There’s something truly magical about a fruit salad that’s been allowed to rest and meld together for a full 24 hours. The flavors deepen, the natural juices combine, and every bite bursts with refreshing sweetness and vibrant textures.
Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, looking for a healthy dessert, or just craving a delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit, a 24 hour fruit salad is your go-to recipe. This simple yet impressive dish can elevate any meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.
Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars to satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.
In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the best 24 hour fruit salad—from choosing the right fruits and equipment to tips for customization and serving. Let’s dive in and discover how to create a delicious, colorful, and nutritious fruit salad that gets better with time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
24 hour fruit salad is not your ordinary quick mix of fruits. The secret lies in the resting period, which allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Enhanced flavor: The fruits soak in each other’s juices, resulting in a naturally sweet, tangy, and juicy medley that’s incredibly refreshing.
- Easy meal prep: Prepare it a day in advance, and it’s ready whenever you need a healthy snack or dessert.
- Customizable: Use whatever fruits are in season or your favorites, and add a few extras like herbs or a splash of juice for an exciting twist.
- Healthy and vibrant: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’s a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet cravings.
- Great for all occasions: Perfect for breakfast, party platters, picnic sides, or even a light dinner dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries, washed
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned in juice
- 1 large mango, peeled and diced
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 small apple, cored and chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife for slicing and chopping
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Lid or plastic wrap to cover the bowl
- Serving bowl or individual cups
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits: Wash all your fruits thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, peel and slice the kiwis, peel and dice the mango, and peel and segment the oranges. Chop the apple if using, and drain any excess juice from canned pineapple.
- Combine fruits in a bowl: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together all the prepared fruits—strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, mango, orange segments, and apple.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract if using. This will add a subtle zing and sweetness while helping preserve the fruit’s freshness.
- Mix dressing with fruit: Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss until all the fruits are coated evenly. Be careful not to mash the softer fruits.
- Cover and refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 24 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to soften slightly, creating a deliciously juicy salad.
- Serve chilled: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and aroma if desired. Serve in a large bowl or portion into individual cups.
- Enjoy! This salad is perfect on its own or paired with yogurt, granola, or even as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Tips & Variations
“The key to a perfect 24 hour fruit salad is choosing ripe, fresh fruits and allowing enough resting time for the flavors to fully develop.”
- Fruit swaps: Don’t hesitate to swap in seasonal favorites like peaches, nectarines, grapes, or pomegranate seeds. Just keep the balance of juicy and firm fruits for texture contrast.
- Herbs and spices: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist. Fresh basil or rosemary can also add an unexpected herbal note.
- Make it tropical: Use passion fruit juice instead of lime juice and add shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
- Vegan and allergy-friendly: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it vegan. Ensure all fruits are well washed to avoid any allergen contamination.
- Serving ideas: Pair this salad with a vegan yogurt like in our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 22g (natural sugars) |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Vitamin C | 60% of daily value |
| Vitamin A | 15% of daily value |
Serving Suggestions
This 24 hour fruit salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:
- Serve it chilled as a refreshing breakfast or snack.
- Top it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Use it as a vibrant topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Pair it with your favorite vegan dessert recipes—try it alongside our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for a balanced meal.
- Bring it to picnics, potlucks, or BBQs as a fresh and healthy side dish.
Conclusion
A 24 hour fruit salad is a simple but spectacular way to enjoy the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of fresh fruit. By letting the salad rest overnight, you unlock a depth of flavor and juiciness that quick fruit mixes just can’t match.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dishes that can be made in advance. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences and seasonal produce availability.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast, a light dessert, or a colorful addition to your meal spread, this fruit salad delivers every time. Don’t forget to explore other delicious plant-based recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more inspiration in your kitchen.
Happy cooking and enjoy every juicy bite!
📖 Recipe Card: 24 Hour Fruit Salad Recipe
Description: A refreshing and flavorful fruit salad that marinates for 24 hours to enhance the natural sweetness. Perfect for picnics or as a healthy dessert.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT24H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Combine all the fruit in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and grated ginger.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the salad.
- Serve chilled.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal per serving | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0.5 g | Carbs: 30 g
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