Fruit Salad Cocktail

Name: Fruit Salad Cocktail
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Palestinian/American
Ingredients: 1 mango, peeled, and chopped into ½-inch pieces; 1 pound strawberries, hulled and chopped; 1 cup seedless grapes, halved; 1 pint blueberries; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 1 review

This vibrant fruit salad cocktail combines fresh fruits with a refreshing citrus dressing, a Palestinian twist from a dash of orange blossom water, and a crunchy finish of toasted almonds. It’s the perfect, flavor-packed treat for summer!

Best of all, it comes together in under 10 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Whether you're hosting a quick gathering, prepping for a summer brunch, or just looking for a healthy snack or last-minute dessert, this salad will brighten your table—and your mood.

Fruit salad cocktail in a bowl, with a small jar of dressing beside it, and a plate of salad served on the side

Palestinians are known for their hospitality and love for spontaneous social visits. This salad was one of the quick and delicious dishes my mother would often prepare when unexpected guests arrived.

Seasonal Fruit, Always

I grew up eating fruits and vegetables strictly in season. To this day, I still can't bring myself to eat watermelon in winter or oranges in the middle of summer—I just feel it's not right 😊. This fruit salad cocktail celebrates what's fresh and local in the summer, but feel free to adjust it based on what's available in your region or garden.

Some fruits work better than others in a mixed salad. Firm fruits like plums, peaches, or nectarines hold their shape and don’t get mushy. Apples and pears can be great too—just make sure to rub them with lemon or orange juice to prevent browning. If you’d like to toss in bananas (and who wouldn’t?), add them right before serving so they stay bright and fresh.

Adapt, enjoy, and let the season guide you—just like we always did growing up.

Why You'll Love This Fruit Salad Cocktail

Naturally sweet and healthy – No added sugar needed!
Loaded with nutrients – Vitamins, fiber, hydration, and antioxidants.
Beautifully floral – The subtle touch of orange blossom gives it an elegant Middle Eastern flavor.
Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love it.
Perfect for gatherings – Serve it in small glasses for a stunning presentation.

Jump to:

Seasonal Fruit, Always
Why You'll Love This Fruit Salad Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
What Fruits Work Well in This Salad?
Variations and Substitutions
Storage and Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions?
More Delicious Summer Recipes
Fruit Salad Cocktail

Ingredients

Green and Red Grapes – Any type of grapes will work—they’re juicy and crisp, adding a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the salad.
Mango – Soft, tropical, and naturally sweet—mango adds a lot of flavor to the salad. I recommend using ones that are ripe but still firm, to avoid mushiness.
Blueberry – These little antioxidant-rich berries add a tangy pop and deep color.
Strawberry – Bright, juicy, and slightly tart, strawberries are the heart of any fruit salad.
Honey – A natural sweetener that adds depth and ties all the fruit flavors together.
Lime – Zesty and fresh, lime juice brightens the salad and balances the sweetness.
Orange Blossom Water (ma' zaher) – Just a dash brings a fragrant, floral note that gives the salad its distinct Middle Eastern twist.
Toasted Almonds – Crunchy and nutty, they add texture and a satisfying finish to the dish. You can use raw almonds, but I prefer to toast them for a deeper, nuttier flavor—just place them under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, then give them a rough chop.

Instructions

Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

sliced mango, sliced strawberries and sliced grapes on a chopping board.

Step 1 | Prep the Fruit: Wash all the fruits thoroughly. Peel and chop the mango, slice the grapes in half, and hull and slice the strawberries. Aim to cut all the fruit into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces for easy serving and beautiful presentation.

Mixing dressing: Pouring some orange blossom water over squeezed lime mixed with honey

Step 2 | Make the dressing: In a small bowl, squeeze in the lime juice, whisk in the honey, then add a touch of orange blossom water and mix until well combined.

sliced mango, sliced grapes, sliced strawberries and berries all next to each other a bowl

Step 3 | Place all ingredients in a serving bowl.

Pouring the dressing over the salad from a small pitcher, a plate of the served salad on the side and a small plate with toasted chopped almonds.

Step 4 | Mix: Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine and garnish with toasted chopped almonds.

What Fruits Work Well in This Salad?

This fruit salad cocktail is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to the season. Here are some delicious options that pair beautifully with the citrus-floral dressing:

Pears & Apples – Crisp and juicy, these are great year-round—just be sure to toss them in lime juice to prevent browning.
Plums, Peaches & Nectarines – Perfect for summer, these stone fruits add a lovely sweetness and hold their shape well.
Melons - Honeydew or cantaloupe make a great summer addition to this salad. Simply peel and cut them into small cubes for a juicy, refreshing bite that blends beautifully with the other fruits.
Bananas – Always a tasty addition, but add them just before serving to keep them from getting mushy or turning brown.
Winter Favorites – Try a mix of pears, apples, oranges, pineapple, and kiwi for a cool-weather version that's still vibrant and refreshing.

Variations and Substitutions

Nuts: Swap the almonds for walnuts or unsalted pistachios for a different kind of crunch and flavor.
Sweeteners: Use maple syrup or date syrup (dibs tamr) as a natural alternative to honey—both add rich depth and are vegan-friendly.
Dried Fruit: Mix in chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, or dried figs for a sweet, chewy Middle Eastern twist.
Floral Water: Add rose water for a more fragrant note, or substitute with orange blossom water based on your preference.
Seasonal Citrus: When oranges are in season, add a splash of fresh orange juice to the dressing for an extra zesty lift.
For an extra-special treat, serve this fruit salad cocktail with a dollop of cool whip, jello or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Storage and Pro Tips

Chill your fruits beforehand to serve extra cold.
Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it still holds up well the next day.
If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid the fruit getting too soft or watery.
If using bananas, add them right before serving to keep them from browning and turning mushy.
Avoid freezing—fresh fruit salads don’t defrost well and tend to become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Fresh fruit is always best for texture and flavor.

2. Can I leave out the floral water?

Yes. The rose or orange blossom water adds a special Middle Eastern touch, but if you're not a fan, you can skip it or just use citrus juice for flavor.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the fruit and dressing separately, and mix them just before serving.

4. What if I don’t have all the fruits listed?

No worries! This recipe is very flexible. Use whatever firm, seasonal fruits you have on hand—just try to balance textures and flavors.

Fruit salad cocktail in a bowl close up photo

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