Pioneer Woman Fruit Salad

A bright, juicy blend of fresh fruits tossed in a zesty citrus glaze—this Pioneer Woman Fruit Salad is as easy as it is stunning. With just 20 minutes of prep, it’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for brunches, barbecues, or light desserts. You’ll love the sweet-tart sauce and vibrant color in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Salad Recipe

• 🍓 Vibrant & Fresh: Packed with a rainbow of fruit, every bite is full of juicy, natural sweetness.
• 🥣 Zesty Citrus Glaze: The orange-lemon sauce adds a bright, tangy finish that ties it all together.
• ⏱️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in minutes, chill, and pull out when it’s time to serve—perfect for entertaining.
• 🥄 Versatile & Wholesome: Great as a brunch side, picnic snack, or healthy dessert

Pioneer Woman Fruit Salad Ingredients:

For the Citrus Glaze:

• ⅔ cup fresh orange juice
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups cubed fresh pineapple
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 3 bananas, sliced
• 2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
• 1 cup seedless grapes
• 2 cups blueberries

How to Make Pioneer Woman Fruit Salad

1. Make the Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, and both citrus zests. Bring to a light simmer over medium-high heat. Lower to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Fruit:
   In a large glass bowl, layer the fruits—start with blueberries, then pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, grapes, and bananas. You can gently mix or keep the layers for presentation.
3. Combine & Chill:
   Pour the cooled citrus glaze evenly over the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Expert Tips

• 🍌 Banana Browning Tip: Slice bananas just before serving or toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• 🍊 Adjust Sweetness: If your fruits are super sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• 🥝 Even Cuts: Aim for uniform fruit sizes so everything mixes nicely and serves easily.
• ❄️ Chill Before Serving: It’s worth the wait—letting it sit brings out the best flavor.

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Recipe Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add diced mango, papaya, and shredded coconut.
• Berry Blast: Use only berries—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries—for a deeper flavor.
• Creamy Fruit Salad: Fold in a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for a dessert-style version.
• Minty Fresh: Stir in fresh chopped mint leaves for a garden-fresh finish.
• Honey-Lime Dressing: Swap the citrus glaze for a quick mix of lime juice, honey, and a pinch of sea salt.

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Storage Instructions

In the Fridge:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.

In the Freezer:

Spread fruit salad on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Best enjoyed partially thawed as a frozen treat.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can fruit salad be made ahead of time?
  Yes! Prepare and chill it up to 24 hours in advance. Add bananas closer to serving time.
• How do I keep fruit salad from getting soggy?
  Pat fruits dry after washing and avoid watery fruits like watermelon unless serving immediately.
• How do I prevent the fruit from turning brown?
  Use citrus juice! The lemon and orange juice in this recipe naturally helps preserve color.
• Can I swap out fruits?
  Totally. Use what you love or what’s in season—just maintain a balance of sweet and tangy.
• Is this kid-friendly?
  Absolutely. It’s naturally sweet, colorful, and soft—perfect for little hands and picky eaters.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad
• Pioneer Woman Lemon Zucchini Bread
• Pioneer Woman Zucchini Pineapple Bread

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 2g