Apples and Bananas Fruit Salad with Herb-Vinegar Dressing
A refreshing salad where equal portions of sliced apples and bananas are tossed with a bright herb-vinegar dressing, creating two distinct flavor layers in one bowl. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends honeycrisp apples, bananas, fresh mint into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup honeycrisp apples
- 1 cup bananas
- 1 tbsp fresh mint
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Core and thinly slice 1 cup honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch pieces. Peel and slice 1 cup bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Step 2: Divide apples and bananas evenly between two sides of a large bowl. Combine 1 tbsp mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Step 3: Drizzle 1/2 of the dressing over the apple half and 1/2 over the banana half. Gently toss each half separately for 30 seconds until coated.
- Step 4: Arrange apples and bananas in separate sections on a serving plate. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and sprinkle with extra mint for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Apples and Bananas Fruit Salad with Herb-Vinegar Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Apples and Bananas Fruit Salad with Herb-Vinegar Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Apples and Bananas Fruit Salad with Herb-Vinegar Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Apples and Bananas Fruit Salad with Herb-Vinegar Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Apples and Bananas Fruit Salad with Herb-Vinegar Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.