Summer Fruit Salad With Mint And Almonds Recipe

There's something magical about a bowl of chilled summer fruit salad on a sweltering afternoon. The burst of juicy berries, the crunch of almonds, and the refreshing kiss of mint make this dish feel like pure sunshine in a bowl.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up during a backyard barbecue when I needed something light and refreshing to balance out all the grilled fare. What started as a mix of what I had on hand quickly turned into a go-to crowd pleaser.

The best part? This Summer Fruit Salad with Mint and Almonds comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute potlucks or lazy weekends when you want something fuss-free but impressive.

Let me show you why this is one of my favorite summer recipes.

Why You'll Love This Summer Fruit Salad With Mint And Almonds

There’s a lot to love about this simple yet stunning dish. Whether you’re serving it up for brunch, a picnic, or just a snack, this fruit salad is always a hit.

It’s quick and easy. This recipe takes less than 15 minutes to pull together. With no cooking required and just a bit of slicing, you can have a gorgeous, fresh dish ready to go in no time.

Naturally healthy. With a base of fresh, in-season fruit, this salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The almonds add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch, while the mint brings a bright, herbaceous note that wakes up your palate.

Perfect for any occasion. This salad feels equally at home at a backyard cookout or a fancy brunch spread. It’s light enough for a hot day but elegant enough to serve guests.

Easily customizable. Don’t like blueberries? Swap in blackberries or sliced peaches. Have some leftover kiwi? Toss it in! This recipe is flexible and forgiving.

Whether you're looking for a healthy snack, a colorful side dish, or a light dessert, this fruit salad does it all with style.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this salad's irresistible flavor and texture lies in the combination of just a few fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here's a closer look at what you'll need:

Strawberries are the base of the salad and provide a sweet, juicy pop of color. Make sure to choose ripe berries with a deep red hue and slice them right before assembling to keep them fresh.

Blueberries add a burst of tartness and help balance the sweetness of other fruits. They’re also packed with antioxidants and require no prep—just a quick rinse.

Pineapple gives the salad tropical flair and a juicy bite. Use fresh pineapple if you can for the best flavor and texture, though canned (in juice, not syrup) can work in a pinch.

Fresh mint leaves make this salad shine. Their cooling, herbal flavor adds complexity and keeps things feeling light. Tear the leaves just before adding to release their oils and aroma.

Toasted sliced almonds provide a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruits. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.

You'll also want a large mixing bowl, a sharp knife, and a citrus zester if you're adding a touch of lemon or lime zest for brightness (optional but recommended).

How To Make This Summer Fruit Salad With Mint And Almonds

Putting this salad together is as simple as slicing, tossing, and enjoying. Here's how to make it step by step.

Start by washing and drying all your fruit. This step is important not just for cleanliness, but also to ensure your salad doesn’t end up watery. Pat everything dry with a clean towel before slicing.

Next, hull and slice your strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Add them to a large mixing bowl. Rinse and add your blueberries, followed by diced pineapple. If you’re adding any additional fruits, prep and include them here as well.

Roughly tear your mint leaves and scatter them over the fruit. Give everything a gentle toss with clean hands or a large spoon. You want to mix well without mashing the fruit.

If you’re adding lemon or lime zest, do that now for an extra layer of brightness. Just a bit goes a long way.

Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the top. This keeps them crunchy and fresh, adding the perfect final touch.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare. Serve it immediately or chill it for up to an hour if you prefer it extra cold.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in our house), you can store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the fruit will release juices as it sits, so it may become softer over time.

To help preserve freshness, store the toasted almonds separately and sprinkle them on just before serving. This keeps their texture crisp and satisfying.

If the salad has released a lot of juice, you can gently drain it or serve it with a slotted spoon to avoid sogginess.

To refresh day-old salad, add a handful of new fruit and a sprinkle of fresh mint—it perks it right up!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this salad is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or love.

Want a tropical twist? Swap out the berries for mango and kiwi, and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut. The almonds still work beautifully for texture.

Looking for a low-carb version? Stick with berries only—they’re lower in sugar than tropical fruits—and skip the pineapple.

You can also make it dairy-friendly by serving it with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a spoonful of whipped coconut cream for extra indulgence.

No almonds? Try chopped pistachios or crushed walnuts for a different kind of crunch.

And if you love a little zing, add a drizzle of honey-lime dressing: just whisk together lime juice, honey, and a touch of zest for a flavorful, naturally sweet finish.

This Summer Fruit Salad With Mint and Almonds is one of those recipes that grows with you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own—the results are almost always delicious!

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