Carrageenan Free Basil-Pesto Fruit Harvest Salad
This vibrant fruit salad is a stunning mix of juicy grapes, plump blueberries, sweet strawberries, crisp apple, and tender pear — all brought together by a bright, herbaceous dressing that makes every bite feel intentional. The dressing is a clever riff on classic pesto, blending fresh basil chiffonade with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a whisper of ground ginger for a little unexpected warmth. Because every component here is a whole, unprocessed ingredient, there's no need to scan labels for hidden additives or thickeners that often sneak into store-bought dressings and flavored fruit products. Letting the dressing rest for ten minutes before tossing is a small step that makes a big difference, giving the basil time to fully infuse the oil with its fragrant, peppery depth. The result is a salad that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort required — fresh mint scattered on top at the end adds a cool, finishing note that ties everything together beautifully. It works equally well as a light dessert, a brunch centerpiece, or a refreshing side alongside something savory.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the basil-pesto dressing
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
For the salad
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 medium pear, cored and thinly sliced
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fine sea salt, and ground ginger until fully combined and slightly emulsified.
- 2
Stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly lengthwise, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade). Add the basil to the dressing and stir to combine. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes so the basil flavor infuses into the oil.
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