Fruit Salad With Honey-Lime Dressing Recipe

You’ll discover a perfect balance of sweet and tart in this elegant fruit salad, where nature’s colors mingle like an artist’s palette. Fresh watermelon cubes glisten alongside plump blueberries, while ripe peach wedges nestle against ruby-red strawberries. The honey-lime dressing doesn’t just coat the fruit—it transforms these simple ingredients into something extraordinary. As the citrus notes dance with golden honey, each bite offers a revitalizing escape from ordinary fruit combinations. Let’s explore what makes this ensemble truly special.

Overview

• The honey-lime dressing combines 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
• Fresh fruits are cut uniformly and include watermelon, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, grapes, kiwis, mango, and pineapple.
• Toss fruit mixture with dressing and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
• For best results, prepare the salad within 2 hours of serving and add dressing just before serving.
• Each cup serving contains 120 calories and provides 25% of daily recommended vitamin C intake.

A Fresh and Colorful Summer Fruit Medley

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

This refreshing fruit salad combines summer’s finest fruits with a light, tangy honey-lime dressing that enhances their natural sweetness. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, brunches, or as a healthy dessert option, this vibrant medley delivers a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors while providing essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 2 peaches, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1 mango, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare all fruits by washing thoroughly and cutting into uniform, bite-sized pieces
2. Combine all prepared fruits in a large serving bowl
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until well combined
4. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture
5. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld

Top Tips

• Choose fruits at peak ripeness for best flavor
• Cut fruits into similar sizes for even distribution and presentation
• Prepare the salad no more than 2 hours before serving
• Pat fruits dry after washing to prevent excess liquid in the salad
• Store citrus fruits at room temperature for maximum juice yield
• Add the dressing just before serving to maintain fruit texture

Variations

• Tropical Version: Use mango, papaya, pineapple, and coconut
• Berry Medley: Focus on mixed berries with a honey-mint dressing
• Stone Fruit Special: Feature peaches, plums, and nectarines
• Citrus Blend: Incorporate orange segments, grapefruit, and tangerines
• Fall Harvest: Use apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds

Nutritional Guide

Per 1-cup serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	25g
Fat	0.5g

Additional Nutritional Notes:

This fruit salad is rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. The honey adds minimal refined sugar while providing natural antimicrobial properties. One serving provides approximately 25% of daily recommended vitamin C intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Store Leftover Fruit Salad in the Refrigerator?

For best storage tips and fruit freshness, you’ll want to keep your juicy fruit salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. After that, the fruits start losing their crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Can I Substitute Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar for Honey?

You can definitely swap honey with maple syrup’s rich caramel notes or agave nectar’s delicate sweetness. Both alternatives blend beautifully with lime, though you’ll find maple syrup offers more complex flavors and natural antioxidants.

Which Fruits Should I Avoid Using in This Salad?

When selecting fruits, you’ll want to avoid overly mushy bananas, brown apples, or soft pears. They’ll make your salad soggy. For the best flavor combinations, skip fruits that oxidize quickly.

Is It Necessary to Chill the Dressing Before Serving?

While chilling isn’t strictly necessary, you’ll notice enhanced benefits when you do. The dressing texture becomes pleasantly thickened, and the flavors meld beautifully together. It’s how most of us prefer serving it.

Can I Prepare the Fruit Salad the Night Before Serving?

You’ll want to avoid preparing fruit too far ahead as it can become mushy during overnight storage. For the freshest results, cut your fruit just a few hours before serving and store it covered.

Before You Go

You’ll love how this fruit salad bursts with summer’s finest flavors. The honey-lime dressing adds a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes, while enhancing the natural sweetness of the fresh fruits. Each bite delivers a rainbow of colors and textures – from juicy watermelon to tender peaches. It’s an invigorating dish that’ll brighten your table and delight your taste buds any time of day.