Fruit Fries with Lemon Dip
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy.
Fruit fries are a fun twist on a regular fruit platter, with watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and pineapple cut into crinkle-shaped fries and served with a fluffy lemon dip. These are great for summer, but the colorful fruit also makes a pretty addition to a fall or holiday platter.
I sent a platter with my daughter to a friend’s house while they were getting ready for a dance, and her friend LOVED them. The girls ended up trying all the different fruits with the dip to see which combination they liked best.
The lemon dip has a light, sweet lemon flavor that goes really well with the fresh fruit. I’m not much of a melon person myself, so I went straight for the pineapple, and that was definitely my favorite combination!
Ingredients for Fruit Fries and Lemon Dip
Fresh fruit:
- Watermelon: I used a personal-size watermelon, which was easier to handle when cutting into fries.
- Cantaloupe: Choose a ripe melon that’s still firm enough to slice into sticks.
- Honeydew melon: Choose a ripe but firm melon so the fries hold together.
- Pineapple: My favorite fruit to pair with the lemon dip.
Lemon fruit dip:
- Cool Whip: 4 ounces, thawed, for a fluffy dip.
- Vanilla yogurt: One 6-ounce container of vanilla-flavored yogurt.
- Powdered sugar: 1 tablespoon for a little extra sweetness.
- Lemon zest: Zest from one lemon for a light lemon flavor without adding juice.
You’ll also need a crinkle cutter (also called a wavy cutter). I used this style of handheld crinkle cutter and a Microplane-style grater for the lemon zest.
How to Make Fruit Fries
The easiest way to get the crinkle shape is to cut the fruit into thick slices first, remove the rind, and then use the wavy cutter to make the fries.
Watermelon Fries
- Slice the watermelon in half and cut it into approximately 1-inch-thick slices.
- Remove the rind and discard.
- Use the crinkle cutter to slice the watermelon into strips about 1/2 inch wide. Cut any wider strips in half again.
I found the personal-size watermelon easier to work with because the slices weren’t as large.
Cantaloupe and Honeydew Fries
- Slice each melon in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Cut the melon halves into approximately 1-inch-thick slices.
- Remove the rind, then use the crinkle cutter to make fries about 1/2 inch wide.
Pineapple Fries
- Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and remove the outside skin.
- Slice into approximately 1-inch-thick rounds.
- Use the crinkle cutter to make about four fries from each round, avoiding the tough center core.
Save any leftover fruit pieces for snacking or adding to a fruit salad.
How to Make the Lemon Fruit Dip
In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces of thawed Cool Whip, one 6-ounce container of vanilla yogurt, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and the zest of one lemon.
Stir until everything is evenly combined and fluffy. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
For another dip to serve with fresh fruit, my Marshmallow Fruit Dip is made with just two ingredients. I also have a Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip that works well for sweet party platters.
Tips for Cutting and Serving
- Choose firm fruit. Overly ripe melon can be too soft to cut into fries that hold their shape.
- Keep the fries thick enough to dip. Aim for approximately 1/2-inch-wide strips rather than very thin pieces that may break.
- No crinkle cutter? You can cut the fruit into sticks with a sharp knife. They won’t have the wavy edges, but they’ll taste the same.
Arrange the different fruits on a platter with the lemon dip in a separate bowl.
Can You Make Fruit Fries Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dip ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
I prefer cutting the fruit the day I plan to serve it. Watermelon and melon release juice after they’re cut, so the longer they sit, the more moisture collects in the container.
If you need to prepare the fruit ahead, store it in covered containers in the refrigerator, separate from the dip. Drain off any excess juice before arranging the platter.
For another fruit recipe that’s great for gatherings, try my Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad, which combines fresh fruit with a creamy cheesecake filling.
Fruit Fries with Lemon Dip
Equipment
- crinkle cutter
Ingredients
Fruit Fries
- Fresh personal sized watermelon
- Fresh cantaloupe
- Fresh honeydew melon
- Fresh pineapple
Lemon Dip
- 4 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping thawed
- 6 oz. container vanilla-flavored yogurt
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cut cantaloupe and honeydew: Slice each melon in half and remove the seeds. Cut the melon halves into approximately 1-inch-thick slices and remove the rind. Use a crinkle cutter to slice the fruit into 1/2-inch-wide fries.
- Cut pineapple: Remove the top, bottom, and outside skin. Cut into 1-inch-thick rounds and use the crinkle cutter to make approximately four fries per round, avoiding the tough center core.
- Cut watermelon: Slice watermelon in half, then into 1-inch-thick slices. Remove the rind and use the crinkle cutter to make 1/2-inch-wide fries. Cut wider pieces in half as needed.
- Prepare lemon dip: Combine thawed Cool Whip, vanilla yogurt, powdered sugar, and the zest of one lemon in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined. When zesting, use only the yellow outer peel and avoid the bitter white pith.
- Serve: Arrange the fruit fries on a platter with the lemon dip in a separate bowl. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. If preparing ahead, keep the cut fruit and dip in separate containers and drain excess fruit juice before plating.
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to follow Salty Side Dish on Pinterest and rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
