Sue Sue’s Fruit Salad with Ice Cream

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This homemade fruit salad with ice cream is a beloved family recipe. With a secret ingredient that makes it unlike any other, this recipe is a must-have summer treat!

a large white dish filled with fruit salad with a gold spoon resting on the side
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You know those recipes that not only fill your tummy but fill your soul? This fruit salad with ice cream is one of those for me! My Grandmother Sue Sue’s fruit salad is one I grew up eating and loving, so today, even though she’s gone, it just gives me all the feels!

In just 10 minutes your kitchen will transform into Sue Sue’s and this recipe will change your life! I hope you share my love for this tasty dessert with your family and friends because I just know they will love it too!

a close up photo of a white dish filled with fruit salad with a gold spoon resting on the side

What Makes This Recipe Great

This amazing fruit salad includes Sue Sue’s super simple secret ingredient that truly makes all the difference! Frozen apple juice concentrate! Now, this might not sound like much, but let me tell you- it changes the entire game! Adding a crisp flavor and sweetness, this is a step you just can’t miss!

Serve this fruit salad alongside your favorite summer bbq recipes and watch this crowd-pleasing favorite become a beloved staple for your family too! You’ve never had fruit salad until you’ve had Sue Sue’s!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredient Shot

Fruit: Strawberries, Pineapple, Blueberries, Blackberries, Kiwi, Cuties, & Red Grapes

Frozen Apple Juice Concentrate: This is the famous secret ingredient. It’s super easy to find in the frozen section of any grocery store, and totally inexpensive. You will not believe the difference this little frozen concentrate makes!

Honey: The honey really brings out the sweetness and flavor of the fruit. Feel free to swap this for your favorite sugar substitute- even a little granulated sugar will work!

Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice: These add brightness and freshness that perks this fruit salad right up! You can use the same lemon for both- simply do the zest first (while the lemon is whole), then cut it in half and juice!

Ice cream of choice: Strawberry, orange sorbet, rainbow sorbet, or vanilla. Take your pick!

Recipe Step by Step

step by step picture
  1. Wash and chop all the fruit. Add to a large mixing bowl the honey, apple juice concentrate, lemon zest, and lemon juice. 
  2. Mix together and serve immediately or store in the fridge until serving. 
  3. Serve over sorbet or ice cream, or by itself- you can’t go wrong!

Mac’s Pro Tips

Blackberries: The blackberries will bleed a little on the other fruit. If you don’t like that look, remove the blackberries. In my opinion, it’s pretty and gives the salad a vintage look.

Sweetness: If you don’t like super sweet, use 1/4 cup of apple juice concentrate instead of 1/2 cup.

Prep Ahead: You can prep this salad the night before. Just have everything chopped and add the apple juice, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest before serving.

a glass bowl filled with fruit salad with ice cream with a spoon resting on the side

Recipe FAQS

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gift it a good stir and serve the fruit salad over ice cream when you’re ready to eat it!

Can I swap the fruit for my favorites?

Absolutely! While this recipe is my favorite way to make it, there are a ton of different fruits you can use that will make it just as good! Pick your favorites, but don’t forget the frozen apple juice concentrate!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Sue Sue’s Fruit Salad with Ice Cream

By: Ashley McCrary
This homemade fruit salad with ice cream is a beloved family recipe. With a secret ingredient that makes it unlike any other, this recipe is a must-have summer treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb. strawberries hulled and quartered
  • 2 1/2 cups pineapple
  • 6 oz. blueberries
  • 6 oz. blackberries
  • 2-3 kiwis peeled and sliced
  • 3 cuties peeled
  • 1 1/2 cups red grapes cut in half
  • 1/2 cup frozen apple juice concentrate
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Ice cream of choice strawberry, orange sorbet, rainbow sorbet, or vanilla

Instructions 

  • Wash and chop all the fruit. Add to a large mixing bowl along with the honey, apple juice concentrate, lemon zest, and lemon juice. 
  • Mix together and serve immediately or store in the fridge until serving. 
  • Although you can eat this salad as is, it is even better served with sorbet or ice cream. 

Notes

Blackberries: The blackberries will bleed a little on the other fruit. If you don’t like that look, remove the blackberries. In my opinion, it’s pretty and gives the salad a vintage look.
Sweetness: If you don’t like super sweet, use 1/4 cup of the apple juice concentrate instead of the 1/2 cup.
Prep Ahead: You can prep this salad the night before. Just have everything chopped and add the apple juice, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest before serving.
Nutrition Facts: Includes 1 serving of fruit and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream. Nutrition will adjust based on various fruit and ice cream used. 

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @healthylittlepeach or tag #healthylittlepeach!

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4 Comments

  1. Lisa Kindermann says:

    Making this for Easter ! 😊 just wanted to confirm I measure the apple juice concentrate when it is frozen? Or do I thaw it and then measure it (of course without any added water) 🤷🏻‍♀️🥰

    1. Ashley McCrary says:

      I measure it while it’s still frozen, though it’s not completely solid. It has more of a slush-like consistency.

  2. Michelle Osborne says:

    This is on the menu for my daughter’s graduation brunch tomorrow – looks so yummy! Does the concentrate need to be thawed before combining with the honey & lemon juice? Or will a frozen half cup work? Thank you!

    1. Ashley McCrary says:

      I never thaw the concentrate. I add it in frozen. I hope you enjoy it.