Summer Citrus and Mint Fruit Salad Recipe

There’s something magical about a chilled fruit salad on a hot summer day. This Summer Citrus and Mint Fruit Salad bursts with juicy oranges, tangy grapefruit, and cooling mint—each bite a refreshing splash of sunshine.

I first made this salad for a backyard brunch, not expecting much more than a colorful side. But it completely stole the show. Now, it's a staple anytime I’m hosting or need a quick, healthy treat. It’s light, vibrant, and comes together in minutes.

Whether you're serving it with breakfast, bringing it to a picnic, or enjoying it as a guilt-free dessert, you’re going to love how this simple salad brightens up your summer table.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Citrus and Mint Fruit Salad

This isn’t your average fruit salad—it’s a zesty, invigorating dish perfect for summer.

First, it’s incredibly refreshing. The combination of citrus fruits and fresh mint makes this salad a hydrating, cooling option when the temperatures rise.

Second, it’s naturally healthy. With no added sugar and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, this salad is great for your immune system and your waistline.

It’s also quick and easy. You only need about 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients. No special equipment or cooking required.

And finally, it’s gorgeous and crowd-pleasing. The vibrant colors and bright flavors make it a showstopper at any summer gathering—from brunch to BBQ.

Ingredient Notes

This salad keeps it fresh and simple, relying on the best seasonal produce.

Oranges are the star here. Choose a mix of navel, blood, or Cara Cara oranges for varied flavor and a stunning color palette. Slice them into rounds or segments for easy eating.

Grapefruit adds a tart, slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness of the other fruits. Pink or ruby red varieties are especially pretty and juicy.

Fresh mint brings an unexpected twist. It lifts the whole dish with a cooling herbal note that plays beautifully against the citrus.

Honey or maple syrup is optional, but a small drizzle can enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness, especially if your citrus is on the tangier side.

A pinch of sea salt might sound odd, but it enhances the fruit flavors and makes each bite more vibrant.

No special tools are needed—just a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a serving bowl. A citrus zester is optional if you want to add extra zest for flavor and visual appeal.

How To Make This Summer Citrus and Mint Fruit Salad

This fruit salad comes together in a snap, but a few small steps can take it from good to amazing.

Start by prepping your citrus fruits. Use a sharp knife to peel the oranges and grapefruit, removing as much of the white pith as possible. Then cut them into slices or segments. Work over a bowl to catch any juice—it’ll go into the dressing.

Next, arrange the citrus slices in a shallow bowl or platter. Drizzle with any juice collected from slicing, plus a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup if desired. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to intensify the flavors.

Finely chop the fresh mint and scatter it generously over the citrus. You can also leave some whole leaves for garnish.

If you're serving right away, you’re good to go. If not, cover and chill the salad for up to two hours to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to add the mint right before serving for maximum freshness.

Altogether, prep takes just 10–15 minutes. What you get is a cool, juicy, herb-laced salad that feels like summer in every bite.

Storage Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later.

Keep any remaining fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the citrus may start to break down and the mint will lose its brightness.

If you're making this ahead of time, wait to add the mint until just before serving. This keeps it from turning dark and soggy.

Freezing isn’t recommended, as citrus fruits become mushy once thawed and lose their refreshing texture.

Variations and Substitutions

There are endless ways to customize this salad based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

Add slices of kiwi or strawberries for more color and sweetness. Both pair beautifully with citrus and mint.

Swap out grapefruit for pineapple or mango if you prefer a sweeter, tropical vibe.

You can make this heartier by tossing in a handful of pomegranate seeds, blueberries, or even avocado slices for a creamy contrast.

For a grown-up twist, add a splash of orange liqueur or a touch of ginger syrup to the juice drizzle. It elevates the dish into a dinner-party-worthy dessert.

And if you're serving this at brunch, spoon it over a dollop of Greek yogurt or alongside granola for a complete morning meal.

Once you try this Summer Citrus and Mint Fruit Salad, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s the perfect combination of simple, stunning, and supremely satisfying.

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