Looking for a refreshing and vibrant start to your day? This Breakfast Fruit Salad is a deliciously sweet and tangy mix of fresh and canned fruits, perfect for any breakfast or brunch. With a combination of juicy pineapple, crisp apples, tangy mandarins, and bananas, this fruit salad is packed with flavor and nutrients to kickstart your morning.

The homemade dressing made from orange juice, lemon juice, and a hint of sugar and cornstarch binds the fruits together, creating a light syrup that coats each piece of fruit perfectly. It’s not only easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile—add or swap fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

Whether you serve it as part of a brunch spread, a side dish, or just a healthy breakfast option, this fruit salad is sure to brighten up your day. It’s naturally sweet, full of fresh flavors, and provides a great dose of vitamins and antioxidants to fuel your morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Simply chop, mix, and toss! It’s quick and effortless.
Refreshing and Sweet – The combination of fresh and canned fruits creates a deliciously juicy salad.
Packed with Nutrients – Full of vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is both delicious and healthy.
Customizable – You can add or substitute your favorite fruits to suit your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep – It keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it ahead of time for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Canned pineapple chunks
Firm bananas (cut into 1/4-inch chunks)
Green grapes
Canned mandarin oranges (drained)
Red apple (sliced)
Green apple (sliced)
Sugar
Cornstarch
Orange juice
Lemon juice

Variations

Add More Fruits: Feel free to add strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or pears for even more flavor and variety.
Coconut Flavor: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Yogurt Addition: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
Honey: Swap the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Nuts and Seeds: Add some chopped walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds for a crunchy texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Open the cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges. Drain the liquid and set them aside. Slice the red and green apples into thin wedges and cut the bananas into 1/4-inch chunks. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it starts to thicken (about 2-3 minutes), remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, bananas, grapes, mandarin oranges, red apple slices, and green apple slices.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss until all the fruit is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing and delicious breakfast or snack.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Fruit: While canned fruits are great for convenience, using fresh fruit when in season can elevate the flavor of your salad.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a little extra sugar or honey.
Serve Immediately: For the freshest taste, serve the salad soon after it’s made. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Thicken the Dressing: If you want a thicker dressing, you can add a bit more cornstarch, but be sure to let it cool completely before mixing it with the fruit.

How to Serve

As a Breakfast Side: Pair it with oatmeal, pancakes, or scrambled eggs for a nutritious and light breakfast.
For Brunch: Serve this fruit salad alongside other brunch favorites like muffins, quiche, or avocado toast.
As a Snack: It’s a great midday snack that will keep you energized and satisfied.
With Yogurt: Serve the fruit salad with a scoop of Greek yogurt for a filling and protein-packed meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The fruit may soften a little over time, but the salad will still taste great.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this fruit salad as the texture of the fruit may change once thawed. However, you can freeze individual fruits before adding them to the salad, such as the pineapple or grapes, if you prefer a chilled, frozen version of the salad.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled, and there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge and serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use all fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple and mandarin oranges for the canned versions for a fresher taste.

2. Can I add more fruit to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add strawberries, blueberries, or any other fruit you enjoy.

3. How can I make this fruit salad healthier?

To make it healthier, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

4. Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will meld and enhance as it sits.

5. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

To prevent browning, add the bananas last and serve the fruit salad as soon as possible after making it. You can also toss the bananas in a bit of lemon juice to help preserve their color.

6. Can I use a different type of juice for the dressing?

Yes, you can experiment with different juices like apple juice or pineapple juice if you prefer.

7. Is this fruit salad vegan?

Yes, this fruit salad is vegan as it contains only fruit, juice, and sugar.

8. Can I make this a fruit salad with a yogurt dressing?

Absolutely! You can swap the cornstarch and citrus dressing for a simple yogurt-based dressing if you prefer a creamier salad.

9. How can I make this fruit salad more tangy?

For a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or even a splash of lime juice.

10. Can I add nuts to the salad for crunch?

Yes, adding nuts like walnuts or almonds can provide a nice crunch and added texture.

Conclusion

This Breakfast Fruit Salad is a refreshing and light dish that’s perfect for breakfast or any time of day. The combination of sweet fruits and the tangy homemade dressing makes it a standout recipe that’s both healthy and flavorful. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a simple morning meal, it’s sure to brighten your day with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. So, grab your favorite fruits and give this easy recipe a try!