Red White Blue Fruit Salad

This red white and blue fruit salad turns fresh summer fruits into a delightful and patriotic treat perfect for any casual gathering or holiday celebration. With its mix of naturally sweet and tangy flavors, it makes a refreshing dessert or snack that feels as vibrant as its colors.

I first made this for a July 4th barbecue and was surprised how much my friends loved the star shapes and bright flavors. It quickly became a tradition at every summer party I host.

Ingredients

• Pears: Choose firm and ripe pears for sweetness and a crisp bite
• Seedless watermelon: Look for a small, very red watermelon to ensure juiciness and vibrant color
• Strawberries: Fresh and ripe berries are essential for sweetness and bright red tones
• Blueberries: Pick plump blueberries for bursts of blue and slight tartness
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice prevents the pears from browning and adds a nice touch of acidity

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Slice the pears carefully and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to create small star shapes from the slices. The stars not only create the patriotic theme but also show off the pears' natural white flesh beautifully.

Prevent Browning:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the pear stars immediately and toss gently so they are evenly coated. This helps keep the pears from turning brown and keeps the salad looking bright and fresh.

Shape Watermelon Stars:

Slice the watermelon into thin pieces and use the star cookie cutter to match the pear stars. Make sure the pieces are not too thick so they blend well in the salad.

Prepare the Berries:

Hull the strawberries by removing their green tops and then cut each one into quarters. Combine the strawberries and blueberries together in a large mixing bowl. The mix of reds and blues will provide that signature look and fresh berry flavor.

Combine All the Fruits:

Gently fold the pear stars and watermelon stars into the berry mixture to keep the fruit shapes intact. Toss carefully so the fruit stays fresh and there is a colorful balance of all three fruits.

Chill and Serve:

Serve the salad immediately if using right away for the freshest taste or cover and chill it in the fridge for up to a couple of hours. Chilling helps meld the flavors and makes it even more refreshing on a warm day.

My favorite ingredient is the pear because its mild sweetness and firm texture pairs perfectly without overpowering the berries and watermelon. I always remember making this with my kids who were fascinated by the cookie cutter and loved helping assemble the fruit stars.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. It is best to eat the salad within one day to keep the fruit fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer or do not have pears you can use white nectarines or white peaches which also hold their shape and add a slightly different but delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with light whipped cream or a drizzle of honey lime dressing for an extra touch of sweetness and tang.

This red white and blue fruit salad is an easy, festive way to showcase summer fruit. Serve it fresh for the best texture.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What fruits are used in this dish?

Pears, seedless watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries are combined to create this colorful fruit mix.

→ How do I keep the fruit from browning?

Coating the sliced pear stars with lemon juice helps prevent browning and maintains freshness.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cover and chill the fruit mix until ready to serve, best eaten within a few hours for optimal freshness.

→ Are there alternative fruits recommended?

If you don’t prefer pears, white nectarines or white peaches make excellent substitutes without changing the taste.

→ How can I add extra flavor to this fruit salad?

A dressing made from lime juice, orange juice, and honey adds a sweet and zesty touch while highlighting the fresh fruit flavors.

→ What equipment is needed to create the star shapes?

A star-shaped cookie cutter is used to cut the pears and watermelon into festive star shapes for presentation.