Some recipes just feel like sunshine in a bowl, and this Fruit Cocktail Salad is exactly that—bright, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With a mix of sweet mango, tangy kiwi, crisp apple, and a citrusy orange-lemon dressing, it’s the perfect balance of freshness and natural sweetness.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer side dish, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert option, this fruit salad fits the bill. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s a simple way to add more nutrition to your day—without sacrificing flavor.
This recipe is especially great alongside Crockpot BBQ Chicken for a sweet-and-savory contrast or served with a slice of Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake for a light and elegant dessert.
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s customizable. Swap in your favorite seasonal fruits, adjust the sweetness with a drizzle of honey, or add a touch of vanilla for extra depth.
Plus, the lemon juice and zest keep the fruits vibrant and fresh, making it a make-ahead dream for parties, meal prep, or a grab-and-go snack. This salad has been trending lately as people look for easy, no-bake recipes that are both nutritious and visually stunning.
Studies show that eating a variety of colorful fruits can improve digestion, boost immunity, and even enhance mood—so why not make healthy eating more enjoyable?
The Secret to Loving Every Bite!
- It’s naturally sweet & refreshing: I love how the mix of fruits creates layers of flavor—juicy, crisp, tangy, and sweet all in one bite. If you have a sweet tooth but want to cut back on processed sugar, this is a game-changer.
- Super easy to make! No cooking, no complicated steps—just chop, mix, and enjoy. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
- A great way to use up leftover fruit: Sometimes I have a few extra kiwis or half a mango that I don’t want to waste. This salad is the perfect solution!
- Pairs well with so many dishes: Whether it’s BBQ, breakfast, or dessert, this fruit salad always finds a spot on my plate. It even works as a light topping for yogurt or pancakes.
- Full of health benefits: Fresh fruits = natural energy. It’s hydrating, full of vitamins, and keeps you feeling fresh without weighing you down.
Fruit Cocktail Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer (for lemon juice)
- Zester (for lemon zest)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 540 ml can fruit cocktail stored in water drained
- 4 kiwis diced
- 1 cup strawberries diced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 medium apple diced
- 1 medium peach diced
- 1 mango peeled and diced
- 3 mandarin oranges peeled
- ⅓ cup 100% orange juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Optional:
- 1-2 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup fresh mint finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Drain the canned fruit cocktail and add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the kiwis, strawberries, apple, peach, and mango, then add them to the bowl.
- Peel and separate the mandarin oranges and toss them in.
- In a small bowl, mix orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir well.
- Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
- Add optional ingredients like honey, mint, or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Let it chill for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to blend (optional).
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 200kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sugar | 41g |
| Sodium | 63mg |
Helpful Variations For This Recipe!
- Tropical Twist: Swap the apples and peaches for pineapple chunks and shredded coconut to give it a tropical vibe. A splash of coconut water in the dressing makes it even more refreshing.
- Spiced Citrus Upgrade: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the citrus dressing. It enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits and gives a warm, unexpected depth of flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in some lightly toasted almonds, pistachios, or pecans right before serving. They add a satisfying crunch and balance the juicy textures.
- Greek Yogurt Drizzle: If you want to turn this into a creamy fruit salad, whisk a little Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract and drizzle it over the top.
- Zesty Ginger Boost: A tiny bit of freshly grated ginger in the dressing gives this salad a subtle kick and an immune-boosting touch.
- Frozen Dessert Version: Freeze the mixed fruit salad in a shallow dish for a couple of hours, then serve as a refreshing sorbet-style treat on hot days.
- Savory-Sweet Fusion: Add a few crumbles of feta or goat cheese for a salty contrast—it sounds unusual, but it creates a beautiful balance with the fruit’s natural sweetness!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
