nuts or herbs, it’s easy to customize while keeping the Mediterranean freshness intact.