Fresh, colorful, and irresistibly creamy, this Homemade Fruit Salad is your new go-to recipe for a light dessert, refreshing side dish, or even a quick snack. Packed with the vibrant flavors of bananas, strawberries, grapes, pineapples, cherries, and citrus, each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and tang, made even more indulgent with a touch of creamy dressing.


Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping a summer picnic, or simply craving a bowl of fruity goodness, this recipe is a celebration of everything fresh and simple. Ready in minutes and absolutely crowd-pleasing, it proves that healthy can be deliciously fun.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Fruit Salad
- Quick and easy with no cooking required
- Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or parties
- Made with whole fruits and a creamy yogurt base
- Naturally sweet, with no need for added sugar
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits
What Kind of Cream Should I Use?
You can go with vanilla yogurt, sour cream, or even whipped topping depending on how rich or light you want the texture. For a healthier twist, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully and adds a tangy balance to the sweet fruit.
Ingredients for the Homemade Fruit Salad

Each fruit in this salad plays a unique role in building layers of flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved – Sweet, juicy, and a classic fruit salad staple.
- 1 cup red seedless grapes – Add a crisp texture and natural sweetness.
- 2 bananas, sliced – Creamy and mellow, they soften beautifully in the mix.
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained – Tropical brightness and a juicy bite.
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments – Citrus zing and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained – Sweet-tart bursts of red and a retro touch.
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt – Brings it all together in a creamy, dreamy dressing.
How To Make the Homemade Fruit Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fruits
Wash the strawberries and grapes thoroughly. Hull and halve the strawberries, then slice the bananas just before mixing to avoid browning.
Step 2: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the strawberries, grapes, bananas, pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, and maraschino cherries.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Base
Spoon in the vanilla yogurt and gently fold it in until all the fruit is lightly coated. Be careful not to overmix to preserve the fruit’s shape.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and fresh.
How to Store and Serve This Fruit Salad
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people generously. Serve it immediately after chilling, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The yogurt may thin slightly over time, but the flavors remain delicious.
What to Serve With Fruit Salad?
H3: Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas
These hearty quesadillas make the perfect savory counterbalance. Try them with this salad for a satisfying brunch combo [link: https://mealsweshare.com/vegan-breakfast-quesadillas/]
H3: Mango and Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding
Layer textures and flavors by pairing this salad with a creamy chia pudding [link: https://mealsweshare.com/mango-and-dragon-fruit-chia-pudding/]
H3: Tropical Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing
Double down on freshness by offering a second fruit dish with a different flavor profile [link: https://mealsweshare.com/tropical-fruit-salad-with-honey-lime-dressing/]
H3: Snack Prep Veggie Sticks With Easy Pesto Hummus
Add a crunchy, savory element to your table with this simple veggie platter [link: https://mealsweshare.com/snack-prep-veggie-sticks-with-easy-pesto-hummus/]
H3: Mini Frittata Muffins
These protein-packed bites pair beautifully with fruit salad for breakfast or brunch [link: https://mealsweshare.com/mini-frittata-muffins/]
H3: Blueberry Smoothie Bowl Recipe
For an extra berry-rich experience, serve this on the side [link: https://mealsweshare.com/blueberry-smoothie-bowl-recipe/]
H3: Yogurt Parfaits
Keep it simple and layered with parfaits that mirror some of the fruit salad ingredients [link: https://mealsweshare.com/yogurt-parfaits/]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Fruit Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but for best texture, make it the same day. You can prep the fruits and keep them separate, mixing in the yogurt just before serving.
What Other Creamy Options Can I Use?
Try sour cream, whipped topping, or a dairy-free coconut yogurt for variations.
Can I Add Nuts or Seeds?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or chia seeds add texture and nutrition.
Is This Recipe Vegan?
Only if you use a plant-based yogurt and skip the maraschino cherries (which often contain food dyes). Choose fresh cherries or dried cranberries as a sub.
Can I Freeze Fruit Salad?
It’s not recommended. The texture of most fruits changes drastically after freezing and thawing, becoming mushy.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for Greek yogurt or something sweeter? Add any new fruits to make it your own?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other keep it fresh!
Conclusion
Homemade Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing way to celebrate nature’s best flavors in a bowl. With only a few minutes of prep and endless customization options, it fits effortlessly into any mealtime—breakfast, snack, or dessert. For more fruity inspirations, visit my Pinterest at Meals We Share.
Enjoy the rainbow of health and taste!
Homemade Fruit Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh, colorful, and irresistibly creamy, this Homemade Fruit Salad is your new go-to recipe for a light dessert, refreshing side dish, or even a quick snack. Packed with the vibrant flavors of bananas, strawberries, grapes, pineapples, cherries, and citrus, each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and tang, made even more indulgent with a touch of creamy dressing. This quick breakfast and healthy snack recipe is perfect for brunches, potlucks, or your everyday food ideas.
Ingredients
1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup red seedless grapes
2 bananas, sliced
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup mandarin orange segments
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
Instructions
1. Wash the strawberries and grapes thoroughly. Hull and halve the strawberries, then slice the bananas just before mixing to avoid browning.
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the strawberries, grapes, bananas, pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, and maraschino cherries.
3. Spoon in the vanilla yogurt and gently fold it in until all the fruit is lightly coated. Be careful not to overmix to preserve the fruit’s shape.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and fresh.
Notes
Slice bananas just before mixing to prevent browning.
Use chilled fruits for a refreshing texture.
Swap vanilla yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier and higher protein version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: fruit salad, healthy snack, easy recipe, brunch ideas, summer dessert


