Summer Salad with Fruit

Modified: May 12, 2026. Published: Mar 14, 2024 by Lindsay Moe.

This Summer Salad with Fruit is a light and filling meal on a hot day! It makes an easy, healthy vegetarian lunch idea, or serve as a side or at a backyard barbecue.

image of two plates with summer salad with fruit on the table

I don't even know who I am anymore.

I'm totally not a salad person. At least that's what I've always told myself.

Chunks of watery iceberg lettuce topped with underripe tomatoes and globs of thick dressing was all I knew growing up. Wisconsin isn't exactly a wonderland of fresh produce year round. In the last few years I've discovered just how adaptable salads can be, and how light and easy it is to dress them.

image of two plates with summer salad and fruit on table

Ingredients

Spring greens
Baby spinach
Seedless grapes
Strawberries
Mandarin oranges
Walnuts
Gorgonzola cheese
Avocado
Lemon
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

How to make summer salad with fruit

In a large bowl, toss together the spring greens and spinach.
Add grapes, strawberries, oranges, walnuts, and cheese and toss gently to combine.
Divide between two plates. Divide avocado amongst the two plates and squeeze the lemon over the top to taste.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

image of two plates with summer salad with forks in plates and fruit on side

Top tips

Simple salad dressing

This salad is simply dressed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. No mixing or jar shaking required. Of course you could mix them together if you like, or swap this with a store bought vinaigrette.

Salt and pepper on salads

Also, are you sprinkling your salad with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper? You should be! It helps balance the flavors just right.

I like to use coarse kosher salt (mine is Morton's, but Diamond Crystal is great too), and freshly grind my pepper for the best flavor.

How to store

Salad greens start to wilt as soon as they're dressed or mixed with other ingredients, so I recommend keeping the greens and dressing separate from everything else if storing leftovers. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator of up to 3 days.

Tips for customizing summer salad with fruit

Use your favorite leafy greens such as watercress, arugula, or romaine
Swap or add other summer fruits such as ripe peaches, plums, or cherries
Add charred corn, cut off the cob, for extra sweetness and crunch
Divide the salad amongst whole grain wraps for a healthy sandwich option
Swap the gorgonzola for crumbled feta, fresh mozzarella pearls, or your other favorite cheese