Fresh Fruit Platter

Name: Fresh Fruit Platter
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 mini watermelon; 16 oz. blueberries; 16 oz. blackberries; 16 oz. raspberries; 16 oz. strawberries; 16 oz. pineapple (optional); 1 large bunch red seedless grapes; 1 large bunch green seedless grapes

Jump to Recipe Rate this Recipe

This Fresh Fruit Platter will ‘wow’ your guests and be the star of every party! Learn how to carve a watermelon and create the ultimate fruit tray for any occasion.

raspberries, blueberries, grapes and pineapple stuffed in watermelons.

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Platter

A plentiful fruit tray is as delicious as it is beautiful!
Fruit is a healthy choice for guests who follow a vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian diet.
Making your own fresh fruit platter is much cheaper than purchasing one!
There are many occasions to serve this platter…including baby showers, weddings, brunch, bridal teas and more!

Ingredients

Choose fresh produce that doesn’t need to be sliced for easier assembly. Fruit such as grapes, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries work well. Add a few sliced fruits like pineapple and cantaloupe for color and texture.

How to Carve a Mini Watermelon

To carve a mini watermelon, the most important tool you’ll need is a melon carver. (ad) This little gadget will help you get through parties and holidays in style.

A melon carver will also help you take a standard fruit tray from boring to fabulous in a few easy steps!

1 – Insert the melon carver (ad) into the middle of the melon. Push the carver in and out in a circular pattern until you meet on the other side. The melon will fall open to a beautiful design.

mini watermelons cut open with a melon carver.

2 – Arrange both halves of the watermelon on the side of a large platter. Scoop the pulp out of the middle with a spoon and you’re ready to fill it with grapes.

3 – Tuck a few strawberries or grape clusters under the watermelon halves to prop them up.

4 – Fill in the watermelon halves with grape clusters and let them drape down the sides. Add strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in sections until you come together in the middle. Arrange pineapple and cantaloupe on the sides.

beautiful fresh fruit platter with watermelon and berries.

Recipe FAQS

Can I carve other melons instead?

Yes! You can carve a cantaloupe or honey dew melon if you prefer. However, I like the color of the watermelon and the contrast it adds. Just make sure you choose a small melon or it will overwhelm the platter.

What is the best fruit for a fruit tray?

Berries, melons and grapes stay fresh longer than other fruits like bananas or apples that may turn brown. If you want to use these fruits, be sure to brush them with lemon juice to retain their color.

Can you make a fresh fruit platter the night before?

Yes, this platter can be made up to 1 day ahead and kept in the refrigerator as long as you wrap them well with plastic wrap. It may be easier to prep the fruit the day before and arrange the platter the morning of your event.

an array of fruit coming out of a carved watermelon.

Fruit Platter Presentation Ideas

Prep everything ahead of time to make assembly smoother. Wash or rinse berries and cut cantaloupe and pineapple into bite size pieces.
Arrange watermelon or larger items on the platter first, then fill in the gaps with smaller berries, etc.
Use seasonal produce and garnishes to make your creation stand out.
Pile the fruit as high as you can to make it look plentiful. Since we eat with our eyes first, your guests will appreciate this attention to detail.
Use a color scheme to match the seasons or event you’re planning. Pick produce that matches your theme and have fun putting it all together!
Look at the photos and use them as your guide during assembly.

fruit platter beside a bouquet of flowers on a counter top.

Serving Suggestions

Fruit is a favorite side dish that goes well with everything. Try serving it alongside chicken salad croissants and a spinach dip frittata for lunch. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to quiche and makes every charcuterie board better!

There’s really no right or wrong way to make a fruit tray, so let your creative juices flow! This carved platter is an epic appetizer no matter how it’s arranged, so be prepared for your guests to be amazed by your awesome creation!

More Fruit Recipes

Try these other recipes that are sure to please!