Best Summer Fruit Salad with Citrus Brown Sugar Glaze: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic FavoriteWhen the summer sun is shining and fresh produce is at its peak, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a vibrant, juicy fruit salad. Packed with nature’s sweetest offerings, this Best Summer Fruit Salad is not just a crowd-pleaser—it’s a seasonal staple. But what truly sets this recipe apart is the irresistible citrus brown sugar glaze that adds a zesty, caramel-kissed finish to every bite.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing a light brunch, or simply looking for a vibrant snack to cool off, this easy and refreshing fruit salad hits all the right notes. Plus, it's a great way to showcase summer’s best fruits—think strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple, and more.
Moreover, the tangy glaze made with fresh orange juice, lemon zest, and brown sugar elevates this dish from basic to unforgettable. It's the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy goodness that makes each spoonful absolutely crave-worthy.So, if you’re searching for the best fruit salad recipe for summer or a summer dessert idea, you’ve just found your new go-to. Read on to discover how quick and simple it is to whip up this flavorful, sunshine-in-a-bowl creation.
This is such a great fruit salad for the spring and summer months when fruit is at its prime!
It is also a fabulous dish to bring to parties, potlucks or serve at your own BBQ!
I love fresh fruit...So I also have an Autumn Fruit Salad in Orange Cups. Make sure you save that for the fall!
Ingredients
Fruit! That is what you need!
- brown sugar
- cornstarch
- oranges, zested and juiced and segmented
- lemon, zested and juiced
- vanilla extract
- blueberries
- fresh pineapple
- strawberries
- kiwi fruit
- seedless grapes
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This recipe comes together in just minutes and then chills in the refrigerator for an hour or so, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time. See the steps below or watch the video!
- Step 1: Make the glaze by in a saucepan.
- Step 2: To the glaze add zest and vanilla and let cool.
- Step 3: Chop and stir together fruits of choice.
- Step 4: Pour cooled glaze over fruit and let sit in fridge for an hour.
Hint: Rolling the orange and lemon between your hand and counter for a few second will yield more juice when juiced!
Substitutions
You can substitute ANY FRUIT you like! This tastes so delicious with mango, papaya, watermelon and cantaloupe!
Equipment
All you need is a sharp knife, cutting board, juicer, zester and pretty bowl! Here is my affiliate link to all things Kitchen Tools!
Storage
I personally love to make and serve the same day. The strawberries have a tendency to turn a little mushy the next day.
More Summer Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Best Summer Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 navel oranges 1 zested then segmented, 2 juiced
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chopped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1-2 fresh kiwi peeled and sliced (and halved if desired)
- ½-1 cup seedless grapes halved if large
Instructions
- Mix together brown sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Stir in ⅓ cup orange juice and 2 ½ Tablespoons lemon juice; cook, stirring, over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Continue to cook, stirring, 1 minute more.
- Transfer mixture to a small bowl; stir in vanilla and ¼ teaspoon each of orange and lemon zest. Chill, covered, at least 1 hour.
- Peel and section remaining oranges.Put orange sections, blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, and grapes in a very large bowl. Starting with only half the cooled sauce pour onto fruit; gently toss to coat. Add more sauce if needed. I can usually get 2 salads from this batch.Chill, covered, 1-2 hours.
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