This refreshing Fruit Salad recipe is the perfect summer dish. Made with a variety of fresh ripe fruits and a simple homemade dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Fruit Salad has gotten a bit of a bad rap for being… boring. Most versions are just chopped fruit tossed in a bowl-no flavor, no fun. But it doesn't have to be that way! This Honey Lime Fruit Salad is sweet, refreshing, and bursting with flavor-more like a dessert in disguise. It's still healthy, but takes easy fruit salad from "meh" to mouthwatering in minutes!
Fruit Salad Varieties
Fruit Salad is a dish made of different kinds of fruit, sometimes served in a liquid like juice or syrup. It can be a simple mix of fresh fruits, or a more elaborate version with additions like dressing, marshmallows, or nuts. People even add a Jello addition with layers to make it more of a dessert option. With so many varieties available, here are my favorites:
- Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Creamy Grape Salad
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad (a classic Jell-o salad)
- Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Fruit Salad Ingredients
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed. This fresh fruit salad is fully customizable, so feel free to make additions or swap fruits out. To see printable recipe card with full directions, scroll to the bottom or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.
- Honey– this adds the sweetness and combines with the lime juice to create a honey lime dressing. If there is an allergy to honey, you can use maple syrup.
- Limes– you’ll need to juice them for fresh lime juice and also zest them for lime zest. Lemons can be used in a pinch.
- Strawberries– they should have a nice red color, no dark spots, and no mold. Remove the tops and quarter them.
- Pineapple– fresh pineapple is always better than canned pineapple. Pineapple is ripe when you can smell the sweet pineapple smell from the bottom and should be turning yellow. Cut into pineapple chunks.
- Grapes– I love using fresh red grapes, however, any type works. If serving to young kids, slice the grapes in half.
- Blueberries– they should be plump with taut skin - not wrinkled.
- Blackberries– check to ensure no mold and use berries that are firm so they hold up once combined.
- Mandarin Oranges– peeled into slices, you can use fresh or canned.
- Kiwi– pick kiwis that are slightly soft to the touch, which means they are ripe. Peel, slice, and halve.
How to make Fruit Salad
Prepare Fruit.
Make Dressing.
Toss Fruit with Fruit Salad Dressing.
Refrigerate and Serve!
Storage
It's best the same day made, but leftovers stay good for 2-4 days in the fridge if covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Make it ahead of time? Prep a few hours early, refrigerate, and toss before serving. Can you freeze it? Yes, but it's best for smoothies after thawing as the texture will change and become a bit more mushy.
Kitchen Tips for Success
- When combining everything together, use your hands as this helps avoid the fruits from breaking apart and coloring the salad.
- Banana DOES NOT store well. If you know you will be enjoying the salad the same day, feel free to add it in, otherwise, use it in a different recipe like my Banana Pudding!
- Pick the most seasonal, fresh fruit. Feel free to change up the fruits based on when you are preparing the salad. If winter, avoid peaches and other fruits that won’t be in season.
- Add fruits of all colors so you get the vibrant look! Everyone loves a colorful fruit salad, right?!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit in this recipe?
Unfortunately, I don’t recommend using frozen. Once thawed, the fruit tends to be mushy and will leave this fruity salad recipe soggy and not as enjoyable. Stick to fresh fruit or canned fruit if needed.
Can I make this fruit salad for a crowd in advance?
It is best enjoyed fresh, the day made. However, if you are pressed for time, you can make this one day in advance. You can also chop all the fruits and store separate until ready to combine and serve.
What are the best fruits for fruit salad?
Pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, oranges, honeydew, grapes, mango, and other berries tend to be the most popular. You can add apples, nectarines, and banana if careful on serving time since they will brown and get mushy. Avoid melons such as watermelon or cantaloupe as they have more water in them and will make your salad mushy.
How can summer fruit salads be served creatively?
If you want to change it up from being served in a large mixing bowl or glass bowl, you can place fruit salad in cups for individual servings. You can also serve in a trifle bowl or add some whipped cream or cool whip on top for more of a dessert option.
More Summer Salad Recipes
Ultimate Potato Salad– a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing! Perfect for any BBQ, potluck, picnic, or summer outing!
Chicken Salad Sandwiches– packed with flavor and makes the perfect anytime meal! Perfect when served on bread, a croissant, or bed of lettuce! The perfect side dish or main meal that can be prepped ahead of time!
Jalapeno Chicken Salad– a copycat version of Chicken Salad Chick's Jalapeno Holly-and it's packed with flavor, heat, and creamy goodness!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad– packed with flavorful diced chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, French Fried Onions, and creamy Ranch dressing. Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, summer gatherings, and picnics!
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Salad– combines the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with the convenience of a quick and easy side dish. Perfect for any summer BBQ or picnic!
If you try this refreshing fruit salad, be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe below-I'd love to hear what you think! Don't forget to pin it for later, share it with your friends, and make it your go-to easy fruit salad recipe for summer BBQ’s, potlucks, or family dinners. Fresh, fun, and totally customizable-what's not to love?
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ tablespoon lime juice
- 1 lime zested
- 1 lb strawberries tops removed and quartered
- 2 cups pineapple chopped
- 1 lb red grapes
- 6 oz blueberries
- 6 oz blackberries
- 3 mandarin oranges peeled into slices
- 4 kiwi peeled, sliced, and halved
Instructions
- Rinse all fruit and pat dry with paper towels.
- Slice, quarter, and chop fruit. Add to a large bowl tossing to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Drizzle the honey mixture over the fruit and toss carefully to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
amy liu dong says
I love the vibrant colors of this salad recipe. It is beautiful, delicious, healthy and refreshing!
Kristin says
Such a refreshing side!
Catalina says
Simple, fresh, and perfect for summer. I made this fruit salad for brunch with friends and everyone loved how naturally sweet and colorful it was!
Kristin says
Glad you enjoyed!! Such a yummy dish!!
Paula says
I lvoe the blend of fruits you chose for this salad! They were bright and gorgeous but none of them was too overpowering of thee others.
Kristin says
So refreshing and tasty!!
Maria says
My family loved this. It’s such a great way to use all that fresh fruit available right now.
Kristin says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed!!
Beth says
I can’t think of a better summer recipe! The fresh fruit is so bright and flavorful, and I love that there’s no refined sugar.
Kristin says
Right?! So refreshing! Glad you enjoy too!