Zipper Bag Fruit Salad Recipe

This refreshing Zipper Bag Fruit Salad is made with a vibrant mix of juicy melon, sweet grapes, fresh peaches, and bright berries, all tossed in a simple honey-lime dressing. This recipe creates a perfectly mixed and delicious fruit salad that stays fresh with minimal effort. The result is the easiest way to prepare and transport a healthy snack. It’s the ideal no-fuss treat for a hot summer afternoon here in Medenine, perfect for packing for a trip to the beach or just enjoying at home. This recipe makes a large batch, about 8 servings.

Zipper Bag Fruit Salad Ingredients

For the Fruit Salad:

• 500g (about 3 cups) cubed cantaloupe or watermelon
• 300g (about 2 cups) seedless grapes, halved
• 3-4 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) blueberries
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) strawberries, hulled and quartered

For the Honey-Lime Dressing:

• Juice of 2 limes (about 4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

How To Make Zipper Bag Fruit Salad

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the fresh lime juice and honey until the honey is completely dissolved. This simple dressing will enhance the fruit’s flavor and help keep it from browning.
2. Prepare the fruit: Wash all your fruit thoroughly. Chop the larger, sturdier fruits—melon, peaches, and strawberries—into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine in the bag: Add all of the chopped fruit and berries into a large, gallon-sized leak-proof zipper bag. Pour the honey-lime dressing over the fruit inside the bag.
4. Seal and mix: Gently press as much air as possible out of the bag and seal it securely. Turn the bag over several times, gently massaging and rotating it to ensure all the fruit is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the sealed bag for at least 30 minutes to allow the fruits to marinate and chill. Serve chilled, either by pouring into bowls or serving straight from the bag at a picnic.

Recipe Tips

• Choose Sturdy Fruits: For a fruit salad that lasts longer, start with a base of sturdy fruits like melon, grapes, and blueberries. They hold their shape and texture well.
• Don’t Skip the Citrus: The lime juice in the dressing is not just for flavor; its acidity is essential for preventing fruits like peaches from browning and helps to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.
• Add Delicate Fruits Last: If you’re using very delicate fruits like raspberries, it’s best to add them to the bag just before serving. Toss gently to combine to prevent them from getting crushed.
• Press Out the Air: Squeezing as much air as possible out of the bag before you seal it is a key step. This reduces oxidation and helps to keep the fruit fresher for a longer period.

What To Serve With Zipper Bag Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is perfect on its own as a healthy and hydrating snack, especially on a warm day. For a more substantial light lunch or breakfast, serve it with a large dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a scoop of granola for some crunch. It also makes a fantastic, colorful side dish for summer barbecues, pairing well with grilled chicken, fish, or sausages.

How To Store Zipper Bag Fruit Salad Leftovers

• Refrigerate: The best part of this recipe is that the fruit salad is already perfectly stored in its sealed zipper bag. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, although the texture is best within the first 24 hours.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this type of fruit salad. The texture of most fresh fruits, especially melon and strawberries, will become very soft and mushy once thawed.

Zipper Bag Fruit Salad Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/8th of recipe)

• Calories: 125 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different fruits? Yes, absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to use whatever fruits are in season and look best at the market, such as kiwi, mango, pineapple, or oranges.
• How far in advance can I make this for a party? You can safely make this fruit salad up to 24 hours in advance. The dressing will keep everything fresh. Just be sure to keep it well-chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
• Can I add apples or bananas? You can, but they are prone to browning and softening very quickly. If you want to include them, it is best to chop and add them to the bag right before you serve the salad.