Fruit Salad With Apricot Dressing
A vibrant fruit salad with a sweet apricot dressing, combining bananas, strawberries, apples, pineapple, and grapes, perfect for a refreshing and colorful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, stir sugar, cornstarch, and apricot nectar until smooth.
- Microwave uncovered for 6-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Refrigerate the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, and green grapes.
- Drizzle the cooled dressing over the fruit.
- Gently toss to coat the fruit evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting honey for sugar to create a more natural sweetness in the apricot dressing. You can also add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch. If you don't have apricot nectar, peach nectar works well too. Ensure your fruits are firm and fresh to maintain texture in the salad, and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning in the apples and bananas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing fruit salad as a light dessert or a side dish at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with Saucy Fruit Salad for a vibrant fruit platter. Consider adding a scoop of yogurt or whipped cream on top for added creaminess. For a brunch, serve alongside muffins or pancakes to create a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the fruit fresh, avoid mixing in the dressing until serving. If the salad becomes soggy, you can drain excess liquid before serving. The dressing can be stored separately for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy the salad fresh each time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Salad With Apricot Dressing contains roughly 351 calories, with 3g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the apricot dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apricot dressing up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the fruit salad to help redistribute any settled ingredients.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
Feel free to get creative with fruits! You can add blueberries, raspberries, or even diced kiwi for a pop of color and flavor. Seasonal fruits like peaches or melons also work well, making the salad versatile for any time of year.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this fruit salad is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. The dressing, made with apricot nectar, sugar, and cornstarch, is plant-based. This makes it a great option for those looking for vegan recipes that are refreshing and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).