Serves 12

This post created by Tastes of Lizzy T was sponsored by Martinelli’s. It was originally published on Tastes of Lizzy T on May 31, 2017.

We’ve had the most gorgeous spring weather in Ohio the past week. Sunshine, eighty degrees…no humidity. A light breeze. These are the days that I remember why I love living in Ohio.

These are the days that make me think of family reunions, picnics in the park, and lazy afternoons at the pool. It’s also the time when I’m always thinking of a side dish or snack to serve to friends and family that is light, fresh and ultimately very easy. That’s where this fresh Sparkling Fruit Salad comes to save the day.

This fruit salad recipe has all your favorite fresh summer fruit: pineapple, strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, kiwi and blueberries. You can use whatever fruits you love, but I like the flavor combination that this set of fruits give.

So, what makes this simple fruit side dish a little extra special? Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider!

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider is one of my favorite drinks. Why do I love it? It’s 100% juice from U.S. grown fresh apples. Because there are no chemical preservatives or sweeteners, the taste is amazing. Our family loves having this sparkling cider to complement a simple family dinner. Because even the most basic family nights need a little something different every now and then.

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider is also ideal for bridal showers, baby showers, family reunions and picnics. And not only is it perfect for drinking, but you can also add it to your favorite recipes, such as fruit salad.

For this recipe, I like to cut up the fruit a few hours ahead of the picnic or potluck that I need it for. After the fruit is cut up, place it in a large bowl, mix it up, cover it and refrigerate until you are ready to serve it.

Right before serving, open the Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider and pour about 1 cup overtop the fruit salad. Mix the fruit again.

To serve the fruit salad, you can keep it in a beautiful large bowl, or serve it in individual cups alongside dinner plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of walnuts. The flavor and texture of the sparkling cider add such a fun twist to the fruit salad, intensifying the fruit’s natural sweetness. This sparkling fruit salad is light enough to be a side dish, but sweet enough to be a guilt-free dessert, too!

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together all the fruit.
  2. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Right before serving, pour the sparkling cider over the fruit and mix again.
  4. Top with whipped cream and walnuts if desired.