Craving the best fruit salad for summer? This refreshing summer fruit salad combines juicy stone fruits, fresh berries, and a zesty lemon maple thyme dressing for fruit salad. Light, flavorful, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or healthy snacking. This is one of the easiest and most irresistible easy fruit salad recipes to try this season!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Summer Fruit Salad

A beautiful way to use seasonal fruit: Got leftover peaches, plums, or berries in the fridge? This salad is your go-to for making use of all your summer fruit in one delicious recipe.
Customizable combos: Whether you’re a fan of cherries and nectarines or prefer a mix of blueberries and plums, this recipe gives you the freedom to mix and match your favorites.
Flavor-packed dressing: The real magic? That lemon maple thyme dressing. It brightens every bite and brings a beautiful herbal, citrusy sweetness that’s so much more exciting than plain fruit.

🍑 Ingredients for Summer Fruit Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to build your perfect fruit salad:

🍒 Stone Fruit (3–4 cups total)

Peaches
Nectarines
Plums
Apricots
Cherries (pitted)
Pluots

Tip: A large peach or nectarine gives about 1 cup of sliced fruit. Smaller fruit like apricots may need 3–4 per cup.

🍓 Fresh Berries (1–2 cups)

Blueberries
Blackberries
Optional: Strawberries or raspberries

🍯 Lemon Maple Thyme Dressing

This simple dressing brings your summer fruit salad to life!

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or sub fresh basil, mint, or tarragon)

How to Make Summer Fruit Salad

1. Prep the fruit
Thinly slice all stone fruits and pit any cherries. Add them to a large mixing bowl with your berries.

2. Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and thyme until smooth.

3. Combine everything
Pour the dressing over the fruit. Gently toss until evenly coated.

4. Chill or serve immediately
You can enjoy this salad right away or refrigerate it for an hour to let the flavors meld.

💡 Expert Tips For Summer Fruit Salad

Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for an hour or two. Make it up to 24 hours in advance.
Switch it up: Try different herbs like fresh mint or basil, or swap in your favorite berries.
Serve it sweet or savory: Want to add a savory twist? Serve it over arugula with crumbled feta or toss in a scoop of quinoa or wild rice.
Storage: Best enjoyed within 2 days. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and stir before serving.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This summer fruit salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it:

On its own as a light side or snack
Over vanilla ice cream for a fruity dessert
With a dollop of whipped cream
At BBQs, potlucks, or brunch parties for a refreshing crowd-pleaser

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