Fruit Bowl

Nothing is more refreshing than a bowl of fresh fruit, especially when it looks as vibrant as this fruit bowl recipe. Seasonal fruits taste fantastic on their own, but we added a few special touches to really make them pop. Marinating the melon in corn syrup accentuates its natural sweetness, and acidic pineapple and oranges provide a much-needed balance. The addition of mint brightens up the flavor to bring everything together in this winning fruit salad recipe.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack for kids, a picnic side dish or a breakfast fruit bowl to start your day, this recipe is a delicious way to stay hydrated, energized and satisfied. And with all the various colors involved, it is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Fruit Bowl Ingredients

• Fresh melon cubes: Mildly sweet, refreshing and juicy, melon is a great foundation for this fruit bowl. You can use the usual suspects, like honeydew and cantaloupe, but don’t be afraid to swap in whatever seasonal melons are available.
• Corn syrup: A key component of the marination process, corn syrup helps the melon become sweeter and softer. It also draws out moisture from the fruit, concentrating its flavor.
• Other fruits: Strawberries, pineapple and oranges complement the sweetened melon, adding texture and flavor. If these fruits aren’t in season, feel free to use any blend of fruits, but consider using lightly acidic fruits for balance.
• Fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint is optional, but it plays an integral role in connecting the flavors and adding that much-needed freshness and cooling effect.

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the melon cubes

In a large bowl, combine the melon cubes and corn syrup. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors combine.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have time to marinate the melon overnight, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. It won’t be quite as sweet, but the melon will still soften slightly as it absorbs the syrup.

Step 2: Add the remaining fruits

Just before serving, stir in the pineapple chunks, halved strawberries and sectioned oranges. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Editor’s Tip: The rest of the fruits are added at the very end so they don’t become mushy. This way, you can taste each fruit, instead of everything blending into one uniform mixture. Also, mix gently to avoid bruising or breaking the fruit.

Recipe Variations

• Use a different sweetener: Instead of corn syrup, try another sweetener, like agave, honey, maple or even simple syrup. These sweeteners impart distinct flavors to the dish, adding another dimension to the fruit bowl.
• Make it spicy: This recipe has a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, but spice lovers might want to kick it up a notch. For that, we suggest adding a spice mix like Tajin, which will introduce that much-welcome pop of salty and spicy flavor.
• Swap in other fruits: Don’t like oranges? Leave them out. Want to add pomegranate seeds? Put them in! The world truly is your fruit bowl, so treat this recipe as a template. Feel free to add any fruits that complement one another. For the melon component, use honeydews, cantaloupes, watermelons or a combination of all three.

How to Store a Fruit Bowl

You can store your fruit bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, but it’s best if consumed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the flavors can blend together, making the salad taste one-note. If you do need to make it ahead, we suggest storing the fruits in separate containers and combining them when you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze a fruit bowl?

You can freeze raw fruits, but we don’t necessarily recommend freezing fruit bowls. It’s better to freeze the fruits individually without corn syrup. Freeze the fruits in a single layer to avoid clumping, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw the fruits, simply put them in the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight.

Fruit Bowl Tips

How do I prevent fruits from browning in a fruit salad?

To keep fruit salad fresh and prevent browning, sprinkle cut fruits with a splash of an acidic ingredient, like lemon juice. The acid helps slow down the oxidation process, which turns the fruit brown. Alternatively, if you don’t want to add an acidic flavor to your fruit salad, you can soak the fruits in club soda, seltzer or soda water for similar results.

What is the best dressing for a breakfast fruit bowl?

The best fruit salad dressing introduces a mix of sweet, tangy and sometimes spicy notes. Try incorporating a sweetener like honey, agave or maple syrup along with an acidic component like orange juice. Then, add bright flavorings like lemon zest or crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) to create a tasty dressing for your fruit bowl.

What are the best fruits to use in a fruit bowl?

You can use almost any type of fruit you enjoy in a fruit bowl, but the key is to use ones that complement each other. Avoid combining fruits that overpower each other, like overly tart grapefruit or pungent durian. Also, since visual appeal is a big part of a fruit bowl’s draw, consider colors when choosing fruits.