Name: Peach Berry Fruit Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe peaches, sliced; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved; 1 cup blueberries; 1 cup raspberries; 1 cup blackberries (optional); Juice of 1 lemon; 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

There’s something about a big bowl of juicy, colorful fruit that just feels like summer in a spoon. And this Peach Berry Fruit Salad? It’s truly sunshine in a bowl. With ripe peaches, a mix of your favorite berries, and a light, citrusy dressing, this dish is as refreshing as it is beautiful.

What I love most about this salad is how it brings together simplicity and flavor so effortlessly. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just fresh, vibrant fruit and a quick homemade dressing that pulls everything together. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and totally irresistible.

I first started making this Peach Berry Fruit Salad when I needed a quick dish to bring to a summer picnic. I had a basket of peaches that were just starting to soften and a fridge full of berries on the brink of over-ripening. Instead of baking a crisp or cobbler, I tossed them all in a bowl, squeezed over some lemon juice, and added a little maple syrup. It was gone within minutes, and every time I’ve made it since, it disappears just as quickly.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, packing a picnic, or just need a healthy snack to get through the day, this peach berry fruit salad delivers. It’s light, naturally sweet, allergy-friendly, and looks stunning on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your back pocket, especially when stone fruit season rolls around. Here are just a few reasons why this fruit salad is worth making again and again:

Quick and easy to make: With only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can throw this together even on your busiest day.

Naturally sweet and fresh: The combination of peaches and mixed berries offers a burst of natural sweetness, balanced by the zing of citrus.

Perfect for special diets: It’s 100% vegan, Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, so it works for almost everyone at the table.

Kid-approved: The bright colors and juicy fruit make this a big hit with kids, even picky eaters.

Great for make-ahead meals: You can prep this salad in advance, making it ideal for brunches, BBQs, or meal prepping for the week.

Customizable: Use whatever berries or stone fruits you have on hand—this recipe is all about flexibility and flavor.

Visually stunning: Let’s be real—this salad is downright gorgeous. It’s bright, vibrant, and a total showstopper on any table.

Health Benefits

This fruit salad isn’t just pretty and tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.

Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, which help support healthy skin and a strong immune system. They’re also rich in fiber, which can aid digestion and help you feel full longer.

Berries—whether you choose strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—are antioxidant powerhouses. They help fight inflammation, protect your heart, and support brain health. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber.

Citrus juice like lemon or lime adds more than just flavor—it’s loaded with vitamin C and helps keep the fruit fresh for longer.

Maple syrup, if you choose to use it, is a natural sweetener that contains small amounts of minerals like zinc and manganese.

All together, this fruit salad is a nutrient-dense treat that’s light on calories but big on flavor and health benefits.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Serves 6
Calories per serving: 110
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 0.5g
Sugar: 21g (natural fruit sugars)

Ingredients List

To make this peach berry fruit salad, you’ll need the following:

4 ripe peaches, sliced (look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch)
1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup blueberries, rinsed and dried
1 cup raspberries, gently rinsed
1 cup blackberries, optional but recommended for extra variety
Juice of 1 lemon (or lime, if preferred)
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of your fruit)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth and subtle flavor)
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional but lovely)

Ingredient Notes

Peaches: If you don’t have fresh peaches, nectarines work beautifully too.
Strawberries: Choose ripe but firm strawberries to avoid a mushy salad.
Maple syrup: Adjust based on the ripeness of your fruit. Sometimes, the fruit is sweet enough on its own.
Citrus juice: Lemon adds brightness and helps prevent the fruit from browning too quickly.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to assemble your fresh fruit salad. It couldn’t be simpler, but a few tips will help you get the best results.

Step 1: Wash and prep the fruit
Start by rinsing all your berries gently under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

Slice your peaches into thin wedges. You can leave the skin on for color and texture, or peel them if you prefer a softer bite.

Step 2: Combine the fruit in a large bowl
Place the sliced peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in a large mixing bowl. Be gentle when handling the berries, especially the raspberries and blackberries, as they’re more delicate and can easily fall apart.

Step 3: Mix the dressing
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the lemon juice, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Pour dressing over the fruit
Drizzle the citrus dressing over the fruit in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or silicone spatula, gently toss everything together until the fruit is lightly coated and evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix, or the berries may break down.

Step 5: Chill (optional)
If you have time, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad even more refreshing. But if you’re in a hurry, it’s absolutely fine to serve it right away.

Step 6: Garnish and serve
Right before serving, add a few torn mint leaves on top for a fresh finish. Serve chilled and enjoy.

How to Serve

This fruit salad is super versatile, so you can serve it in a bunch of fun and delicious ways:

On its own: Simple and fresh, served in bowls or mason jars.
Over coconut yogurt: A dairy-free twist on a parfait.
With chia pudding: A healthy breakfast combo that feels like dessert.
Topped with granola: Adds crunch and turns it into a satisfying meal.
As a side dish: Pairs perfectly with savory dishes at a picnic or brunch.

Pairing Suggestions

Looking to round out your menu? Here are some pairing ideas that complement this fruit salad beautifully:

Savory brunch dishes: Try pairing it with veggie-packed frittatas or avocado toast.
Grilled dishes: It’s a fresh contrast to grilled chicken, turkey sausages, or tofu skewers.
Smoothies: Blend leftovers with almond milk and ice for a quick fruit smoothie.
Breakfast spreads: Serve alongside dairy-free pancakes or waffles with almond butter.
Herbal teas: A cool glass of iced mint tea or hibiscus tea works wonderfully.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the fruit may start to break down and release too much juice.

Freezing: It’s not ideal to freeze this salad as-is, since the texture of berries and peaches will change after thawing. However, you can freeze the fruit mixture (before adding dressing) and use it in smoothies later.

Reheating: This dish is served cold, so no reheating is needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common pitfalls will keep your salad fresh, flavorful, and gorgeous every time.

Using overripe fruit: While ripe fruit is ideal, overly soft peaches or berries can make the salad mushy.
Skipping the lemon juice: Citrus not only brightens the flavor but also helps preserve the color of the fruit.
Overmixing: Be gentle when tossing to keep the fruit looking pretty and intact.
Adding dressing too early: If making ahead, wait to add the dressing until closer to serving time.
Not drying the berries: Excess water can dilute the flavor and cause the salad to become watery.

Pro Tips

Here are a few extra tricks to help your fruit salad shine:

Use a mix of colors and textures for the most visual appeal and flavor variety.
Chill your fruit before mixing if you want the salad to be super refreshing.
Taste the fruit first before adding sweetener—sometimes it’s perfect just as is.
Add a citrus zest (like lemon or lime zest) for an extra pop of flavor.
Serve in a clear glass bowl or cups to show off the beautiful layers and colors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Fresh is definitely best here. Frozen fruit tends to release too much liquid and can make the salad soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.

Is this recipe safe for babies or toddlers?
Yes, with a few modifications. Skip the maple syrup and citrus juice if serving to very young children. Cut the fruit into smaller, age-appropriate pieces.

What’s the best way to peel peaches?
If you want to remove the skin, blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip right off.

Can I make this fruit salad a day ahead?
You can prep the fruit a day in advance, but it’s best to wait to add the dressing until shortly before serving.

What other fruits can I use?
This recipe is super flexible. Try adding kiwi, mango, cherries, or even grapes for variety.

Do I need to use all four kinds of berries?
Not at all. Use whatever berries you have on hand. Just make sure you have at least two types for texture and color variety.

Can I make this salad without sweetener?
Absolutely. If your fruit is ripe and sweet, feel free to skip the maple syrup.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, as long as you’re not strictly vegan. Honey works just fine in place of maple syrup.

What if my peaches are too firm?
Place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two to ripen faster.

How do I keep leftovers from turning soggy?
Store in a shallow container with minimal dressing. Avoid stacking the fruit too high, and always keep it chilled.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Peach Berry Fruit Salad is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat all summer long. It’s quick, gorgeous, and deliciously healthy. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, packing it for a picnic, or just treating yourself to something fresh and fruity, this salad delivers every time.

I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below—your creations always make my day.

Now go grab those peaches and berries and get tossing. Your perfect summer salad awaits.