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This honey lime basil peach fruit salad is my go-to when I want something bright and absolutely bursting with seasonal flavor. Ripe peaches and juicy berries tossed in a fragrant honey lime dressing with basil make the perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings. You get just the right balance of sweet fruit and zesty citrus in every bite.
I made this first for a backyard barbecue with friends and it totally vanished before the burgers came off the grill. Now it is my most-requested side every July.
Ingredients
- Ripe yellow peaches: picked slightly firm so they hold their shape
- Blackberries: choose plump berries that are deep purple and shiny for bold flavor
- Blueberries: look for berries that are taut and dry to the touch for the freshest taste
- Pomegranate seeds: these add crunchy juicy pops and a beautiful ruby color
- Fresh basil leaves: thinly sliced fresh basil brings vivid color and a light herbal lift
- Honey: use a floral honey for the best fragrance local varieties are wonderful here
- Lime juice: fresh-squeezed lime brightens every fruit note
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash peaches under cool water. Pat dry and slice into wedges just thick enough to stay intact. Rinse blackberries and blueberries and dry gently with clean towels. Slice pomegranate and separate out the seeds.
- Layer the Fruit:
- In a large wide bowl scatter sliced peaches at the bottom. Top evenly with blackberries blueberries and pomegranate seeds so colors and textures are spread throughout.
- Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle honey slowly over the fruit so it’s evenly distributed. Squeeze fresh lime juice directly over everything to infuse a tart citrusy accent.
- Chiffonade the Basil:
- Roll fresh basil leaves and slice them thinly into ribbons. Sprinkle these over the salad to add a splash of green and an herbal aromatics.
- Toss and Serve:
- Use large tongs to gently toss fruit with honey lime and basil. Mix just enough to coat but not so much that fruits lose their shape. Serve right away for the brightest look and flavor.
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My favorite ingredient in this salad is always the basil. A handful transforms it from just mixed fruit to something that tastes like a special treat from a favorite café. I remember my niece’s face lighting up when she tried it for the first time at our family picnic.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The fruit will soften and some juice will collect at the bottom just give it a gentle toss before serving again. If you make it ahead slice and store basil separately and combine just before serving to keep the green bright.
Ingredient Swaps
Out of peaches try nectarines or plums for a similar sweetness and texture. Strawberries can stand in for blackberries or blueberries if you find them in season. Agave syrup or maple syrup work in place of honey for a vegan option.
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Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken fish or it can headline a brunch spread. I love scooping leftovers over vanilla yogurt for a quick breakfast or layering with granola for a summery parfait.
A Touch of Summer Tradition
Fruit salads like this remind me of childhood summers at my grandmother’s house. She always had a big bowl of whatever fruit was freshest that week. Now I use that same bowl for this salad and it feels like I am sharing a little family history every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How ripe should the peaches be for this salad?
Choose peaches that are firm yet give slightly when pressed to avoid mushiness when tossed.
- → Can this fruit salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ingredients a day in advance, but add basil ribbons just before serving for freshness.
- → How long does it stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad remains fresh for 2 to 4 days, but it's best enjoyed soon after making.
- → Are there alternative fruits I can use?
Feel free to substitute or add strawberries, raspberries, or even kiwi for more variety and color.
- → Should the honey and lime juice be mixed before tossing?
You can drizzle honey and lime juice directly over the fruit, or mix together first for even distribution.
- → Is this dish suitable for special diets?
Yes, it fits dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and grain-free diets without adjustments.