Best Vegetable and Fruit Salad Recipes for Every Season

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, vegetable and fruit salads are the perfect way to enjoy nature’s bounty in a single bowl. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a refreshing snack, these salad recipes combine crisp vegetables and juicy fruits with tasty dressings to create incredible taste experiences.

The beautiful textures and natural sweetness of fruits paired with the crunch of fresh vegetables make these salads not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can mix and match ingredients depending on what’s in season or what you have in your kitchen.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegetable and fruit salad recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and sure to impress your family and friends. From tangy citrus blends to hearty grain bowls topped with fresh produce, these salads are all about celebrating fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetable and fruit salad recipes are designed to be both delicious and nourishing. They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and only a handful of fresh ingredients.

The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes every bite exciting.

What’s more, these salads are perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without compromising on taste. They’re naturally low in calories yet rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a quick dish at a dinner party, these salads fit beautifully into any occasion.

Plus, these recipes are flexible! You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s available seasonally, making them a go-to for every season.

Ingredients

  • Fresh mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine) – 4 cups
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced – 1 medium
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
  • Red bell pepper, diced – 1 medium
  • Carrots, shredded – 1 cup
  • Red onion, thinly sliced – ½ medium
  • Avocado, cubed – 1 medium
  • Fresh fruits like strawberries (halved), blueberries, or orange segments – 1 to 1½ cups mixed
  • Chickpeas, drained and rinsed – 1 cup (optional for protein boost)
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
  • Toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts – ¼ cup
  • Olive oil – 3 tbsp
  • Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
  • Honey or maple syrup – 1 tsp (optional)
  • Salt and pepper – to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Salad spinner (optional, for washing greens)
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables and fruits: Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Use a salad spinner to dry greens if available. Slice the cucumber thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. Cube the avocado and segment any citrus fruits if using.
  2. Combine the base: In the large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Add fruits and protein: Add the fresh fruit mix and chickpeas to the bowl. Sprinkle the chopped herbs and toasted nuts on top for crunch and flavor.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
  6. Serve immediately: Add the cubed avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend, like this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend. It adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.”

You can customize these salads endlessly. Swap chickpeas for grilled tofu or tempeh for a different protein source.

Use seasonal fruits such as peaches in summer or pomegranate seeds in winter. For a grainier salad, add cooked quinoa, farro, or bulgur.

If you prefer a creamier dressing, blend ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a velvety vegan dressing. For crunch, sprinkle seeds like pumpkin or sunflower over the top.

And don’t forget to experiment with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or dill for exciting flavor twists.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 6 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fiber 8 g
Fat 10 g
Vitamin C 70% DV
Vitamin A 60% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable and fruit salad makes a fantastic light lunch or a refreshing side dish to any main course. Pair it with grilled plant-based proteins or serve alongside hearty grain bowls for a complete meal.

For picnics or potlucks, pack the dressing separately and toss the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp. This salad also pairs beautifully with dishes like vegan pasta recipes, which you can find in our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals collection.

Looking for more vegetarian options? Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for inspiration beyond salads.

Conclusion

Vegetable and fruit salads are a vibrant celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring both nutrition and flavor to your table. These recipes are wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to highlight seasonal produce and tailor them to your taste preferences.

Whether you’re a salad novice or a seasoned green lover, these ideas will inspire you to enjoy healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.

By incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and flavors, these salads offer a satisfying and nourishing experience that supports a balanced lifestyle. Plus, they’re quick to assemble and perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Don’t forget to explore our other exciting vegetarian recipes to complement your fresh salads and keep your meals interesting and nutritious all year round.

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetable and Fruit Salad

Description: A refreshing mix of crisp vegetables and sweet fruits tossed in a light citrus dressing. Perfect as a healthy side or a light meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 green apple, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and prepare all vegetables and fruits as described.
  2. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, strawberries, apple, carrots, and red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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