This simple but spectacular fresh berry fruit salad is filled with juicy strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple and pomegranate. Fresh mint and vanilla take it to a whole new level, making it an elevated side dish that’s perfect for entertaining year-round.

view of fruit salad with mint and vanilla

This berry fruit salad happened sort of by accident. I threw it together for a wedding shower with whatever ready-to-use fruit looked good at Costco— strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, pre-cut pineapple, and pomegranate arils. I also added some chopped fresh mint and vanilla bean paste to make it extra special for the occasion. And the combo was absolutely amazing!

It was so good that I’ve made it my go-to fruit salad recipe when I’m entertaining or need something a little “fancy”. It’s easy but makes a big impact, and I always have people wondering what’s in this salad that makes it so unique and delicious.

Table of Contents

What makes this fruit salad special

  • Minimal prep and chopping, and you basically just tossing everything together in a bowl.
  • Easy to adapt the fruit to whatever you have on hand or to what’s in season.
  • Adding mint and vanilla make this salad stand out and feel sophisticated.
  • All that color makes it a gorgeous side dish.
  • Perfect for entertaining! Think brunches, parties, showers, potlucks, barbecues or even holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.

“Hands down. This is a very delicious fruit salad. Very refreshing and a crowd pleaser indeed. Thanks for sharing.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” — reader Cheryl

“Made this for Christmas morning but didn’t have fresh mint and only used pure vanilla extract, it was still a hit and so delicious. Can’t wait to try with mint; will make this again and again!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” — reader Min

fruit and berries in containers

Fruit salad ingredients

Fruit salads rarely need a “recipe”, as you really can add whatever you want! Here’s what I use for this particular combination, but really anything goes (keep reading for other fruit suggestions).

  • Chopped strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple is preferred, purchase pre-cut pineapple to cut down on prep time.
  • Pomegranate: Buy packaged pomegranate arils or cut your own.
  • Chopped fresh mint
  • Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • Sugar or honey: Optional, if you want extra sweetness.
fruits in mixing bowl

Substitutions and variations

Can I use frozen fruit?

I highly recommend only using fresh fruit for this recipe, as frozen fruit is often very mushy and watery once thawed. If you can’t find something fresh, simply leave it out.

What other fruits can I use in this salad?

Chopped apples or pears, halved grapes, kiwi slices, mango, mandarin oranges (fresh or canned) and even sliced bananas can be substituted for some or all of the berries. There’s really no wrong way to make a fruit salad!

closeup of fruit salad with spoon

Make ahead and storing instructions

This fruit salad stays fresh for up to 24 hours but is best enjoyed within 4 hours to keep colors vibrant and mint crisp. For easy prep, wash and dry berries, chop sturdy fruits like pineapple, and seed pomegranate 1–2 days ahead, storing everything separately in the fridge. Chop berries and mint, and toss together just before serving.

More side dishes for entertaining

The very best fruit salad!
5 from 3 reviews

The Best Fruit Salad

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Filled with berries, pineapple, and pomegranate and dressed with mint and vanilla, this is the very best fruit salad!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb sliced strawberries
  • 6 oz raspberries
  • 6 oz blackberries
  • 6 oz blueberries
  • 2 cups chopped pineapple , about ½ a regular pineapple
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar , optional (see Notes)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine the strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pomegranate (or whatever combination of fruit you choose to use).
  • Add vanilla, chopped mint and sugar (if using) and toss to coat.
  • Serve salad shortly after assembly for best results, though it will still look and taste great for about 4 hours. After then the colors of the fruit may bleed into each other and the mint will look wilted.
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within about 24 hours.

Notes

  • Feel free to use any fresh fruit you want! If you can’t find a specific fruit, or it’s not in season, or too expensive, simply leave it out or replace it with something else.
  • Other fruit suggestions include chopped apples or pears, halved grapes, kiwi slices, mango, mandarin oranges (fresh or canned) and even sliced bananas.
  • Adding sugar is completely optional. In addition to adding sweetness, it also helps release some of the natural juices within the fruit which will act a little like a “dressing” for the salad.
  • If you want to prep this salad ahead of time, wash and dry all the berries, chop sturdier fruit like pineapple, and seed the pomegranate up to 1-2 days before. Chop berries and mint just before mixing and serving.
Calories: 63kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 175mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 81IU, Vitamin C: 45mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Salad
Author: Annalise Sandberg
QR Code
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.