Summer Peach Fruit Salad

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 20, 2026

Featured in: Salads

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy simple, fresh dishes that celebrate the season’s bounty, and this Summer Peach Fruit Salad does just that. Bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches and the vibrant pop of berries and pomegranate seeds, this salad offers a refreshing and colorful treat that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Lightly dressed with a touch of honey, zesty lime juice, and fragrant fresh basil, each bite is an exciting blend of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side for BBQs or a healthy snack, it’s a brilliant way to brighten up your summer table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Utilizes fresh, seasonal summer fruits for maximum flavor and freshness.
Quick and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Light honey-lime dressing adds a natural sweetness and tang without overpowering the fruit.
Fresh basil ribbons provide a unique herby twist that complements the peaches beautifully.

Ingredients

Yellow peaches: Four large, ripe but firm peaches sliced to provide juicy sweetness and freshness to the salad.
Blackberries: One cup of plump blackberries adding a tart and deep berry flavor contrast.
Blueberries: Three-quarters cup of fresh blueberries, offering a burst of sweet juiciness in every bite.
Pomegranate seeds: Seeds from one medium pomegranate, adding color and a crunchy texture with subtle tartness.
Fresh basil leaves: Six large leaves cut into thin ribbons to infuse the salad with fragrant herbal notes.
Honey: One to two teaspoons of natural honey to lightly sweeten and balance the lime’s acidity.
Lime juice: Juice of half a lime providing a bright, tangy zing that enhances the fruit flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Fresh Fruits: Wash all fruits thoroughly. Slice the peaches into thin wedges for ease of eating and to release their sweet juices. Gently pat dry blackberries and blueberries to avoid excess moisture that can dilute flavors.
Remove Pomegranate Seeds: Carefully cut and deseed the pomegranate to extract the vibrant seeds without bitter pith. These seeds add both texture and a beautiful jewel-like appearance to your salad.
Slice Fresh Basil: Stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly, then slice into thin ribbons — this technique releases the aroma while keeping the leaves delicate, making for a pretty and flavorful addition.
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the peaches, blackberries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, and basil ribbons to evenly distribute all the components.
Add Honey and Lime Dressing: Drizzle the honey and freshly squeezed lime juice over the fruit mixture. Using tongs, carefully toss the salad so the dressing coats the fruit without bruising it, enhancing the natural flavors with a subtle sweet-and-tart contrast.
Chill and Serve: For best flavor, place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal refreshing summer dish.

You Must Know

For optimal basil color, add the ribbons last when tossing the salad, especially if preparing ahead of time.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
If making a day ahead, keep the basil separate and add just before serving to maintain vibrancy.

Storage Tips

This peach fruit salad will keep fresh for 2 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To preserve its appearance and flavor, it’s best to add delicate ingredients like basil just before serving or shortly after chilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled as a light side dish at summer barbecues, alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like burrata or feta for a more substantial appetizer.

Professional Tips

Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm to maintain their shape and juiciness in the salad.
Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for a brighter, more natural flavor.
Gently toss the salad to prevent bruising soft fruits, preserving texture and appearance.
For variation, consider adding a handful of toasted nuts or fresh mint for added crunch and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in this salad?: Yes, fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or nectarines can be excellent substitutes or additions to enhance the flavor and texture diversity.
How do I keep the peaches from browning?: The lime juice in the dressing helps prevent browning by slowing oxidation. Preparing the salad close to serving time also maintains the fresh look.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?: It’s best to prepare and toss the salad shortly before serving, but you can prepare the fruit and dressing separately a day ahead and combine them when ready.
Can I substitute fresh basil with another herb?: Fresh mint or cilantro can be used as an alternative for a different herbaceous twist, but basil pairs best with the sweetness of peaches.
What if I don’t have honey?: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar natural sweetness in the dressing.
Should I peel the peaches?: Leaving the peach skin on adds texture and nutrition, but if desired, you can peel them for a smoother salad texture.
Can I make this salad vegan?: Yes, simply replace honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.