Fresh Fruit Salad With Lipton Pure Leaf Tea

Who says you can’t eat healthy while on the go? Lipton Pure Leaf Tea and a healthy grab and go Fresh Fruit Salad make it easy to eat healthy and frugal while on the run!

So, do you wanna know a secret? A big fat juicy secret that’s sinfully delicious?

I love cute little mason jars.

Oh you wanted to know the sinfully delicious secret? Ah, well ok. I guess I can share it with you. You can eat healthy while on the run. And you can do it without breaking your wallet. Keeping your fridge stocked with Lipton Pure Leaf Unsweetened Tea and pre-made fruit salads make for one darn easy grab and go snacking adventure.

Just make your fruit salads, put them into cute little mason jars, cover with the cute little mason jar lids and put them in your fridge. And to make it even easier on you, just plop ’em on the shelf next to your Pure Leaf Tea. Then you don’t have to dig past mystery refrigerator items to find the goods.

I ain’t gonna lie. When I’m at work, I like to snack. I think it’s what you’d call snacking out of boredom. I get bored. I snack. If I don’t bring a snack to work with me, I end up in the snack box. You know what I’m talking about, the old school vending machine. The cardboard box that’s filled with tempting snacks like cookies and potato chips and candy bars. The stuff that makes snacking out of boredom turn into snacking on the pounds. Now my philosophy is all about moderation but if you suffer from snacking from boredom like I do, then moderation ain’t gonna happen if you hit that snack box everyday.

So make fruit salads and buy some Lipton Pure Leaf tea. Take them to work with you. End your relationship with the evil snack box. Turn snacking on the pounds into snacking on the healthy.

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Fresh Fruit Salad and Lipton Pure Leaf Tea

You’re probably thinking to yourself, ok, ok, I get this eat healthy on the run thing but how does the eat healthy on a budget thing work? Simple. Buy fruits and veggies when they’re on sale. Or fruits and veggies that are always cheap. Bananas run about .69 per pound at my grocery store. That’s pretty darn cheap, if you ask me. And a banana is probably the easiest darn fruit you can eat. Just grab, peel and eat. Since strawberries are in season, they are on sale 2 big packages for $5.00. You can always buy in bulk and freeze for later. Or you can buy frozen fruits and use those to. I prefer fresh but I will use frozen in baked goods and smoothies.

OH, and quit buying that soda. Soda is bad for you. Even diet soda. It has tons of nasty stuff in it. But ok, I ain’t gonna lie – I enjoy a diet rootbeer or a diet cola on occasion but on a daily basis, it’s water, coffee or unsweet tea. Lipton Pure Leaf makes it easy for me to take an unsweet tea to work. I just grab a bottle from my fridge and put it in my lunch box. Going shopping but need caffeine? I just grab a Lipton Pure Leaf from my fridge and take it along for the ride.

Ingredients for Fresh Fruit Salad

The beauty of a truly fresh fruit salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. When you’re working with so few ingredients, each one really counts. I always recommend getting the best, ripest fruit you can find. It makes all the difference in the world.

Here is exactly what you’ll need to create this bright and beautiful salad.

• 1 C watermelon, diced
• 1 medium banana, sliced
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 honey mango, peeled and diced
• 1 C sliced strawberries

A few notes on these ingredients are in order. For the watermelon, a seedless variety is your best friend here, purely for convenience. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on one side, which indicates it ripened in the sun.

Your banana should be ripe but still firm. You want that sweetness and creamy texture, but you don’t want it to turn to mush the second you mix it. The fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. It’s not just for flavor, it’s essential for preventing the banana from browning.

And now for my favorite part, the honey mango. This is the heart of the recipe’s special twist. These mangoes have bright yellow skin when ripe and are smaller and more oval-shaped than the larger red and green varieties. Their flavor is spectacular and their texture is divine. If you can find them, use them. They truly make this recipe pop.

Finally, for the strawberries, try to find ones that are red all the way through and smell sweet. The aroma is a great indicator of a flavorful berry.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Fresh Fruit Salad

Putting this salad together is as easy as can be, but following the steps in the right order is key to getting the best result. We want to protect the more delicate fruits and make sure everything looks as good as it tastes. The layering technique in the jars is perfect for making these ahead for a party or for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Step One: Treat the Banana

The very first thing you want to do is handle your banana. Bananas have a tendency to brown almost the second they’re exposed to air, which can make your beautiful salad look a little unappetizing. To prevent this, slice your banana into rounds, about a quarter-inch thick. Place them in a small bowl and gently pour the fresh lemon juice over them. Use a soft spatula or spoon to carefully toss the slices, ensuring each one gets a light coating of juice. This acidic barrier will keep them looking fresh and bright.

Step Two: Dice and Slice Your Fruits

Now it’s time to prep the rest of your beautiful fruit. Take your time with this step, as creating uniform pieces will make the salad look more professional and ensure a perfect bite every time. Dice your watermelon into neat, bite-sized cubes. For the honey mango, slice the flesh away from the pit, score it into a grid pattern without cutting through the skin, and then scoop the cubes out with a spoon. For the strawberries, remove the green tops and slice them. I like to slice them into rounds to show off their pretty interior.

Step Three: Layer the Fruits

This is the fun part. Using 6 to 8-ounce mason jars or any clear glass container, begin layering your fruits. This method not only looks stunning but also helps keep the fruits from getting crushed and soggy. I like to start with a layer of the sturdy watermelon at the bottom. Follow that with a layer of the gorgeous diced mango, then the strawberries. Finally, gently spoon the lemon-tossed banana slices on top. The order protects the softer banana from being crushed by the heavier fruits.

Step Four: Cover and Chill

Once your jars are layered to perfection, screw the lids on tightly. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief chilling period allows the flavors to meld together just a little bit without compromising the texture of the fruit. This fresh fruit salad is ready to go whenever you are, and the jars make for perfect, portable portions.

How To Serve Fresh Fruit Salad

One of the best things about making this fresh fruit salad in individual jars is that serving is an absolute breeze. You can simply hand them out at a picnic or line them up on a buffet table for guests to grab. They are perfectly portioned, easy to handle, and look so charming. A small fork or spoon is all you need to enjoy it straight from the jar.

But of course, there are plenty of other wonderful ways to serve and enjoy this salad if you want to get a little more creative. It’s incredibly versatile and can be dressed up for a fancy brunch or served simply for a healthy afternoon snack.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• As a Dessert Topping: Gently combine the fruit from a few jars in a bowl and spoon it over slices of angel food cake, pound cake, or a simple vanilla bean ice cream. The natural juices from the fruit create a light, delicious sauce that soaks in beautifully.
• For a Brilliant Breakfast: Create a stunning parfait by layering the fruit salad with your favorite Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy granola. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and beautiful way to start your day.
• With a Savory Main: Believe it or not, this fruit salad is a fantastic side dish for savory meals. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or a flaky white fish like mahi-mahi. The sweet and bright flavors cut through the richness of the meat and cleanse the palate.
• With a Dollop of Cream: For a simple yet elegant dessert, serve the fruit salad in a small bowl with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, a spoonful of crème fraîche, or even a rich mascarpone cheese.

No matter how you choose to serve it, the vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to be a hit. It’s a recipe that’s as flexible as it is delicious.

How To Store & Reuse Fresh Fruit Salad Leftovers

Proper storage is key to keeping your fresh fruit salad tasting its best. The great news is, the single-serving mason jar method we use is already the perfect storage solution. The airtight lids protect the fruit from air, which slows down the browning process and keeps everything fresh. Stored this way, your fruit salad will last in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Keep in mind that the texture will change a bit over time. The banana will continue to soften, and the watermelon may release more of its juices. It will still be delicious on day two, but it’s at its absolute peak within the first 24 hours. If you’ve mixed a large batch in a bowl instead of jars, be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the fruit to minimize air contact.

If you find yourself with leftovers that are a day or two old and maybe looking a little less perky, don’t throw them out! There are some wonderful ways to give them a second life.

• Blend into a Smoothie: This is the easiest and most popular option. Simply dump the leftover fruit salad into a blender, add a splash of milk, almond milk, or yogurt, and maybe a handful of spinach. You’ll have a delicious, nutrient-packed smoothie in seconds.
• Freeze into Popsicles: For a refreshing treat, puree the leftover fruit salad in a blender until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. These make for a healthy and delightful snack on a hot day, and kids absolutely love them.
• Create a Quick Fruit Sauce: Pour the leftovers into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. The fruit will break down into a warm, chunky compote. It’s absolutely divine spooned over pancakes, waffles, or a bowl of oatmeal.

With these ideas, you can enjoy every last bit of your delicious fruit salad, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Substitutions & Variations For Fresh Fruit Salad

While I believe this combination of watermelon, strawberries, banana, and honey mango is just about perfect, I know that sometimes you need to work with what you have on hand or cater to different tastes. This fresh fruit salad recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to play around with it.

The key is to maintain a good balance of textures and flavors. You want something juicy, something creamy, and something with a bit of a sweet-tart kick. Here are some easy and delicious substitutions and variations to try.

For simple fruit swaps, consider these options:

• Instead of Watermelon: Try chunks of cantaloupe or honeydew melon. Both provide that juicy, refreshing base. In a pinch, halved red or green grapes also add a lovely burst of sweetness.
• Instead of Honey Mango: If you can’t find honey mangoes, ripe summer peaches or nectarines are a fantastic substitute. They offer a similar soft texture and sweet, floral flavor. Chunks of fresh pineapple can also add a wonderful tropical, tangy note.
• Instead of Strawberries: Just about any berry will work beautifully here. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all excellent choices. A mix of several berries is even better.

If you want to add a little something extra to elevate the flavor profile, here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or basil can add a surprising and delightful layer of freshness to the salad. Just a little bit goes a long way.
• Introduce More Citrus: Add the zest of one lime along with the lemon juice. The lime zest provides a brighter, more aromatic citrus flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the mango and watermelon.
• Bring on the Crunch: Just before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted, unsweetened coconut flakes, a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans, or even some slivered almonds for a wonderful textural contrast.
• A Touch of Sweetness: If your fruit isn’t quite as sweet as you’d like, you can add a very light drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup. A honey-lime dressing, made with a tablespoon of honey and the juice of a lime, is also a lovely addition.

Fresh Fruit Salad and Lipton Pure Leaf Tea {on the go healthy snacking}

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 C watermelon, diced
• 1 medium banana, sliced
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 honey mango, peeled and diced
• 1 C sliced strawberries

Instructions

1. Toss banana with lemon juice to keep it from turning brown
2. Layer the fruits in 6-8oz mason jars.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days

5 FAQs About Fresh Fruit Salad

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this fresh fruit salad recipe.

How do I keep my fresh fruit salad from getting watery?

This is probably the most common fruit salad challenge. The main culprit for a watery salad is usually high-water-content fruits, like watermelon or cantaloupe, releasing their juices over time. While we love that juiciness, we don’t want a puddle at the bottom of the bowl. One of the best ways to combat this is by choosing a balanced mix of fruits. This recipe does that by pairing watermelon with less watery fruits like mango, strawberries, and bananas.

Another little trick is to pat your diced watermelon gently with a paper towel before adding it to the mix. This removes some of the surface liquid without drying out the fruit itself. Also, avoid adding sugar directly to the fruit until just before serving. Sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture out of everything it touches, which will quickly create a sugary syrup at the bottom of your bowl. The layering method in the jars also helps, as it keeps the fruits from being compressed and releasing their juices prematurely.

What is the best way to prevent the fruit in my fresh fruit salad from browning?

The enemy of fresh fruit is oxidation, the chemical reaction that causes fruits like bananas, apples, and pears to turn brown when exposed to air. The absolute best defense is acid. In this recipe, we use fresh lemon juice, which is rich in ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. This acid creates a protective barrier on the surface of the fruit that dramatically slows down the oxidation process.

It is crucial to treat susceptible fruits immediately after cutting them. That’s why tossing the banana slices in lemon juice is the very first step in the instructions. If you were to add other fruits that brown easily, like apples or pears, you would want to give them the same treatment. Other citrus juices, like lime or even a splash of pineapple juice, work just as well. Keeping the salad in an airtight container, like our mason jars, also limits air exposure, which further helps everything stay fresh and vibrant.

Can I make this fresh fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can, and this recipe is specifically designed for it. The jar layering method is the secret to a perfect make-ahead fruit salad. By layering the sturdiest fruits like watermelon on the bottom and the most delicate, pre-treated fruits like the banana on top, you protect everything from getting crushed and soggy. When sealed in an airtight jar, this salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance with excellent results.

While it is safe to eat for up to two days, you will notice some changes in texture on the second day, with the banana becoming much softer. If you plan to make a large batch in a single bowl instead of individual jars, I would recommend preparing all the fruit ahead of time but storing each type in a separate container in the fridge. Then, you can gently combine them in your serving bowl just an hour or two before your event. This will ensure the freshest possible taste and texture.

What other fruits can I add to this fresh fruit salad?

This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of fruity combinations. The sky is really the limit, but you’ll have the best results if you think about seasonality and texture. During the summer, juicy peaches and nectarines are a wonderful addition, as are plump blueberries and blackberries. Halved grapes, both red and green, add a lovely pop of sweetness and a firm texture. For more tropical flair, you could add chunks of fresh pineapple or kiwi slices.

I would be mindful of adding fruits that are either extremely soft or prone to browning. For example, raspberries are delicious but can fall apart very easily when mixed. If you use them, add them very gently at the last minute. Pears and apples are classic additions, but they must be treated with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning. Thinking about the season is a great way to ensure you’re using the most flavorful fruit available.

Is there a dressing for this fresh fruit salad?

This particular fresh fruit salad is designed to be dressing-free. The goal is to let the incredible natural flavors of the ripe, fresh fruit be the star of the show. The small amount of lemon juice used on the bananas adds a touch of brightness but doesn’t function as a full-fledged dressing. When your fruit is perfectly ripe, you truly don’t need anything else.

However, if you are a fan of a little something extra or if your fruit isn’t as sweet as you hoped, there are some wonderful light dressing options. A simple drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness. For a bit more flavor, a honey-lime dressing is fantastic. Just whisk together the juice of one lime with a tablespoon of honey and a pinch of lime zest. A light poppy seed dressing can also be a delicious and classic choice. The key is to add just enough to complement the fruit, not to overpower it.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this fresh take on a classic fruit salad, here are a few other recipes from This Gal Cooks that I think you’ll absolutely love.

• Fresh Berry Salad with Walnuts and Quinoa: A hearty and healthy salad that combines the sweetness of berries with the crunch of walnuts and the protein-packed goodness of quinoa.
• Easy Ambrosia Salad Recipe: For a taste of nostalgia, try my updated take on the classic Southern ambrosia salad. It’s creamy, sweet, and wonderfully easy to make.
• Healthy Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Take your fruit-layering skills to the next level with this beautiful and delicious parfait, perfect for a healthy breakfast or a light dessert.

I hope you enjoy making these recipes as much as I do.

“Pure Leaf is real brewed iced tea, which means it’s brewed from REAL tea leaves picked at their freshest, never from powder or concentrate. The result is a refreshing iced tea with perfectly balanced aroma, body, and flavor. Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/pureleaf”

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pepsico via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pepsico.”