Easy 3 Ingredient Fruit Salad
If you want something that will be consistently devoured by your family, you’ve come to the right place. I make a large batch of this fresh fruit salad for every family gathering, and it’s a hit each time.
It’s just three fruits: juicy pineapple, crisp apples and crunchy, sweet red grapes. The secret is scraping the pineapple rind over the bowl so the fresh juice coats the apples and keeps them from browning.
The Best Fresh Fruit Salad (Just 3 Ingredients)
Who wouldn’t love juicy pineapple, crisp apples and crunchy, sweet grapes? Although a 3 ingredient fresh fruit salad is quick and easy, you don’t want to skip out on my tips.
First, wash your grapes and apples! And by washing, I don’t mean rinsing with water. Scrub those babies! Here’s a post on washing vegetables where you can see the difference between washed and rinsed grapes. I’ve used a few vegetable washes in my day, and I keep coming back to Fit Fruit & Vegetable Wash. Big BIG fan!
Second, after you finish cutting your fresh pineapple into chunks, don’t throw away the rind just yet! Those crisp, delicious apples need the juice from the rind to keep them from turning brown.
Mine has never lasted long because it’s in our bellies LONG before then. Thanks to the pineapple juice, the apples stay bright and fresh while it sits in the fridge. Now go and devour!
It takes only a few minutes to put together once the fruit is washed, so it is an easy bowl to bring to any gathering, potluck or holiday table. Make a big batch, and don’t be surprised when the bowl comes back empty.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Fruit Salad
- Only three fruits. Pineapple, apples and red grapes, with no dressing to make.
- No browning apples. Fresh pineapple juice from the rind coats the apples and keeps them bright.
- Feeds a crowd. One big bowl is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks and picnics.
- Naturally sweet. No added sugar, just ripe fruit and its own juice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Fresh pineapple: The star of the bowl and the reason the apples stay fresh. Choose a pineapple that smells sweet at the base, feels heavy for its size and gives just slightly when you press it. A leaf that pulls out easily from the center is another good sign. Cut it into bite size chunks and save the rind, because you will scrape its juice over the salad. Canned pineapple won’t give you that fresh juice from the rind. To cut it, slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, slice away the rind in strips, then cut the fruit away from the tough core.
- Apples: Four large apples, washed and cut into chunks. Crisp, sweet apples like Fuji, Gala or Honeycrisp stay crunchy and hold up well in the juice. Leave the peel on for color and crunch. Cut them last, right before you mix, so they have less time to brown.
- Red grapes: Crunchy, sweet and easy, since there is nothing to cut. Look for plump grapes that are firmly attached to green stems, with no wrinkles or soft spots. Pluck them off the stems before washing. Seedless grapes are the easiest for kids and guests.
- Fruit and vegetable wash: Not an ingredient, but part of the method. A good wash and a gentle scrub remove residue that plain water leaves behind, which matters here because the grapes and apples are eaten with their skins on.
- A large bowl: Choose one with plenty of room so you can stir and coat every piece of apple without bruising the grapes.
How to Make Fresh Fruit Salad
- Wash the grapes. Pluck the grapes into a large bowl. Pour a capful of Fit Fruit & Vegetable Wash over them and fill the bowl with cool water until the grapes are covered. Let them sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then gently scrub them in a circular motion with your hands while they are still in the water. Drain and rinse with water.
- Wash the apples. Spray each apple 2 to 3 times with wash and scrub with your hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Rinse under cool water, scrubbing until you feel the residue wash off. You’ll oooh and aaah over how great they feel!
- Cut the pineapple. Cut the pineapple into bite size chunks and set the rind aside. Keep the pieces of rind with some fruit still attached, since that is where most of the juice is.
- Cut the apples. Core and chop the apples into chunks about the size of the pineapple pieces.
- Combine. Add the grapes, apples and pineapple chunks to a large bowl.
- Squeeze the rind. Use a spoon to scrape the inside of the pineapple rind over the bowl, pressing out the remaining juice. You’ll be surprised how much juice is left.
- Coat the apples. Stir the salad well so every apple piece is coated with pineapple juice. Serve right away or cover and chill until ready to serve. A chilled bowl tastes extra refreshing on a hot day.
Kami’s tip: Don’t throw away the pineapple rind! Scrape the inside with a spoon over your fruit and stir well. That fresh juice is what keeps the apples from turning brown.
Ways to Customize Fresh Fruit Salad
- Add berries: Strawberries, blueberries or raspberries add color. Stir them in gently right before serving.
- Try citrus: Orange or mandarin segments add even more juice.
- Use green grapes: Or mix red and green for a brighter bowl. Green grapes are a little more tart, which plays nicely against the sweet pineapple.
- Add crunch: A handful of chopped nuts or unsweetened coconut sprinkled on just before serving adds texture.
- Top it off: A little fresh mint or a squeeze of lime brightens the flavor.
Fresh Fruit Salad FAQs
- How do I keep the apples from browning? Coat them in fresh pineapple juice. Scrape the inside of the rind over the bowl and stir well so every piece is covered.
- How long does fruit salad last in the fridge? Cover it and refrigerate it, and enjoy it within 3 to 4 days for the best and safest results. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes. Make it up to a day ahead, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Give it a stir before serving to recoat the fruit in juice.
- Do I really need to wash the grapes and apples? Yes. You eat the skins, so wash and scrub them well instead of just rinsing them with water.
- Can I use canned pineapple? Fresh is best, because you need the juice from the rind. If you use canned, stir in some of its juice to coat the apples.
- What apples are best? Crisp, sweet apples that hold their crunch, like Fuji, Gala or Honeycrisp.
- Why are my grapes soggy? Dry them well after washing. Extra water in the bowl dilutes the pineapple juice and makes the fruit watery.
- Can I freeze fruit salad? Freezing makes apples and grapes soft and watery when thawed. Frozen leftovers are better blended into smoothies than served as salad.
- How many people does it serve? It makes a large bowl that is perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
Pineapple Apple Grape Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple cut into chunks
- 4 large apples washed and cut into chunks
- 4 cups red grapes washed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Using a spoon, scrape the inside of pineapple to squeeze out remaining juices. Stir and coat fruit, especially, well with pineapple juice.
Made this fruit salad? Leave a star rating in the recipe card and tell me which fruits you added in the comments below. Your feedback helps other cooks.
Looking Great! Fruit salads are also great for in between meals as a snack, or even consumed as a meal. They are tasty and are able to provide the body with lots of energy, as they are high in natural sugars.