This fresh and vibrant fruit salad is a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe fruit. Light, juicy, and refreshing, it offers a perfect balance of textures with soft, crisp, and succulent pieces in every bite. It is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it ideal for beginners or anyone needing a quick dessert. The total time is around 20 minutes, with no cooking required.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Base
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
How to Make Delia Smith Fruit Salad
- Prepare the fruit: Wash, peel, and chop all the fruit into evenly sized pieces to ensure a balanced texture in every bite.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, and honey until well combined.
- Combine everything: Place all the prepared fruit into a large mixing bowl and gently toss to mix evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and toss lightly to coat without crushing the fruit.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

Tips
How do I keep fruit salad from going brown?
Use lemon juice in the dressing and add fruits like bananas and apples just before serving to prevent oxidation.
Can I use canned fruit?
Yes, but drain it well and avoid syrup-heavy varieties as they can make the salad overly sweet.
What fruits work best together?
A mix of soft and firm fruits creates the best texture. Combine juicy fruits like oranges with firmer ones like apples.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare it a few hours in advance, but for best freshness, add delicate fruits like bananas just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a light dessert
- Pair with yogurt or whipped cream
- Enjoy alongside breakfast or brunch dishes
- Top with fresh mint for extra freshness
Storage
Room Temperature
Not recommended, as fresh fruit can spoil quickly. Serve immediately if not chilled.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal as the fruit will lose its texture and become mushy when thawed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make fruit salad the night before?
Yes, but for best results add soft fruits like bananas just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What is the best dressing for fruit salad?
A light citrus dressing with orange juice, lemon juice, and a touch of honey enhances flavour without overpowering the fruit.
How do I keep fruit salad fresh longer?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use lemon juice to slow browning.
Can I add nuts or seeds?
Yes, adding toasted nuts or seeds can give extra crunch and flavour just before serving.
Delia Smith Fruit Salad Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: InternationalDifficulty: Easy6
portions20
minutes20
minutes120
kcalA fresh, vibrant fruit salad made with a mix of seasonal fruits and a light citrus dressing. Perfect as a refreshing dessert or healthy snack.
Ingredients
2 apples, chopped
2 bananas, sliced
1 orange, segmented
1 cup grapes
1 cup strawberries
1 kiwi, sliced
1 cup pineapple chunks
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
Directions
- Prepare and chop all fruit into even pieces.
- Mix orange juice, lemon juice, and honey.
- Combine fruit in a bowl.
- Pour over dressing and toss gently.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for best flavour.
- Add bananas just before serving to avoid browning.
- Serve chilled for maximum freshness.
