Keto fruit salad is a super easy recipe with tons of flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Made with simple ingredients like fresh berries, mint, and citrus juice, it's the perfect addition to any low carb diet.
Whether it is a hot day or you just need a quick and refreshing snack, this melon and berry fruit salad delivers all the goods.
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cantaloupe are tossed in a tart and citrusy dressing of mashed raspberries and citrus juice with mint and poppy seeds — all fresh and bursting with flavor.
a delicious low-carb fruit salad
Fruit salad is one of those dishes you can enjoy any time of year. It's something even the picky eaters love, which makes it perfect for potlucks, parties, or just to have on hand as a healthy snack option.
An important thing to note: fruit doesn’t have to be off-limits! My low-carb cottage cheese with fruit and banana almond milk smoothie are great examples of how you can incorporate fruit into a keto diet.
Based on the serving size and your specific macro goals, this can work for both low-carb and modified keto diets, especially when enjoyed with fat and/or protein to help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent a blood sugar spike.
You can serve this on its own or spoon it over chia pudding, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. It's all about balance, friends!
This low carb fruit salad features a simple yet flavorful dressing made with freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, and crushed berries.
To sweeten it even more, I use powdered monk fruit sweetener, a zero-calorie sweetener that won't spike your blood sugar levels and keeps the net carbs per serving fairly low.
why this recipe works
It can sometimes seem like a challenge maintaining a low-carb diet, especially when you have a love for all things sweet.
This is why this keto fruit salad recipe is so brilliant — it delivers on the sweetness without all the added sugars and carbs.
And hey, just because it's low carb doesn't mean it's lacking in flavor! No matter what your diet may be, this fruit salad is a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone coming back for more.
A medley of fresh and sweet, this delicious recipe is great for any time of year and easy to adapt to your own taste.
In the summertime, refreshing watermelon works great, while crisp and juicy pomegranate arils can transform this salad into a beautiful, seasonal dish for the holidays.
Here's why you'll love this low-carb fruit salad:
- It's a great recipe for those following a low carb or keto diet (despite what you might think, fruit can still be enjoyed in moderation).
- Works as an appetizer or side dish for family gatherings.
- It's an easy way to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping things healthy and nutritious.
- You can easily adapt this recipe to be served with various fruits depending on your own taste.
ingredients for keto fruit salad
Here's a look at the basic ingredients you'll need to make a keto fruit salad. Keep in mind, you can change up the fruit list based on what you like and what is in season.
- Raspberries. Raspberries are used in both the dressing and the salad for lots of natural sweetness.
- Fresh orange juice. Orange juice adds a lovely citrusy flavor that tastes fantastic with the raspberries. You'll only need a small amount, too!
- Powdered monk fruit sweetener. I recommend using powdered monk fruit sweetener; it will dissolve right into the dressing while granulated sweetener will leave you with a gritty texture.
- Cantaloupe. Cantaloupe offers a great contrast to the tartness of the berries. Since it's the "base" of the fruit salad, you will really want to make sure your cantaloupe is ripe.
- Blueberries. A great source of antioxidants and an incredible keto-friendly fruit, blueberries add another dimension of flavor to the salad.
- Blackberries. Offer a bold, sweet flavor that pairs well with the other berries in the salad.
- Fresh lime juice. Provides a tangy and refreshing element to the dressing.
- Salt. Don't skip this ingredient! It balances the natural sweetness of the fruit and enhances the tanginess of the fresh lime. Salt is especially good when paired with ripe, juicy cantaloupe.
- Fresh mint. The earthy and fresh flavor of mint complements the fruit and adds a pop of color to the salad.
- Poppy seeds. These tiny seeds add a slight crunch to the salad and pair well with the dressing. They're completely optional but recommended.
ingredient substitutes
Fruit substitutes: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits! Different berries like fresh strawberries, star fruit, and watermelon all work well and are considered low-carb.
Monk fruit substitute: If you don't have monk fruit sweetener on hand, you can use other keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia or allulose. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to taste.
Lime juice substitute: You're welcome to use lemon juice instead of lime juice! It'll still add a citrusy punch to this easy fruit salad.
the best keto fruit salad recipe
One of my favorite things about this simple fruit salad is that it's so easy to make. Just toss everything together, let it chill for a bit if desired, and you're good to go!
Serve your salad cold in a large bowl or in individual serving cups for a fun presentation.
Here's a look at the process but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view all of the steps in the printable recipe card.
In a large bowl, add ½ cup raspberries and the orange juice. Use a fork to mash the berries until a fairly smooth mixture forms.
Stir in the powdered monk fruit sweetener and salt. Add the remaining fruit, then gently mix to coat it in the dressing. Add the lime juice, mint, and poppy seeds and stir until well combined.
Taste and add more salt, lime juice, or mint, as needed. How it tastes is totally up to you!
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to chill.
tips for best results
- If you wish to let the fruit salad chill in the fridge before serving, it will macerate and become softer. If you prefer to skip this step, start with cold fruit and serve immediately.
- Add salt, lime juice, poppy seeds, and fresh mint to taste. The amounts may vary based on the natural sweetness of your fruit.
- I prefer cutting the cantaloupe into smaller pieces that are bite-sized. Same goes for any whole strawberries, if you use them. Slice them in half or into thirds depending on their size.
- You can omit the low carb sweetener if you wish- its purpose is to simply enhance the natural sweetness of the dressing mixture. Or, feel free to sub in another sweetener of choice like honey or a touch of maple syrup if you are okay with the extra sugar.
- Create other elements of flavor by adding lemon zest, feta cheese, grilled chicken, or avocado slices on top. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, can also add a nice crunch to this dish. Or add a creamy texture with some sugar-free whipped cream, cottage cheese, or coconut cream!
storing low-carb fruit salad
Store any leftover low-carb fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to three days but this all depends on the freshness of your fruit.
When stored in the fridge, the fruit will macerate and release excess juice. You can spoon some of this out and gently stir the fruit before serving again.
serving suggestions
This keto fruit salad is an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes, whether it's for breakfast, brunch, or as a healthy dessert option.
I highly recommend trying it out with my Healthy Burger Bowls with Mushrooms and Truffle Sauce, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Chipotle, or Savory Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip! It's great for a Memorial Day picnic and can even work as an easy dessert salad after a holiday meal.
you might also love
- Start your morning off right with this delicious and healthy low-carb cottage cheese with fruit. This creamy snack is perfect for those looking to add more protein to their diet while still satisfying their sweet cravings. With a combination of fresh fruits, keto granola, and a touch of sweetness, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
- This keto chocolate chia mousse is a game changer for all the keto dieters out there looking for a creamy and delicious treat. Not only is it easy to make, but it also has the perfect mousse-like texture that will satisfy your cravings without breaking your diet.
- Craving fall flavors? This fall kale salad with pumpkin maple vinaigrette is exactly what you need! Loaded with seasonal flavors and ingredients, this salad is savory, sweet, and has a hint of spice that will have you in a delicious fall dream.
- This summer peach salad with avocado and prosciutto tastes just as good as it sounds. The combination of sweet peach slices, creamy avocado, and thin prosciutto on a bed of crisp greens makes this the perfect salad to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Keto Fruit Salad (Low Carb, Gluten Free)
This keto and low-carb fruit salad is sweet and refreshing and makes a delicious side or dessert any time of the year! Juicy cantaloupe, sweet berries and a touch of salt, citrus and mint create a wonderful mix of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1-½ cups fresh raspberries, divided
- 2 tablespoons juice of mandarin or orange
- 2 teaspoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 3-4 cups cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup raspberries (set aside the remaining 1 cup for later). Add the fresh orange juice and use the tines of a fork to mash the berries into the juice until a fairly smooth mixture forms.
- Stir in the powdered monk fruit sweetener and salt.
- Add the cubed cantaloupe, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries to the bowl.
- Gently mix the fruit well to coat it in the fruit salad dressing, being careful not to crush the berries.
- Add the lime juice, mint, and poppy seeds. Gently stir until well combined.
- Taste and add more salt, lime juice or mint, as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to chill.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits based on what you like and what is in season. Strawberries, star fruit and watermelon all work well and are considered low carb. For a festive, holiday fruit salad, you can add fresh pomegranate arils.
- As the fruit sits and chills, it will macerate and become softer. If you wish to serve it immediately, make sure to start with cold fruit.
- Feel free to use your favorite low-carb sweetener of choice. Allulose, stevia and pure monk fruit drops are all great options since they'll dissolve into the dressing and won't leave you with a gritty texture.
- Add salt, lime juice, poppy seeds and fresh mint to taste. The amounts may vary based on the natural sweetness of your fruit. Salt helps enhance the natural sweetness of cantaloupe, so don't skip it!
- Adapted from NYTimes Cooking’s Savory Fruit Salad recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 37Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 9gNet Carbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 1g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!