This post was originally published on June 11, 20113 and was updated on April 27, 2021.
The bright colors of a fruit salad are perfect any time of the year, so I love having a great fruit salad recipe at the ready. And while most fruit salads don’t really need a recipe, it’s always nice to have one to get the quantities of fruit right.
This Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad has been a family favorite ever since my sister-in-law introduced it to us quite a few years ago. It’s easy, quick, and affordable – because some fruit salads can cost a small fortune in fruit.
This fruit salad simply calls for blueberries, strawberries, green seedless grapes and that secret ingredient. (We’ll get to that big secret here in a sec…)
I like this particular combination of fruit because the colors are beautiful and vibrant and because those particular ingredients are relatively affordable. That said, you could absolutely make it your own by swapping things out. Raspberries and blackberries look beautiful in this and I’ve been known to add some diced fresh pineapple to this, too. It’s really your call. I would just caution against adding things like bananas or apples that might turn brown and not look super inviting.
Now let’s talk about this secret ingredient… Every fruit salad needs a great dressing, right? It adds a pop of flavor and a little sweetness to fruit that might not be at its peak. It also helps to pull it all together.
So what does that in this recipe? Simple. A can of peach pie filling. Seriously. The pie filling not only adds some delicious peaches (already peeled and sliced I might add), but the pie filling works perfectly as the sauce to make this simple salad sing!
I know! I was just as surprised the first time I had it, too! But it works beautifully and tastes amazing!
I often get asked about using other pie fillings and while I think they’d taste great, a blueberry or strawberry pie filling is going to turn the whole dish a different color because of the colored filling. Since the peach is relatively clear so you get to see all the pretty fruit through it. And while apple would be pretty clear too, it’s going to have cinnamon in it and that might not be the best flavor to add to your fruit salad.
So add this super simple and crazy delicious fruit salad to your next menu and watch it disappear.
Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pint blueberries, about 2 cups
- 1 lb strawberries
- 1 lb seedless green grapes, about 3 cups
- 1 (21-ounce) can peach pie filling
Instructions
- Wash the fruit well and place it on paper towels to dry completely. Hull and slice the strawberries. Combine the fruit in a large bowl and pour the peach pie filling over. Stir gently to combine. Refrigerate for about an hour. Serve chilled.
Claudine says
Now this is what I call plumb larrapin!! It is easy and with the fesh fruit coming into season everything is easy to get. Thanks for the easy recipe.
Claudine in Fort Worth, TX
Lark says
I think adding the Pie filling is AWESOME!! Great thinking!! 🙂
Mimi says
This is my “go to” fruit recipe, I used it this week when I took breakfast to a family who had lost a loved one. I freeze it and use it for tailgating at AU, War Eagle:) It stays in the frig when my children and grandchildren come to visit… etc. etc etc!
Stacey says
We sure love it at our house! (War Eagle!)
Judy Hayes says
This is a wonderful fruit salad and is very easy to make. I think adults and children will both love this!
Stacey says
You are so sweet! Thanks!
Ivy Davis says
Hi Stacey,
My family has loved this recipe for years, but some couldn’t eat it because they were diabetic.
I came up with a low sugar alternative I wanted to share.
Take a jar of the Simply Fruit Jam and mix with a drained can of no-sugar added sliced peaches.
Mix well and then add fresh fruit as directed. Taste like the original recipe without the sugar.
Love your recipes!!
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Ivy! This is a WONDERFUL idea! Now you’ve got me craving some cake. Can’t beat Ligers! I need to head your way soon!
Nellie says
I made this fruit salad today for lunch. It was marvelous. Thanks so much. Love your recipes, it’s like home.
Stacey says
Nellie, I couldn’t have asked for a better compliment! Thanks so much for letting me know. 🙂
Vanessa says
How many ounces were those dishes in the picture? And how many dishes did you fill with this recipes or how many does this recipes serve?
Sherry says
Peach pie filling is also used in what we call “stained glass fruit salad”. We use bananas, strawberries, pineapple chunks and any other fruit you like. It is at almost every church dinner! Sooo good!
Stacey says
Yum!
Linda says
We have used this recipe for fruit salads at my church for years. It is amazing how big a salad you can make with just one can of the pie filling. We use either peach or apricot. One of the best things is you can use bananas or apples and the pie filling coats them so they don’t turn brown as quickly.
Stacey says
Yep, and it’s so easy too!!
Kathy says
We love this fruit salad! We stretch it even further by starting with two cans of drained fruit cocktail with the peach pie filling. We then add strawberries, grapes, blueberries, etc. My grandkids love it!!!
Stacey says
Sounds great!!!
Penny says
I can’t find peach pie filling (stuck here in California, longing for the South)
Stacey says
Oh no!!!
ALICE BROWN says
IF you have trouble finding peach pie filling, word Amazon. com you can get it most of the time in two days,
Beverly Blissitt says
I made this fruit salad for a dessert course when we had friends over for dinner. It was a hit. Thanks for a super easy and tasty fruit salad recipe.
Stacey says
So glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Cindy says
I’m not a blueberry fan. Have you ever tried a substitute for the blueberries?
Stacey says
You can simply leave them out if you wish or substitute them with another berry.
Kimberly says
Hi, Stacey!!
We like to add a splash (or three) of Amaretto or rum and serve this over toasted slices of pound cake for dessert…of course, a plop of freshly whipped cream on top, too. It is soo good!
Stacey says
Oh my! I love the amaretto idea! I’m a big almond fan. I’ll be trying this for sure!!
Debby says
One of my aunts used to make this, and I always thought it was so good! Thank you for reminding me with this delicious memory!
Stacey says
I love how food does that!
Reese says
Sounds great, but actually cinnamon and honey gives the fruit salad an excellent taste too. I never thought of peach pie filling….sounds amazing.
Stacey says
Thanks, Reese!
Brenda says
I have been looking for a fruit salad recipe to switch out with the one I have made for year’s. I think this one sound’s and look’s Perfectly Splendid.
Thank you
Stacey says
Sure hope you enjoy it!!
Cindy Haaker says
The Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad was a huge hit and diet friendly!
Stacey says
So glad to hear it turned out great for you!!