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Looking for an easy summer treat everyone will love? These colorful Fruit Kabobs are fresh, fun, and incredibly versatile.
Fruit Kabobs with Dip
Thread your favorite seasonal fruit onto skewers and serve with our simple three-ingredient mascarpone dip (or cream cheese dip) for a snack, side or dessert that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, picnics and patriotic celebrations.
Best of all, kids love helping assemble the kabobs, making this an easy recipe the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients Needed for Fruit Skewers
Just about any fruit that’s sturdy and not too mushy will work well. I’ve included ingredients to make our large fruit skewers and a small kid-friendly version that’s great for 4th of July!
For the large Fruit Kabobs
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Blackberries
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
4th of July Fruit Kabobs
- Raspberries, cherries or strawberries
- Mini marshmallows
- Blueberries or blackberries
Sweet Fruit Dip
- Mascarpone cheese (or softened cream cheese)
- Marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme
- Honey
How to Make Fruit Kabobs
- Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly.
- Cut larger fruit into bite-sized pieces.
- Thread fruit onto skewers.
- Mix together the three-ingredient dip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. That’s it!
How to Cut Fruit for Kabobs
- Remove the rind and cut melons and pineapple into 1-inch cubes
- Or, use a melon baller for watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew
- Make watermelon stars with a small cookie cutter.
- Leave kiwi in thick slices or peeled and halved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, colorful and naturally sweet
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Only three ingredients for the creamy fruit dip
- Great make-ahead party food
- Easily customized with whatever fruit is in season
- Kid-friendly and fun to assemble
- Perfect for holidays, picnics and summer entertaining
Avoid fruits like bananas and apples, or toss them with a little lemon juice before assembling.
Absolutely. Softened cream cheese makes a delicious substitute and creates a slightly tangier dip.
Fresh fruit kabobs are best enjoyed chilled rather than frozen since freezing changes the texture of most fruits.
Yes! Assemble them several hours or even a day ahead and refrigerate until serving.
The Best Fruit for Kabobs
Any kind of fruit or berries may work for these fruit kabobs. Here are a few tips for picking the best…
- ripe but firm
- easy to thread
- colorful
- bite-sized
For a Healthy Summer Snack Fruit Kabob
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Orange segments
- Cherries (pitted)
Fun Fruit Combinations
Tropical Fruit Kabobs with Pineapple, mango, kiwi and grapes
All Melon Kabobs made with watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. I love using a melon baller here and adding some fresh chopped basil leaves.
Berry Lovers – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
Rainbow Fruit Kabobs – Use one fruit from every color for a bright presentation.
Dessert Kabob Ideas
Turn these into an easy dessert by adding:
- cubed pound cake
- angel food cake
- brownie bites
- mini donuts for brunch kabobs
Finish with:
- melted chocolate drizzle
- caramel sauce
- toasted coconut
- chopped nuts
- sprinkles
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
For a less sweet appetizer, alternate fruit with:
- cheddar cubes
- Monterey Jack
- mozzarella pearls
- Gouda
- Havarti
- Colby Jack
These are perfect for brunches, showers and wine nights. Let’s hear it for wine nights!
Helpful Tips
- Use bamboo skewers or shorter party picks.
- Pat fruit dry so it doesn’t slide around.
- Use fruit that’s similar in size.
- Add softer berries last so they don’t get crushed.
- Chill before serving for the freshest flavor.
Storage
- Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The mascarpone dip should also be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3 to 4 days.
Make Ahead Tips
- Wash and prep fruit a day ahead.
- Assemble kabobs several hours before serving.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dip chilled until serving.
Summer Fruit Kabobs and Mascarpone Dip
Equipment
- Wooden skewers
Ingredients
- Assorted fruit cut in bite size pieces We used strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple, blackberries and grapes in the photos.
- Raspberries and blueberries with mini marshmallows for a patriotic kabob
For the dip:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese room temperature (or cream cheese)
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Layer the fruit on the skewers and arrange on a serving platter.
For the dip:
- Using an electric mixer on low, blend until the ingredients are combined. Serve with the fruit skewers and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- For the skewers we use strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple, blackberries and grapes.
- For the patriotic skewers we use raspberries, mini marshmallows and blueberries.
Nutrition
More Summer Recipes You’ll Love
We adore easy and delicious recipes and what better season than summer to enjoy the beautiful bounty of berries, fruits and melons. This summer melon fruit salad is an absolute keeper! The honey citrus dressing is so simple and fresh. Bet you’ll love it as much as we do!
Fruit Salad Recipe
An easy and delicious fresh fruit salad perfect for summer entertaining
View this Recipe
Blackberry Fool Recipe
A light summer dessert made with a simple blackberry sauce swirled into sweetened whipped cream. Perfect for entertaining!
View this Recipe
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Sweet summer watermelon combines beautifully with fresh mint, smooth, creamy Feta cheese and a delicious simple dressing. If you haven’t tried a watermelon salad before – now’s the time!
View this Recipe
Originally published July 2012, updated June 2026
Angie's Recipes
These fruit skewers are a perfect treat during the summer heat!
Jessica | Cajunlicious
Tricia, i love these fruit kabobs, such a great summer treat!
Alicia@ eco friendlyho homemaking
Oh these look amazing! Love fruit and what a great way to serve it!
Autumn@GoodEatsGirl
This is a perfect treat for a BBQ!! My kiddos would love these!
Mary
This is such a refreshing treat. It is satisfying and delicious and your photos would melt the heart of a snowman. Have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
youngwifey
My bestie makes a similar dip with her fruit kabobs, but the mascarpone sounds perfect!
Blond Duck
So much fun! I love this idea!
Renae
I just joined you because you know Sandie/Chatty Crone! She is a doll. So glad she won your goodie-box. I'll have to drag my husband to your recipes, cuz I is not a coooook at all. Invite me for lunch, tho, I'll be there. hahaha
The Café Sucré Farine
Gorgeous Tricia! Love everything about this – all the fruit, the dip and your lovely photos!
Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow
Hope you and yours had a fabulous Fourth, Tricia! I know it was a beautiful and festive meal!! Love these "fireworks". blessings ~ tanna
Sue/the view from great island
They do look like fireworks! I wish I'd seen this earlier, I have to bring something to a party and this is perfect, happy 4th!