Ditch the Greens: 10 Fruit Salads We’d Rather Eat Instead

We spent a good chunk of the past few months gorging on hearty salads and fresh spring greens, detoxing from the indulgences of the holidays. But as we finally make our way into summer, it’s high time we give ourselves a little break in favor of a sweeter alternative.

It’s fruit salad season, and we’re craving fresh and unexpected pairings—read: no filler melons or snoozy berry combos. Ahead, get inspired by these nontraditional and easy fruit salad recipes, guaranteed to become instant crowd-pleasers.

Cucumber-Watermelon Salad With Chipotle and Sumac

If nothing else, we can all agree on the fact that the tonal elements of this salad are nothing short of inspired. Ribbon-thin slices of cucumber and lengthy cuts of the red and yellow watermelon are what visually elevate this summer salad.

Summer Abundance Salad

Equal parts sweet and savory, the medley of flavors in Half Baked Harvest’s larger-than-life salad comes paired with a balsamic vinaigrette featuring hints of honey and figs. Section off the ingredients into clusters to prevent the bowl from feeling like a jumbled blob.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Oranges, kiwi, and thinly sliced mint are the arguable accents of this easy fruit salad from Oh So Deliciouso, but the toasted coconut garnish is what really takes things to the next level.

Seared Pineapple Salad

We’re not sure what we love more about this picture-perfect salad from The Wooden Skillet: the addition of the toasted pepitas and corn kernels or the charred pineapple. Either way, the combination of blue, yellow, and green here is wildly inspiring and a color trio we’re keen on replicating all season long.

Citrus Fennel Avocado Salad

Summer salads are all about making the most of the vibrant colors available. Crowded Kitchen’s fruity champagne vinaigrette–drenched citrus salad does just that, courtesy of the kumquats, blood orange, and sliced fennel.

Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad

The Modern Proper’s peachy take on the classic is about as perfect as they come. And before you get all technical, let’s recognize the fact that tomatoes are a fruit. Opt for heirloom tomatoes in various sizes for a dynamic finish.

End-of-Summer Fruit Salad

Okay, so it might not be the end of summer, but we can still take a few pointers from Spoon, Fork, Bacon’s blueberry and watermelon salad. Serve the fruit blend atop a bed of watercress for a hint of contrast.

Spicy Fruit Salad

Minimalist Baker’s mango, strawberry, and kiwi fruit salad is sweet and spice and all things nice. Plus, it features a splash of tequila. Serve this one in a bright blue bowl for a cool color detail that plays off of the mango.

Melon Caprese Salad

Half Baked Harvest’s take on the classic Italian melon caprese is all about presentation, and we couldn’t be more on board with it. In lieu of taking the traditional platter approach, the foodie compiles the ingredients into a glass for a personalized touch that’s prime for entertaining.

Cinnamon Cayenne Citrus Salad With Cacao Nibs

If simplicity is more your speed, then Salt & Wind’s citrus salad is one you won’t want to miss. Take note from the creatives behind the blog and serve the orange slices on a patterned blue dish to really make the fruit stand out.