Fruit Salad with Watermelon and Grapes

When the summer sun reaches its peak heat, it’s time to look for refreshing recipes that are hydrating enough to quench your thirst. This colorful fruit salad with watermelon and grapes is a great way to cool and refresh the body. A juicy trio of watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe combines with crisp grapes for the perfect summer snack. The sweet-tart dressing is so lively that you’ll want to use it on all your favorite fruit salad recipes.

This watermelon grape salad is perfect alongside other potluck side dishes or easy summer appetizers for picnics and backyard cookouts. Just imagine how good it will look and taste on a plate next to a hot-off-the-barbecue hamburger.

Ingredients for Fruit Salad with Watermelon and Grapes

• Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews combine to create a sweet and colorful base for this fruit salad recipe. We love this combo, but feel free to swap in whatever seasonal melons are available. While cutting watermelon, it’s easiest to start by cutting off the top and bottom, creating a flat surface to work with.
• Grapes: This salad is a great way to enjoy grapes. Sweeter red grapes balance their slightly tart green counterparts, and both provide a refreshing, juicy crunch.
• Dressing: The dressing is made from sugar and lemon, lime and orange juices. It brings the fruit salad together in a sweet and tangy way.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the melons and grapes

In a large bowl, mix the watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and red and green grapes.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar with the lemon, lime and orange juices.

Pour the dressing over the prepared fruit and toss to coat.

Step 3: Chill the salad

Cover the salad and chill for one hour, then serve with a slotted spoon.

Editor’s Tip: The resting time is crucial for the dressing to properly marinate the melons and infuse them with flavor from the inside. This helps intensify the fruit’s natural sweetness and soften its texture.

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy: This watermelon grape salad has a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, but spice lovers might want to kick it up a notch. We suggest adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a spice mix like Tajin to introduce a much-welcome pop of salty and spicy flavor.
• Add mint: Mint will add an invigorating freshness and cooling effect to take this fruit salad one step further.
• Use a different sweetener: Instead of sugar, consider adding corn syrup, which helps concentrate the flavors of the melons and make them softer. Honey, agave or a good-quality maple syrup are also good options. These sweeteners impart distinct flavors, adding another dimension to this fresh summer fruit dish.

How to Store Fruit Salad with Watermelon and Grapes

Your prepared fruit salad should last up to four days when refrigerated in an airtight container. It may become watery as it sits in the fridge, so you may want to strain it before serving the leftovers.

Can you make fruit salad with watermelon and grapes ahead of time?

We don’t recommend making this salad too far in advance. An hour or two of rest time helps the dressing to combine with the cut fruit, but anything more than that risks the flavors blending together, making the salad taste one-note. If you need to prep it in advance, we suggest storing the fruit and dressing separately and combining them when you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze fruit salad with watermelon and grapes?

You can freeze raw fruits, but we don’t generally recommend freezing fruit salad. It’s better to freeze each cut fruit individually, as that prevents the pieces from sticking together. Freeze the fruit pieces in a single layer to avoid clumping. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Fruit Salad with Watermelon and Grape Tips

How can I keep the fruit from getting mushy?

To keep fruit salad fresh and prevent mushiness, drain any excess liquid from the cut fruits and pat them dry with a paper towel before storing them in an airtight container. Store the dressing in a separate container.

What other fruits pair well with watermelon and grapes?

Mango, pineapple, kiwi, strawberry and banana pair well with watermelon and grapes. Ideally, any fruit that doesn’t disrupt the delicate balance of acidity and sweetness would go well in this dish. Consider colors, too, when choosing additional fruits for this salad.