Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Description
This Fresh Mixed Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing is a light, refreshing, and colorful dish made with a variety of seasonal fruits tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet yogurt dressing. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or as a healthy dessert. The yogurt adds richness and tang while letting the natural sweetness of the fruit shine.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (Optional): 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 15–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad (4–6 servings):
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup grapes (red or green), halved
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup mango cubes
1–2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 banana, sliced (optional; add last to avoid browning)
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
For the Yogurt Dressing:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla yogurt for sweetness)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fruit
Wash all fruits thoroughly.
Slice strawberries, grapes, mango, and kiwi.
Cut pineapple if using fresh.
Banana slices should be added right before serving to prevent browning.
2. Make the Yogurt Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together:
Greek yogurt
Honey or maple syrup
Lemon/lime juice
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Mix until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add all prepared fruits except banana.
Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit.
Gently toss to coat without crushing delicate fruits.
Add banana slices last and fold gently.
4. Chill & Serve
Chill for 20–30 minutes (optional but enhances flavor).
Garnish with chopped mint if desired.
Serve cold.
Tips & Variations
Fruit Options:
Add: peaches, papaya, cherries, apples, pomegranate seeds
Avoid: overly watery fruits like watermelon (makes dressing thin) unless served immediately
Dressing Variations:
For richer dressing → add 1–2 tbsp cream
For lighter → use low-fat yogurt
For vegan → use coconut yogurt + maple syrup
Prevent Browning:
Sprinkle a little lemon juice on apples or bananas before adding.
Make-Ahead:
Cut fruits ahead (except banana & apple).
Store dressing separately until ready to serve.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 24 hours
Fruits will release juice over time, so stir gently before serving.
Not suitable for freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?
Yes! Vanilla yogurt works beautifully and adds natural sweetness. Just reduce added honey.
Q2: Can I prepare this salad the night before?
Yes, but keep the fruit and dressing separate. Combine just before serving for best texture.
Q3: How do I keep banana from browning?
Add banana right before serving or lightly coat the slices with lemon juice.
Q4: Can I make it sugar-free?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened yogurt and skip honey or use a sugar-free sweetener.
Q5: What fruits pair best with yogurt dressing?
Berries, pineapple, mango, grapes, kiwi, apple, and banana all work very well.
Q6: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt.
Q7: Can kids eat this recipe?
Yes, it’s great for kids! Just ensure fruits are cut into safe, bite-sized pieces.