This gorgeous patriotic fruit salad is perfect for Memorial Day or Fourth of July gatherings. With bright red, white, and blue colors and star-shaped apple pieces, this easy fruit salad will be the centerpiece of your table. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Red, White and Blue Salad for Celebrations
Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day picnic or a Fourth of July barbecue, a fruit salad in patriotic colors is always a crowd-pleaser.
This vibrant salad combines red berries, white apple stars, and blue blueberries for an appealing, festive display. It’s simple to assemble and makes a refreshing, light side dish for summer events.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick overview of the ingredients for this patriotic fruit salad. See the recipe card for exact measurements.

Recipe Notes
- Apple: A Pink Lady apple works well, but any crisp apple is fine. For a different white option, try white-fleshed peaches or melon.
- Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries and blueberries look and taste best. If you prefer, use cubed watermelon instead of strawberries for another red option.
How to Make This Patriotic Salad (Step by Step)
1. Prepare Strawberries
Rinse the strawberries, hull them, and cut into quarters. Place the prepared strawberries into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add Blueberries
Rinse the blueberries and add them to the bowl with the strawberries. Gently toss the berries to combine without crushing them.

3. Create Apple Stars
Wash and slice the apple into evenly thick rounds. To prevent browning, soak the slices in a bowl of salted water (about 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of water) for five minutes, then rinse under running water.
Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to press star shapes from the apple flesh, leaving the skin behind for a cleaner white look.

4. Combine Everything
Add the star-shaped apple pieces to the bowl with the berries. Toss gently to mix, taking care not to bruise the fruit.
5. Chill and Serve
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and to keep it refreshing.

Tips and Tricks
- Prevent Browning: Soak apple slices in salted water for five minutes before cutting stars to slow oxidation and keep them bright.
- Chill Before Serving: Keep the salad covered in an airtight container or well wrapped and chill for at least 30 minutes for the best texture and flavor.
Other Recipes for Fourth of July
- Blueberry Pie (gluten-free)
- Healthy Chocolate Dip (gluten-free)
- Mixed Berry Yogurt Popsicles (gluten-free, vegan)
- Strawberry Shortcake (gluten-free)
Other Gluten-Free Fruit Recipes to Try
- Easy Almond Flour Blueberry Scones
- Almond Flour Blueberry Bread
- Easy Blueberry Glaze
- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
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Patriotic Fruit Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
5 from 1 review
- Author: Felicia Lim
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This colorful fruit salad combines strawberries, blueberries, and star-shaped apple pieces for a festive, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer celebrations. It’s gluten-free and vegan, and best served chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries
- 1 pound blueberries
- 1 Pink Lady apple (or other crisp apple)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Rinse, hull, and quarter the strawberries. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add Blueberries: Rinse the blueberries and gently add them to the strawberries. Toss carefully to combine.
- Create Apple Stars: Wash and slice the apple. Soak the slices in salted water (about 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of water) for five minutes, then rinse. Use a small star-shaped cutter to cut stars from the apple flesh.
- Combine Everything: Add the apple stars to the bowl and toss gently to mix without crushing the fruit.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Apple: Any crisp apple will work; Pink Lady provides a good balance of sweetness and firmness.
Berries: Fresh berries give the best texture and appearance.
Soak Apples: Soaking apple slices in salted water before cutting prevents browning and keeps the stars looking fresh.
Chill: Keep the salad covered and chilled for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Chilling Time: 30 mins
- Category: Salads
- Cuisine: American