From vibrant smoothies to citrusy salads and grilled nectarines, these fruit recipes deliver color and natural sweetness for any time of day.
25 Fresh Fruit Recipes That Are Light and Refreshing
Updated on Jul. 28, 2025
1/25
Strawberry Shortcake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 231 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
2/25
Strawberry Corn Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 49 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
3/25
Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and Honey
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The classic caprese gets a sweet makeover with this inspired summer starter. Burrata, mint and honey are served over nectarine halves—or any stone fruit you like—in this creamy, dreamy dish. —Anthony Gans, Hawthorne, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 160 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
4/25
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a bold statement with this simple yet elegant treat. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 plum half with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons glaze: 58 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
5/25
Berry White Ice Pops
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
6/25
Lime-Honey Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is more refreshing to me than a seasonal fruit salad enhanced with this simple honey-lime dressing. —Victoria Shevlin, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 96 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit.
7/25
Strawberry Lime Smoothies
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Peak-of-freshness strawberries make this thinner, easy drink a summer staple. —Elizabeth Johnson, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 181 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fruit.
8/25
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 fruit.
9/25
Creamy Berry Smoothies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can tell that this delicious smoothie is made with tofu? No one (especially your kids)! The blend of berries and pomegranate juice makes this welcoming drink a refreshing delight. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
10/25
Fruit Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 cups salsa and 80 chips
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this fresh fruit salsa for a family baby shower. Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering—and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! —Jessica Robinson, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons salsa with 4 chips: 134 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
11/25
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 114 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
12/25
Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 4 teaspoons dressing: 321 calories, 23g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 8g fiber), 3g protein.
13/25
Grilled Chicken with Peaches
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me this recipe, which I lightened up. My children loved it when they were little, and now my grandchildren ask for it when they come over. The peaches are delicious hot off the grill. —Linda McCluskey, Cullman, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 255 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
14/25
Honey-Yogurt Berry Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted my family to eat more fruit but not more sugary ingredients. This berry salad lets you play with different low-fat yogurts and fruits. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup fruit with 2 tablespoons yogurt mixture: 76 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
15/25
Strawberry Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously different salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. People are surprised to see a salsa made with strawberries, but it's excellent over grilled chicken and pork or as a dip with corn chips. —Jean Giroux, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
16/25
Chicken Veronique
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
'I found this recipe in a gardening book. My family just loves it, and it’s super easy! We think it’s excellent served with rice pilaf on the side.' —Anita Dudiwka of Akron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 226 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
17/25
Avocado Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm glad a friend gave me this delicious recipe, featuring four kinds of fruit as well as avocado. A light honey-lemon dressing enhances the already tasty flavor of the produce. My family loves it and so do I! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
18/25
Frosty Watermelon Ice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
19/25
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and have loads of blue cheese flavor. The phyllo shells and filling can be made in advance—just fill the cups and warm them in the oven before serving. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 76 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
20/25
Watermelon Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/25
Northwest Cherry Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3/4 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
We have five cherry trees—and I like to use every bit of fruit that doesn't get eaten right off of them. We enjoy salsa on a variety of dishes, especially this turkey. —Margaret Slocum, Ridgefield, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 18 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: Free food.
22/25
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 55 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
23/25
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 97 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
24/25
Mango Avocado Spring Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 spring rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
As a fan of mangoes and avocados, I love these wraps. You can substitute tortillas for rice paper wrappers, and lettuce or spinach for sprouts. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 spring roll: 117 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
25/25
Fruit Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 433 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Fruit Recipes FAQ
What fruits work best for baking?
Fruits that hold their shape and develop richer flavor when heated—like apples, pears, cherries and berries—work best for baking. Apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith stay firm in pies and crisps, while Bosc pears and tart cherries shine in rustic galettes or double-crust pies. Stone fruits like peaches and plums bake down into soft, jammy layers in cobblers and buckle cakes. Overripe bananas and crushed pineapple are ideal for quick breads and upside-down cakes. For even baking, use ripe but firm fruit and toss it in a little flour before folding it into the batter to keep the pieces from sinking.
How do you keep cut fruit fresh longer?
Knowing how long fresh produce lasts helps preserve that just-picked character. Store cut fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator and toss it with a little lemon juice to slow browning and keep it fresh for longer. For extra freshness, line the container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, which helps prevent mushiness in melons and berries. Keep apples, pears and bananas away from high-ethylene producers to avoid overripening. Cut only what you’ll use within two or three days and keep citrus segments whole until just before serving to preserve their flavor and texture.
Can fruit be used in savory dishes?
Fruits like apples, mangoes, citrus and grapes can add brightness, texture and depth to savory dishes. Apples, grapes and fresh or dried apricots work well in grain salads or savory stuffings, while citrus brings acidity to dressings and marinades. Mango, pineapple and peaches can be grilled or chopped into salsas that pair well with pork, chicken or seafood. Figs and dates work beautifully on flatbreads or charcuterie boards, where their sweetness balances salty or creamy elements. To create balance, combine fruit with sharp, salty or spicy ingredients like feta, chili or vinegar.
