Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is the ultimate refreshing dish. Packed with juicy strawberries, tangy kiwis, sweet mangos, and crisp grapes, it’s an explosion of fresh flavors. The creamy poppy seed dressing brings everything together with a delightful tang and creaminess that elevates this fruit salad into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a sweet treat, this salad is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients

Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups strawberries (hulled and halved)

• 3 kiwis (peeled and chopped)

• 1 cup grapes (halved)

• 1 cup blueberries

• 2 mangos (peeled and diced)

Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the hulled strawberries, peeled and chopped kiwis, halved grapes, blueberries, and diced mangos. Gently toss them together to mix.

2. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tang as needed.

3. Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy poppy seed dressing over the mixed fruit and gently toss to coat evenly.

4. Serve: Transfer the fruit salad to a serving dish and serve immediately. If not serving right away, refrigerate and add the dressing just before serving to maintain the fruit’s freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Choices: You can easily swap out fruits for whatever’s in season or your personal favorites. Consider adding pineapple, peaches, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor.

• Dressing Options: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with light mayonnaise or sour cream. You can also experiment with different types of honey or sweeteners like maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the fruit salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The fruit salad will keep for up to 2 days, while the dressing can be stored for up to a week.

• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this fruit salad, as it’s best served chilled and fresh. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid the fruit becoming soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep the fruit fresh in a fruit salad?

To keep your fruit fresh and vibrant, store the dressing separately and only toss it with the fruit right before serving. This prevents the fruit from becoming soggy.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the poppy seed dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.

Can I freeze this fruit salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this fruit salad, as the texture of the fruit can become mushy once thawed, and the creamy dressing may separate.

What fruits can I substitute in this salad?

Feel free to swap fruits like pineapple, peaches, or apples for the ones in this recipe. Make it your own based on what’s in season!

Can I add other ingredients to the dressing?

Yes, you can adjust the dressing by adding a bit more honey for sweetness or increasing the vinegar for more tang. You can also experiment with different types of mustard if Dijon isn’t available.

Is there a way to keep apples and bananas from browning in a fruit salad?

You can toss apples or bananas in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to prevent browning. However, this recipe doesn’t typically require this step with the fruits used.

How do I make this salad more filling?

To make this fruit salad more filling, consider adding nuts like almonds or walnuts or a protein like grilled chicken to turn it into a complete meal.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can swap Greek yogurt for regular yogurt if you prefer a thinner texture. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess.

Can I make this fruit salad for a large crowd?

Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group. Just make sure to mix the dressing separately and add it just before serving to ensure freshness.

What is the best way to serve this fruit salad?

This fruit salad is best served chilled, either as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert. You can garnish it with mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

Conclusion

This Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect dish for warm weather gatherings or anytime you crave a light, refreshing treat. It’s packed with vibrant fruits and complemented by a creamy, tangy dressing that takes the salad to the next level. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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