Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe with Honey Lime Dressing

Name: Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe with Honey Lime Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered); 1 pound kiwis (peeled and cut into cubes); 1 pound red grapes (cut in half); 18 ounces fresh blueberries; 1 fresh pineapple (peeled and cut into cubes); 3 mandarin oranges (peeled and separated); 2 mangoes (peeled and cut into cubes); 2 limes (juiced (OR 1 cup vanilla greek yogurt for making a creamy dressing)); ¼ cup honey; Mint leaves (for garnish (optional))

JUMP TO RECIPE

This tropical fruit salad brings the taste of paradise to your table in just 15 minutes. Juicy pineapple, sweet mango, and tangy kiwi combine with a light honey lime dressing for a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.

A bowl of mixed fresh fruit salad with grapes, kiwi, oranges, and berries.

Ready to enjoy a burst of tropical flavors without booking a flight? This fruit salad recipe features a simple honey lime dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. It’s ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light dessert after dinner.

Looking for other refreshing treats? Try my Lemon Blueberry Fruit Salad Recipe with Cool Whip or my Marshmallow Fruit Salad with Blueberries for more fruity goodness!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright flavors: The combination of sweet tropical fruits with the tangy honey lime dressing creates a perfect balance that showcases the natural flavors of each fruit.
Easy to customize: Use whatever tropical fruits you have on hand or are in season. Add or substitute with papaya, watermelon, or even star fruit to create your own unique version.
Quick prep time: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick side dish for dinner.
Healthy option: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this tropical fruit salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Glass of mixed fruit salad with grapes, kiwi, strawberries, and citrus slices.

What is Tropical Fruit Salad?

Tropical fruit salad is a refreshing mixture of fruits typically found in tropical climates, such as pineapple, mango, kiwi, and papaya. What sets a tropical fruit salad apart from regular fruit salads is the specific combination of exotic fruits that deliver bright, sweet flavors reminiscent of tropical destinations.

The honey lime dressing in this recipe enhances these tropical notes, bringing out the natural sweetness of the fruits while adding a tangy brightness that ties everything together. It’s like a mini vacation in every bite!

Tropical Fruit Salad Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Fresh strawberries – Their sweet-tart flavor adds a lovely dimension to the tropical mix. Look for bright red berries without soft spots for the best flavor and texture.
Kiwi – These small green fruits pack a big punch of vitamin C and add a beautiful color contrast to the salad. Choose kiwis that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness.
Red grapes – Sweet and juicy red grapes provide a nice textural contrast to the other fruits. Cut them in half for easier eating and to allow them to absorb more of the dressing.
Fresh blueberries – These little powerhouses of antioxidants add a pop of color and burst of flavor in each bite. No need to cut them—just wash and add to the mix.
Fresh pineapple – The star of any tropical fruit salad, fresh pineapple brings sweet tanginess and that unmistakable tropical flavor. For convenience, you can use canned pineapple chunks drained of juice.
Mandarin oranges – These sweet citrus segments add bright flavor and beautiful orange color. Fresh is best, but drained canned mandarin oranges work well too.
Mangoes – With their sweet, tropical flavor and buttery texture, mangoes are essential in a tropical fruit salad. Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness.
Lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty brightness that enhances all the fruit flavors. It also helps prevent browning of the fruit.
Honey – Natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the lime juice and enhances the sweetness of the fruits. Use local honey if available for the best flavor.
Mint leaves – Optional but recommended, fresh mint adds a cooling freshness that complements the tropical flavors perfectly.

Bowls of chopped fruits, honey, and vanilla Greek yogurt labeled on a white surface.

Substitutions and Additions

Papaya: Add cubed papaya for an authentic tropical taste and smooth texture. It pairs beautifully with the honey lime dressing in this recipe.
Banana: Slice in just before serving for added creaminess and tropical flavor. Avoid adding too early as bananas brown quickly.
Greek yogurt: Replace the lime juice and honey with vanilla Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing variation.
Coconut: Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for added tropical flair and a delightful crunch.
Watermelon: Add cubed watermelon for extra juiciness and a beautiful pink color contrast.
Star fruit: Slice star fruit crosswise to create star shapes that make a beautiful garnish and add a unique, mild flavor.

How to Make Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing (step-by-step directions)

Bowl of mixed fruit beside a bowl of golden liquid, both on a white surface.

STEP 1. Begin by washing all your fruits thoroughly. Hull and quarter the strawberries, peel and cube the kiwis, slice the grapes in half, and rinse the blueberries.

STEP 2. Peel and cube the fresh pineapple, separate the mandarin orange segments, and peel and cube the mangoes. Place all prepared fruit into a large mixing bowl. (Photo 1)

STEP 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice and honey (Photo 2) until well combined. If you prefer a creamy dressing, whisk vanilla Greek yogurt with honey instead. (Photos 3 & 4)

Yogurt and honey in a bowl, and mixture blended smooth in a bowl.

STEP 4. Pour the honey lime mixture over the prepared fruit and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-mix or you might bruise the more delicate fruits. (Photos 5 & 6)

Two bowls of colorful fruit salad, one plain and one mixed with a creamy dressing.

STEP 5. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color and flavor. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then give it another gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

A bowl of colorful mixed fruit salad with berries, grapes, and kiwi.

Recipe Tips

Use ripe but firm fruit: For the best texture in your tropical fruit salad, choose fruits that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when mixed.
Cut fruit into similar sizes: Try to cut all fruits into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and easier eating.
Add banana last: If using banana, add it just before serving to prevent browning and mushiness.
Chill the serving bowl: Place your serving bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before adding the fruit salad for an extra refreshing presentation.
Prepare ahead, dress later: You can cut most fruits a few hours ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Storing Tips

Storage: This tropical fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for limited time.
Refrigerator: Store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit will release juices as it sits, creating more liquid at the bottom of the container.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the fruits will become mushy when thawed.
Reheating: Not applicable – this dish is served cold.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant tropical fruit salad makes a perfect side dish for brunch alongside Savory Bacon Cheddar Scones or a Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish. It’s also wonderful paired with grilled dishes like Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for a light summer meal.

For a refreshing summer dessert, serve this tropical fruit salad with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Banana Cream Frozen Yogurt for a double dose of fruity goodness.

A bowl of mixed fruit salad with honey drizzled on top.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this tropical fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this tropical fruit salad up to 4 hours ahead of time. For best results, cut and mix all the fruits, but add the honey lime dressing about 30 minutes before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

How can I keep my tropical fruit salad from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure all fruits are well-drained after washing, and pat dry if necessary. Add juicy fruits like watermelon just before serving, and don’t over-dress the salad. Using firm, slightly underripe fruits can also help maintain texture.

What’s the best way to pick ripe mangoes for my fruit salad?

Ripe mangoes should give slightly when gently squeezed, similar to an avocado. They should also have a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem end. Color isn’t always a reliable indicator of ripeness as different varieties have different colors when ripe.

Can I use frozen fruit in this tropical fruit salad recipe?

Fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor in this tropical fruit salad. Frozen fruits tend to become mushy when thawed and release excess liquid, which can water down the honey lime dressing and affect the overall quality of the salad.

What other dressings work well with tropical fruit salad?

While honey lime dressing is perfect for this tropical fruit salad, you could also try a light drizzle of Apple Pomegranate Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing (just the dressing portion) for a unique twist, or simply use a splash of orange juice with a touch of vanilla extract for a milder flavor.

Need More Fruit Recipes? Try These:

A bowl of colorful mixed fruit salad with strawberries, grapes, kiwi, and oranges.

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