Fruit salad is a classic favorite, but this version takes it up a notch with a colorful mix of the freshest fruits, a touch of honey, and a refreshing lime-mint dressing. Every bite is juicy, sweet, and packed with vibrant flavors that make this fruit salad the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s for a family BBQ, brunch, or a simple snack, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Refreshing and sweet with a burst of fresh fruit
- Perfect for any occasion—BBQs, brunches, or just a healthy snack
- Simple and quick to prepare with minimal ingredients
- The mint-lime dressing takes it to a whole new level
Ingredients
This fruit salad features a colorful combination of seasonal fruits with a simple yet zesty dressing:
- Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for sweetness and color
- Pineapple and mango for a tropical kick
- Grapes for a juicy bite
- Fresh mint for a cool, fragrant touch
- Honey and lime juice for a bright, tangy dressing
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Prepare the Fruit
Start by washing and preparing your fruit. Hull and slice the strawberries, cut the pineapple into small chunks, peel and dice the mango, and slice the grapes in half if they’re large.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, and chopped mint until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness with more honey if needed.
Toss and Combine
In a large bowl, combine all the prepared fruit. Drizzle the mint-lime dressing over the top and gently toss to coat the fruit evenly.
Chill and Serve
Let the fruit salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and garnish with extra mint if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe, in-season fruit for the best flavor
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or shredded coconut for extra texture
- If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey in the dressing
- For extra freshness, try adding some cucumber or kiwi to the mix
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out any fruit for your favorites or what’s in season (try peaches, nectarines, or pomegranate)
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option
- Add a handful of nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy topping
- If you like a creamy element, fold in some Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This fruit salad pairs well with:
- A light, refreshing iced tea or lemonade
- Grilled chicken or fish for a healthy, balanced meal
- Pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast side
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you want to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
This fruit salad is best eaten fresh but can be kept for up to 2 days if stored properly.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and add the dressing just before serving to keep the fruit fresh.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit works best, but you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it and drain off any excess water before mixing it in.
What’s the best way to cut mango?
Cut the sides of the mango off the pit, then score the flesh in a grid pattern and scoop it out with a spoon.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes! You can swap the mint-lime dressing for a simple lemon or orange juice dressing for a different twist.
Conclusion
This is the very best fruit salad you’ll ever make! It’s sweet, refreshing, and full of vibrant colors that make it as beautiful as it is delicious. The lime-mint dressing adds the perfect zesty finish, making this salad a go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a healthy snack, this fruit salad is sure to become a favorite!
PrintUltimate Fruit Salad: A Fresh, Vibrant Medley of Sweetness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (adjusted to 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Very Best Fruit Salad is a colorful, refreshing mix of your favorite fruits, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing. This simple yet delicious salad is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to summer picnics. Sweet, juicy, and packed with vitamins, it’s the ultimate healthy treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed
- 1 cup watermelon, cubed
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash and chop all the fruits as directed. Make sure to remove any seeds or pits, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Toss the Fruit:
- Place all the prepared fruit into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to mash the fruit.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped mint leaves on top for added freshness and flavor (optional).
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits based on availability and personal preference. Other great options include mango, peaches, or pomegranate seeds.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead, but it’s best served fresh for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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