There's something undeniably cheerful about a big bowl of fruit salad glistening in honey lime dressing. The colors pop, the flavors sing, and each bite is a refreshing burst of natural sweetness with a hint of zesty zing.
I first made this Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing for a summer picnic years ago, and it instantly became a staple. It's my go-to when I need a dish that's healthy, vibrant, and universally loved by both kids and adults.
This easy, no-cook recipe is ideal for warm-weather gatherings, quick breakfasts, or light desserts. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this fruit salad truly special.
Why You'll Love This Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing
Say hello to your new favorite way to eat your daily servings of fruit. This fruit salad is more than just pretty – it's packed with flavor, ease, and versatility.
First off, it’s ridiculously quick and easy. No baking, no boiling – just chop, mix, and pour. From start to finish, it takes less than 15 minutes, which is perfect when you’re short on time.
It’s also incredibly refreshing and healthy. Full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this fruit salad is a guilt-free treat you’ll feel good about serving to your family or guests.
Then there’s the budget-friendly aspect. You can use whatever fruit is in season or on sale – making this salad easy on your wallet while still bursting with flavor.
Lastly, it’s super versatile. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at brunch, or bringing it to a BBQ, it fits in anywhere. You can even dress it up with mint or swap fruits to suit your taste.
This recipe is one of those rare finds that feels a little fancy but is totally fuss-free.
Ingredients Notes
What makes this fruit salad stand out is its bright, balanced dressing and the combination of textures and flavors in the fruit. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the bowl.
Strawberries are the juicy backbone of this salad. Their sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with the honey lime dressing, and their vibrant red color adds eye-catching contrast.
Pineapple brings a tropical punch and a firm texture that holds up well in the mix. Its natural acidity balances out the sweetness of the other fruits.
Blueberries are little pops of juicy sweetness. They’re also incredibly nutritious and require no chopping, making prep even easier.
Kiwi slices add a touch of tang and a stunning green hue. Their slightly floral, citrusy flavor elevates the entire salad.
The real magic is in the honey lime dressing. A mix of honey, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of lime zest creates a glaze that ties all the fruits together without overpowering them. It’s sweet, tart, and aromatic – everything you want in a fruit salad dressing.
You won’t need any fancy equipment – just a large mixing bowl, a small whisk or fork for the dressing, and a zester if you want that lime zest boost.
How To Make This Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing
Creating this fruit salad is as effortless as it is rewarding. Here’s how to bring it to life.
Start by prepping your fruit. Rinse everything thoroughly under cold water. Hull and slice the strawberries, peel and chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks, slice the kiwi, and set the blueberries aside whole. Make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size for even flavor in every bite.
Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth. Add a touch of lime zest for that extra pop of citrus aroma. Taste and adjust – if your fruits are very sweet, you might want a little more lime.
Place all the chopped fruits into a large bowl. Gently pour the honey lime dressing over the top, and use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to overmix – you want the fruit to stay intact.
Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. The lime brightens everything up, while the honey adds a silky finish.
This whole process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. What you end up with is a vibrant, juicy salad that’s perfect for sharing.
Storage Options
Fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it if needed. If you're prepping in advance, hold off on adding the dressing until right before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
Once dressed, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though some softer fruits may begin to break down slightly.
If you want to make this the night before, consider using firmer fruits like apples or grapes and add the more delicate ones (like kiwi or banana) closer to serving time.
To revive slightly soggy leftovers, give them a gentle stir and add a small splash of fresh lime juice to brighten things back up.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can truly make it your own depending on what’s in your fridge or your local market.
Instead of strawberries, try raspberries or chopped mango for a tropical twist. Both add a soft, juicy texture and a unique flavor profile.
Swap the pineapple for cantaloupe or watermelon. These fruits also hold up well and add different levels of sweetness and texture.
Not a fan of kiwi? Use green grapes or even apple slices for that crisp texture and a similar hue.
For an herbal twist, mix in a few chopped mint leaves. It adds a cool, refreshing note that plays beautifully with the lime dressing.
You can even add a touch of spice – a pinch of chili powder or Tajín turns this into a sweet-and-savory snack with a little kick.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. This fruit salad is incredibly forgiving and just as delicious with whatever fruits you love most.
PrintFruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing Recipe
This vibrant Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing is the perfect refreshing dish for any occasion. Bursting with seasonal fruits and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing, it's a healthy, colorful, and delicious choice. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a light dessert, this easy fruit salad recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
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2 cups blueberries
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1 cup green grapes, halved
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1 cup red grapes, halved
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2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
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1 orange, peeled and segmented
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1 banana, sliced
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared fruits.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest until well blended.
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Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat evenly.
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Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
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Add mint leaves for an extra fresh twist.
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Serve within 2 hours for the best texture and flavor.
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Feel free to swap fruits based on seasonal availability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 5mg
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