Quick Fruit Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved (sweet, slightly tart, and fragrant)
• 2 cups grapes, halved if large (for juicy bursts of flavor)
• 1 large mango, diced (adds a silky, tropical note (substitute with peaches in late summer))
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced (for bright green color and a tangy zip)
• 1 apple, cored and chopped (choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 1 banana, sliced (optional for extra creaminess; add just before serving to avoid browning)
• 2 tablespoons honey (ties everything together with natural sweetness (substitute maple syrup for a vegan option))
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (brightens flavors and prevents browning)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (for aroma and a refreshing finish)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Preparation ---

2. 2

   Wash and prepare the fruit: rinse berries and grapes, peel and chop mango and kiwi, core the apple, and slice the banana last to keep it fresh.

3. 3

   Combine in a big bowl: gently toss strawberries, grapes, mango, kiwi, apple, and banana in a large mixing bowl.

4. 4

   Make the dressing: whisk honey, lime juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and slightly glossy.

5. 5

   Dress the salad: pour the dressing over the fruit and toss lightly.

6. 6

   Finish with mint: fold in chopped mint just before serving.

7. 7

   Serve immediately or chill for 10–20 minutes to let flavors meld.