This recipe is for 6 month baby & up

As the warm weather sets in, a refreshing Summer Fruit Salad becomes the perfect dish for kids. Bursting with juicy, seasonal fruits like watermelon, peaches, strawberries, and crisp cucumber, this colorful salad not only tastes delicious but also provides essential nutrients to keep children hydrated and energized throughout the day. The combination of sweet fruits and the cool, mild flavor of cucumber makes this salad both a treat for the taste buds and a healthy option for snacking or as a side dish at meals.

This vibrant salad has a tasty mix of watermelon, peaches, cucumber and strawberries, making it a great way to get hydrated with some added electrolytes. Cucumber and watermelon are both made up of mostly water, having lots of nutrients, antioxidants and electrolytes.

Customize your Fruit Salad:

You can have fun with this recipe adding or omitting, whichever fruits and veggies you and your baby like, no matter what it always comes out beautiful, delicious and flavorful. One of the best things about this fruit salad is that it’s highly customizable based on what’s in season or your child’s preferences. Here are a few ideas to modify the recipe:

Add Other Fruits: You can swap out the peaches for nectarines, or add other berries like blueberries or blackberries. Cherries or grapes are also great additions for older kids.
Sweeten It Naturally: If the fruit isn’t quite sweet enough for your child, you can drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the salad (but wait until your baby is at least 1 year old to introduce honey).
Add Yogurt: For an extra boost of protein and creaminess, consider serving the fruit salad with a dollop of plain yogurt or even a flavored yogurt that complements the fruit.

Nutritional Benefits:

Watermelon: Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit, known for its high water content—about 92%! This makes it incredibly hydrating, which is important for kids, especially on hot days when dehydration can set in quickly. Watermelon is also packed with vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and promotes skin health. It contains vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and antioxidants like lycopene, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against certain chronic conditions.

Peaches: Peaches are not only sweet and flavorful, but they also provide an array of vitamins and minerals. Rich in vitamin C, they help boost the immune system and support collagen production for healthy skin. Peaches also contain vitamin A, promoting healthy vision, and fiber, which aids in digestion and supports a healthy gut.

Strawberries: Strawberries are another excellent source of vitamin C, making them an immune-boosting powerhouse. They also contain folate, which is important for cell growth and development, especially in children. Strawberries are high in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, the fiber content in strawberries supports healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation in kids.

Cucumber: While cucumber is technically a fruit, it is often treated as a vegetable in salads. It has a mild, refreshing flavor and is incredibly hydrating due to its high water content—about 95%. Cucumber is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food, providing a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting. It also contains small amounts of vitamin C and potassium. The crunch of cucumber adds a fun, crisp texture to the fruit salad, balancing out the sweetness of the other fruits.

Why Summer Fruit Salad for Kids:

This summer fruit salad is a great option for kids for several reasons. First, the ingredients are all naturally sweet, so it’s an easy way to satisfy your child’s sweet tooth with wholesome, nutritious foods. The mix of textures—juicy, crisp, and soft—makes it fun to eat, and the vibrant colors make it visually appealing, encouraging kids to enjoy their fruit.

The hydrating properties of watermelon and cucumber make this salad especially beneficial during the hot summer months when kids may not drink as much water. The salad also provides a healthy source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great snack or side dish to complement a main meal. Whether it’s packed for a school lunch, served at a family picnic, or just enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this fruit salad is a kid-friendly and nutrient-packed option that can keep little ones feeling refreshed and satisfied.

How to serve:

6 month baby & up- blend into a yummy hydrating drink

7-9 month baby & up- can cut strips lengthwise baby-led weaning style (BLW).

9 month baby & up- dice into smaller cubed pieces, so baby can work on pincer grab and self-feeding skills.

Check out similar recipes like this one! Baby Fruit Salad or Tropical Fruit Salad.