Heart Healthy Easy Fruit Salad

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 10/21/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegan | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Easy Fruit Salad
Photo Credit: iStock

A simple, sweet, and healthy fruit salad is always a good idea. Combine berries, grapes, mangoes, and a splash of lemon juice for a bright and luscious taste of the season. This guide also includes a simple, healthy dressing and expert tips to keep your salad from getting soggy.

This fruit salad also pairs well with sweet and nutritious dips! For a boost of protein, try dipping the fresh fruit into our Peanut Butter Dip that has a whopping 10g protein per serving! And for a taste of fall, our velvety smooth Pumpkin Dip is warmly spiced and offers a nutritious addition to any fruit salad.

Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
83

What Makes This Easy Fruit Salad Healthy

This fruit salad is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from a colorful mix of fresh berries and mango. With no added sugar and minimal sodium, it's a naturally sweet dish that supports cardiovascular health and provides essential nutrients for a balanced diet.

Key Health Highlights

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Berries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help protect cells from damage and support overall heart health.
  • Excellent Source of Vitamin C: A single serving provides a significant amount of Vitamin C from strawberries and mangoes, which supports a healthy immune system.
  • High in Dietary Fiber: The combination of fruits contributes 4 grams of fiber per serving, which is important for digestive health and can help manage cholesterol.
  • Naturally Low in Sodium: This recipe contains only 2 mg of sodium per serving, making it an excellent choice for a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet.
  • No Added Sugars: All the sweetness comes naturally from the fruit, helping to manage blood sugar levels as part of a meal plan approved for people with diabetes.

FAQs About Fast Fruit Salad

The secret is using fresh, ripe fruit and adding a splash of citrus juice, like the lemon juice in this recipe. This brightens the flavors and helps prevent fruits like apples or bananas (if you choose to add them) from browning.

To prevent a soggy salad, gently toss the ingredients and avoid over-mixing. Add softer fruits like raspberries just before serving. Draining excess liquid from very juicy fruits like mango or pineapple can also help maintain the best texture.

A great combination includes a mix of textures and flavors. This recipe uses berries (strawberries, blueberries), tropical fruit (mango), and firm fruit (grapes) for a balanced taste. Kiwi, pineapple, and peaches also work well.

Yes, always wash all fruits thoroughly under cool running water before cutting them. This removes any surface dirt or residues. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel afterward to help keep the salad from becoming watery.

More Healthy Dessert & Snack Recipes

Sweet & Simple Treats

If you enjoyed this fresh and easy fruit salad, you'll love these other healthy dessert and snack recipes. Discover simple, guilt-free treats, from no-bake oatmeal cookies to creamy yogurt parfaits, that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Complete Your Healthy Meal

A great fruit salad can be the perfect start or finish to a delicious and healthy meal. Pair it with one of our simple main course recipes, from quick lemon herb salmon to hearty black bean burgers, to create a complete and balanced dinner.

The Best Healthy Fruit Salad Dressing

For a simple, refreshing dressing that elevates this salad, whisk together the following:

  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

This dressing adds bright flavor without any unhealthy fats or sodium.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently. Chill, covered, for 1 hour. Serve chilled and garnished with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
3/4 cup

83
Calories
1
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
2
mg
Sodium
21
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
4
g
Fiber
1
g
Protein

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving: For the best flavor and texture, serve this fruit salad chilled. Garnish with fresh mint leaves just before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that softer fruits may release more juice over time.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. For maximum freshness, combine the firmer fruits (grapes, mango) first and gently fold in delicate berries just before chilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in other seasonal favorites like kiwi, pineapple, cantaloupe, or peaches. For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart fruits.

For extra texture, consider adding ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or slivered almonds just before serving for a boost of healthy fats.

To make it a more substantial dessert, gently fold in a ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, which adds protein and a tangy flavor.

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