Ditch the disappointing supermarket fruit salads. It’s easier than you think to make a simple mix that goes beyond basic berries. And we’ve got just the recipes to transform your summer bounty into vibrant medleys. A natural source of antioxidants, fruit can do double duty: It’s a sweet alternative to dessert and can make a satisfying snack. From feta-filled party bowls to colorful dishes fortified with quinoa, these nine fruit salad recipes run the gamut from savory to sweet to spicy. Summer is just getting started, so there’s never been a better time to get the (melon) ball rolling!
9 Easy Fruit Salad Recipes
1. Feta Fruit Salad
With its Instagram-worthy watermelon rind bowl, this recipe is perfect for entertaining a crowd. Use a melon baller to scoop out the flesh, then mix berries and watermelon with tangy feta cheese and sprinkle with lemon juice. Save in the fridge for up to six hours. Photo and Recipe: Tieghan / Half Baked Harvest
2. Cucumber Melon Spa Salad
Beat the heat with this hydrating salad that has notes of citrus and mint. Use a spiralizer to make cucumber “noodles,” and then top with vibrant melon balls. If you don’t have the fancy kitchen tool on hand, use a peeler or cut your cuke into thin matchsticks. Photo and Recipe: Toni / Boulder Locavore
RELATED: Arugula Salad With Avocado and Tomato Recipe
3. Quinoa Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Rev up your protein intake with this antioxidant-packed side dish. Red quinoa provides a pop of color while also delivering seven grams of fiber per half-cup. In a minty mood? Rip up some fresh mint leaves and add them to the dressing before serving. Photo and Recipe: Maria and Josh / Two Peas and Their Pod
4. Antioxidant Fruit Salad with Bee Pollen
Who needs 100-calorie snack packs when you can eat a whole cup of this refreshing fruit salad for the same number of calories? Drizzle vanilla-infused honey, a natural energy booster and potential allergy remedy, atop a mix of plums, nectarines, blueberries and more. Photo and Recipe: Renee Blair / Life by DailyBurn
5. Watermelon Fruit Salad
Watermelon is more than 90 percent water, so it’s an excellent food to eat to stay hydrated. Sweet cherries and heart-healthy blueberries sweeten the deal. If you’ve got leftovers (we doubt it!), the salad will keep fresh in the fridge for four to five days. Photo and Recipe: Jen / Yummy Healthy Easy
6. Asparagus and Mango Quinoa Salad
Let asparagus spears be your nutritional secret weapon! Delivering folate and B-12, the green veggie has been linked to slower cognitive decline. This salad’s also got fiber-rich edamame and mango. To prevent a mushy mess, be sure to let the quinoa cool before adding the mango. Photo and Recipe: Jennifer / Carolina Girl Cooks
7. Grape Salsa
Goodness, grape-cious! If you think hot sauce doesn’t pair well with grapes, think again. This addictive salsa delivers a spicy punch that’s balanced with hints of lime and cilantro. Just don’t forget some guilt-free chips and you’ll take your snacking to the next level. Photo and Recipe: Ashley / Cookie Monster Cooking
RELATED: 9 Delicious Watermelon Recipes
8. Eggplant Mango Salad
Vegan and fiery-flavored, this inventive salad is both sweet and savory. Protein from roasted chickpeas keeps you satisfied, while fresh mango cubes indulge sweet cravings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is great for last-minute guests. Photo and Recipe: Annabelle / The Flexitarian
9. Berry Cantaloupe Salad
Taste the rainbow with this colorful side dish. A mix of cantaloupe, blueberries and strawberries doused in lime juice is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. If you don’t have lime on hand, simply substitute with lemon juice. Photo and Recipe: Chungah / Damn Delicious
Originally posted August, 2014. Updated June 2016.