Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
This fresh fruit salad with honey lime dressing is one of those easy recipes that looks like you tried harder than you did, which is honestly the best kind of recipe.
It is made with strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and grapes, then tossed with a simple honey lime dressing and a little fresh mint. The dressing is light, sweet, and just bright enough to make the fruit taste extra fresh without covering it up.
This is a great side dish for summer cookouts, brunch, picnics, potlucks, or any meal that needs something colorful on the table.
It is simple, pretty, and easy to make ahead for a short time. Basically, it is the bowl everyone reaches for while pretending they are “just getting a little fruit.”
Why You’ll Love This Fruit Salad
This fruit salad is easy, colorful, and works with so many meals. The honey lime dressing gives the fruit a little shine and flavor without making it heavy or syrupy.
The combination of strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and grapes gives you a nice mix of sweet, tart, soft, and juicy. The fresh mint makes the whole bowl taste brighter, especially with the lime.
It is also a nice recipe to have when you want a side dish that does not need the oven, the stove, or a long list of ingredients.
Ingredients For Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
You only need fresh fruit and a few simple dressing ingredients.
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Honey
- Fresh lime juice
- Lime zest
- Fresh mint
Ingredient Notes
Strawberries
Use fresh strawberries that are ripe but still firm. Slice them so they mix easily with the other fruit.
Blueberries
Blueberries are easy because they do not need chopping. Just rinse and dry them well before adding them to the bowl.
Kiwi
Kiwi adds a pretty green color and a little tangy flavor. Peel and slice or dice it before adding it to the salad.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple chunks can work if they are well drained.
Grapes
Halve the grapes so they are easier to eat and mix better with the other fruit.
Fresh Mint
Fresh mint adds a clean, bright flavor. Use a small amount so it does not overpower the fruit.
Honey Lime Dressing
The dressing is made with honey, lime juice, and lime zest. A tiny pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and makes the fruit taste even better.
How to Make Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Start by washing and drying the fruit. Slice the strawberries, peel and cut the kiwi, dice the pineapple, and halve the grapes.
Add the prepared fruit to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Stir in the chopped fresh mint.
Pour the honey lime dressing over the fruit and gently toss until everything is lightly coated.
Serve right away, or chill for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Fruit Salad
- Dry the fruit well after washing. Extra water can make the dressing thin.
- Do not overdress the fruit. The dressing should lightly coat it, not sit in the bottom like a syrup.
- Use ripe but firm fruit so the salad holds up better.
- Toss gently so the kiwi and strawberries do not get smashed.
Can I Make Fruit Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the fruit ahead of time, but it is best to add the honey lime dressing closer to serving.
If you want to work ahead, wash and chop the fruit a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the dressing and mint right before serving, or about 20 to 30 minutes before.
How Long Does Fruit Salad Last?
This fruit salad is best the day it is made. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 days, but the fruit will soften and release more juice over time.
Can I Use Different Fruit?
Yes. This recipe is flexible. You can also use:
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Mandarin oranges
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
Try to avoid bananas if you are making it ahead because they brown quickly
What to Serve with Fruit Salad
This fruit salad works well with brunch, grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, barbecue, and summer desserts.
It would be especially nice with:
- Strawberry Icebox Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Loaf
- Breakfast Casserole
- Strawberry Shortcake
- State Fair Lemonade
- Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken Thighs
More Summer Recipes You Might Like
- State Fair Lemonade
- State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Lemon Blueberry Loaf
- Creamy Pasta Salad
- Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
- Baked Beans with Bacon
- Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry all fruit well.
- Slice the strawberries, peel and cut the kiwi, dice the pineapple, and halve the grapes.
- Add the strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and grapes to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Stir the chopped fresh mint into the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit.
- Gently toss until the fruit is lightly coated.
- Serve right away, or chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the best texture, add the dressing close to serving.
- Fresh pineapple works best, but canned pineapple can be used if it is well drained.
- Use 1 tablespoon of mint for a lighter flavor or 2 tablespoons if you want the mint to stand out more.
- This fruit salad is best the day it is made.
FAQ
Can I make fruit salad the night before?
You can chop most of the fruit ahead of time, but it is best to add the honey lime dressing and mint closer to serving. This keeps the fruit fresher and prevents it from getting too juicy.
What fruit works best in fruit salad?
Strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, and kiwi work well because they hold their shape and give a nice mix of colors and flavors.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for this recipe. Since the dressing is so simple, the fresh lime flavor makes a big difference.
Can I leave out the mint?
Yes. The mint adds a fresh flavor, but you can leave it out if you do not have it or do not like mint.
How do I keep fruit salad from getting watery?
Dry the fruit well after washing, avoid overripe fruit, and add the dressing close to serving.
Is honey lime fruit salad good for cookouts?
Yes. It is a great cookout side dish because it is fresh, colorful, and easy to serve with grilled meats, sandwiches, and other summer dishes.
