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What To Serve With Fruit Salad – 13 Best Side Dishes

Fruit salad is a popular dish for summer picnics, potlucks, and more.

But if you are wondering what to serve with fruit salad, then you have come to the right place.

I’m here to share 13 of the best side dishes that pair perfectly with this refreshing dish.

Whether you are looking for salads, veggies, grains, or something sweet, there is sure to be something on this list that your family will love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these side dishes a try the next time you make fruit salad!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Fruit Salad?

Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad
Source: cookingclassy.com

Here are three reasons why you should consider serving side dishes with fruit salad:

  • Balance of Flavors: Side dishes can help balance out the sweetness of the fruit in the salad, adding savory flavors that will make it more interesting and complex. For example, pairing a sweet fruit salad with a salty feta cheese or crunchy nuts will create an enjoyable contrast of flavors.
  • Texture Variety: Adding side dishes to your fruit salad can also provide texture variety, making it more interesting and satisfying to eat. For instance, adding croutons or crispy bacon bits will give the dish some crunchiness while diced vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers can add some freshness and crunch as well.
  • Nutritional Benefits: Serving side dishes with your fruit salad is also beneficial from a nutritional standpoint since they often contain additional vitamins and minerals that may not be found in fruits alone. For example, adding legumes such as chickpeas or lentils provides protein while grains like quinoa offer fiber and other essential nutrients like iron and zinc which are important for overall health.

What To Serve With Fruit Salad – 13 Best Side Dishes

Fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing dish, but it’s important to serve it with the right side dishes.

Here are 13 options that will go great with fruit salad – from crunchy salads to creamy dips:

1 – Grilled Marinated Chicken

Grilled Marinated Chicken — the perfect partner to your fruit salad.

This lean protein is bursting with flavor and gives your once-simple dish some much needed oomph.

The marinade adds a complex and savory base, while the grilling makes the chicken juicy and succulent.

Plus, it’s such an easy way to bring a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with any type of fruit you decide to throw in there.

With its diverse range of flavors, textures, and colors, Grilled Marinated Chicken is sure to have your guests going back for seconds!

2 – Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese – the perfect partner to a sweet and juicy fruit salad. It’s like having your cake and eating it too (but healthier!).

The creamy, cheesy goodness perfectly complements the freshness of the fruit, adding even more sweetness to every bite.

Plus, all that cheese adds an extra boost of protein so you can feel good about giving yourself this little treat.

Who said healthy couldn’t be delicious?

3 – Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies – if you ask me, they are fruit salad’s yin to its yang.

This classic hit of childhood nostalgia is sure to light up any plate.

Plus, it has the perfect blend of sweet and salty that complements fruity flavors perfectly.

But the real beauty behind this combo is that it satisfies both sweet tooths and health-nuts alike.

And let’s not forget about how amazingly simple these cookies are to make!

In no time at all your kitchen will be filled with the oh-so-comforting aroma of freshly baked peanut buttery goodness – a surefire sign that you’ve made yourself a winning combination 😋

4 – Homemade Croutons

When it comes to fruit salad, homemade croutons are the MVP of side dishes.

Who says you can’t mix savoury with sweet?

These crunchy bread cubes provide a delicious contrast in texture, and adding herbs or spices is a great way to give them extra flavor.

But why stop there?

Toasted nuts, dried fruits or cheese go wonderfully with this dish as well!

Take your taste buds on an adventure – from salty to tart, there’s something for everyone at the table.

After all, what better way to make eating healthy fun than by experimenting with different flavors and textures?

5 – BBQ Rubbed Pork Chops and Peaches

BBQ Rubbed Pork Chops and Peaches – the dynamic duo of food.

These sweet-and-savory pork chops are the perfect complement to a light andfresh fruit salad, adding an unexpected depth of flavor to your meal.

Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can whip up dinner in no time!

The sweetness of ripe peaches pairs deliciously with smoky BBQ spices, making it a match made in heaven.

Add a touch of olive oil and garlic for an extra pop of flavor and you’ll have yourself one delicious dish!

So don’t forget: BBQ Rubbed Pork Chops and Peaches should be at every fruit salad party!

6 – Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

Honey barbecue chicken wings – the sweet, tangy, and spicy accompaniment to any fruit salad.

It’s like a match made in culinary heaven.

As the fruit brings the sweet and tart flavors to your dish, these wings bring a smoky heat with each juicy bite.

Thanks to their subtle sweetness from honey and brown sugar, they provide contrast that can be found when you take a break from all those fresh fruits.

And sure enough, your guests will appreciate having something savory on their plate too!

7 – Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Frittata

Tomato, arugula and goat cheese frittata – the side dish you didn’t know you needed.

This delightful combination is like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise boring culinary landscape.

It packs a ton of flavor in each bite with its creamy goat cheese and peppery arugula, while the tomatoes add sweetness and texture.

All these elements come together to form this glorious triangle of deliciousness.

So forget about boring old boiled potatoes or canned vegetables.

Treat yourself to something special – Tomato, Arugula & Goat Cheese Frittata!

You’ll thank me later 😉

8 – Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Sour Cream Dip

I present to you: the Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Sour Cream Dip.

An all-star side dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

Think of it as a sidekick mashed potatoes wishes it could be.

With its crispy exterior and creamy interior packed with flavor, these mini spuds will send your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget.

It doesn’t end there – just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, enter the star of the show: sour cream dip.

Just top off each potato slice with a dollop of this cool & creamy condiment and bam!

You’ve just taken your dish from good to oh-so-great in no time flat 🔥

9 – Homemade Falafel Pita Sandwich

Homemade Falafel Pita Sandwich – what a mouthful!

This delicious pita sandwich is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

It’s the perfect combination of crunchy, savory and healthy all at once.

Start with some freshly made falafel: crispy chickpea balls perfect for stuffing into warm pita pockets.

Top it off with generous drizzles of creamy tahini sauce, fresh tomatoes and greens for color, perhaps add a little onion or cucumber; then you have yourself one flavorful side dish that will not disappoint.

10 – Berry & Chia Yogurt Parfait

If you’re looking for a flavorful side dish, look no further than the berry & chia yogurt parfait.

It’s like a tasty symphony in your mouth!

The tartness of the berries and tanginess of the yogurt are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey and crunchy texture of chia seeds.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s healthy to boot?

A delicious snack or breakfast option, this parfait is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Top with some extra berries or even a sprinkle of granola if you’re feeling adventurous — either way, it promises to be an unforgettable treat.

11 – Southern Style Baked Beans

When it comes to side dishes, you can’t go wrong with Southern-style baked beans.

They’re smoky and sweet; they certainly don’t skimp on flavor!

Just one bite is enough to remind you of a carefree summer day spent on the porch, sipping sweet tea and listening to the birds chirp.

Then there’s that delightful crunch as you take a bite – yum!

It’s like an eternal hug for your stomach.

Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?

Throw in some crumbled pork for even more flavor and texture, and your mouth will thank you later.

12 – Kale Apple and Quinoa Salad

Kale, Apple, and Quinoa salad – the perfect three-hander.

This dish is like an orchestra in your mouth with its harmonious combination of texture and flavor.

From the crunchy kale to the fuji apples bursting with sweet juiciness, this salad is like a work of art that you can enjoy all year round.

Add some quinoa for a healthy boost and top it off with a flavorful vinaigrette to bring out all of its components.

The result?

A magical mix packed full of nutrients that will surely satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Read Also: What to Serve with Kale Salad: 10 Best Sides

13 – Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Roasted sweet potato fries – taking ‘treat yo’self’ to a whole new level.

Whether as a side dish with dinner or the star of the show, these salty-sweet sticks of deliciousness will make you see potatoes in an entirely new way.

The savory golden brown exterior provides a crunchy contrast to the warm, tender center, creating a delicious harmony that will have your taste buds singing.

And pairing them with your favorite dip takes this humble veggie from average to amazing.

Who knew something so simple could be so scrumptious? 🤤

Conclusion

In conclusion, fruit salad is a delicious and refreshing way to end a meal, but it can be made even better with the right side dish.

The best side dishes to serve with fruit salad are grilled marinated chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, peanut butter cookies, homemade croutons, BBQ rubbed pork chops and peaches, honey barbecue chicken wings, tomato, arugula and goat cheese frittata, mini hasselback potatoes with sour cream dip, hummus and pita bread, and roasted sweet potato fries.

These sides are all full of flavor and texture, and will make your fruit salad stand out even more.

So the next time you’re serving fruit salad, try one of these fantastic side dishes and make your meal extra special.

Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad

What To Serve With Fruit Salad – 13 Best Side Dishes

Ah, fruit salad – one of my favorite summertime dishes! To make this dish even more memorable, I'm sharing 13 of the best side dishes to serve alongside it. From light and refreshing salads to heartier dishes like grilled vegetables, these sides will help you create a meal that's both healthy and flavorful.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Grilled Marinated Chicken
  • Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
  • Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Homemade Croutons
  • BBQ Rubbed Pork Chops and Peaches
  • Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
  • Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Frittata
  • Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Sour Cream Dip
  • Homemade Falafel Pita Sandwich
  • Berry & Chia Yogurt Parfait
  • Southern Style Baked Beans
  • Kale Apple and Quinoa Salad
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all of the required ingredients.
  • Prep a side dish in 30 minutes or less.
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.