July 4 Fruit Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fruit salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s naturally sweet, full of fresh flavors, and requires no cooking—just wash, chop, and mix. The red, white, and blue color theme makes it perfect for July 4th, but it’s also great for Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any summer celebration. It’s light, refreshing, and kid-friendly, making it a hit at every table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Strawberries, hulled and halved
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Watermelon, cut into stars or cubes
  • Apples or bananas, chopped (for white fruit)
  • Optional: mini marshmallows, fresh mint, or a drizzle of honey or lime juice

Directions

  1. Wash and prepare all the fruit: hull and halve the strawberries, rinse the blueberries and raspberries, cut the watermelon into stars using a cookie cutter (or into cubes), and chop the apple or banana.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruit.
  3. If using, fold in mini marshmallows or drizzle with honey or lime juice for added flavor.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to cool.
  5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8–10 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total time: about 15–45 minutes

Variations

  • Use star-shaped watermelon slices for an extra patriotic touch.
  • Add blackberries or cherries for more red and blue contrast.
  • Make it creamy by folding in whipped topping or vanilla yogurt.
  • Use white peaches or pears instead of apples or bananas.
  • Top with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the fruit will release juices and soften over time. Bananas may brown quickly, so add them just before serving if using. This salad should not be frozen or reheated.

FAQs

What fruits are best for a patriotic fruit salad?

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, and apples or bananas work best for red, white, and blue color themes.

Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep the fruits ahead, but add delicate fruits like bananas or the dressing (if using) just before serving.

How do I keep apples or bananas from browning?

Toss them in a little lemon or lime juice to help prevent oxidation.

Can I make it more filling?

Yes, fold in Greek yogurt or whipped topping to make it creamy and more satisfying.

Is this fruit salad kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s sweet, colorful, and fun—especially if you cut fruit into fun shapes.

What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, BBQ sides, and is a refreshing dessert on its own.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh fruit is best for texture and appearance. Frozen fruit tends to become mushy once thawed.

How can I make it sweeter?

Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, or add a sprinkle of sugar if desired.

Is this fruit salad vegan?

Yes, unless you add marshmallows or whipped topping—use plant-based versions if needed.

Can I double the recipe for a large group?

Yes, this recipe easily scales up. Just keep the proportions of red, white, and blue fruits balanced.

Conclusion

July 4 Fruit Salad is a festive, no-fuss way to celebrate Independence Day with something fresh, healthy, and beautiful. With its bold patriotic colors and naturally sweet flavors, it’s a simple yet stunning addition to any summer spread. Make it your own with fun shapes, creamy mix-ins, or a drizzle of citrus—and enjoy every refreshing bite while watching the fireworks.

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July 4 Fruit Salad

July 4 Fruit Salad

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July 4 Fruit Salad is a colorful and refreshing patriotic dessert made with red, white, and blue fruits. It’s festive, healthy, and easy to prepare—perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any summer celebration.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15–45 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Category: Side Dish, Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake, Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
  2. 1 cup blueberries
  3. 1 cup raspberries
  4. 3 cups watermelon, cut into stars or cubes
  5. 2 apples or 2 bananas, chopped (for white fruit)
  6. Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows
  7. Optional: 2 tbsp honey or lime juice drizzle
  8. Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Wash and prep all fruit: hull and halve strawberries, rinse blueberries and raspberries, cut watermelon into stars or cubes, and chop apples or bananas.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine prepared fruit.
  2. If using, fold in mini marshmallows or drizzle with honey/lime juice.
  3. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with mint leaves before serving, if desired.

Notes

  1. Bananas brown quickly—add just before serving if using.
  2. Lemon or lime juice helps keep apples or bananas from browning.
  3. Use star-shaped cookie cutters for watermelon to emphasize the patriotic theme.
  4. Best eaten fresh; leftovers last up to 2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
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