Introduction
You’re about to make a vibrant, sun-kissed salad that tastes like a vacation in a bowl. The combination of sweet tropical fruits is brightened perfectly by a simple lime and honey dressing, resulting in a refreshing dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the ultimate easy, healthy dessert or side for any gathering.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 cup papaya chunks
- 2 cups mango chunks
- 1 cup kiwi slices
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional garnishes: Mint sprigs and lime slices
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the pineapple chunks, papaya chunks, mango chunks, kiwi slices, and raspberries.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the honey and lime juice. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, just until the honey is warm and easy to stir (about 1 minute total, stirring halfway). Alternatively, you can whisk them together in a bowl without heating if your honey is already very runny.
- Pour the warm honey-lime mixture over the prepared fruit.
- Toss the fruit very gently until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual dishes. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Variations
- Grilled Fruit Salad: For a caramelized flavor, lightly grill the pineapple, mango, and papaya chunks before chopping and adding to the salad.
- Fruit Salad Parfaits: Layer the dressed fruit with yogurt or coconut whipped cream in glasses for an elegant individual dessert.
- Savory Twist: Add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of Tajín chili-lime seasoning over the finished salad for a sweet, tangy, and salty flavor profile.
- Smoothie Bowl: Reserve a portion of the dressed salad, freeze it solid, then blend it with a splash of coconut milk for a tropical smoothie bowl base.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe but firm fruit for the best texture and sweetness. Overly soft fruit will become mushy when tossed.
- To make the honey easier to mix, if you’re not using the microwave method, let the jar sit in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to thin it.
- Toss the salad gently and add the delicate raspberries last to prevent them from breaking apart.
- If preparing ahead, combine all the fruits except the raspberries with the dressing and chill. Add the raspberries and give it one final gentle toss right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the fruit will soften and release more juices over time, especially the raspberries. This recipe is best served fresh and should not be reheated.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, prepare it no more than a few hours in advance. Combine all ingredients except the raspberries and refrigerate. Add the raspberries just before serving.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
My fruit isn’t very sweet. What can I do?
The dressing will help, but you can taste the salad after mixing and add a little more honey if needed. Be sure to use the sweetest, ripest fruit available for the best results.
Can I use frozen fruit?
It’s not recommended for this fresh salad recipe. Thawed frozen fruit will be very soft and release a lot of water, diluting the dressing and creating a mushy texture.
Why microwave the honey and lime juice?
Warming them together makes it easy to create a smooth, pourable dressing that coats the fruit evenly without having to whisk vigorously.
How do I keep the kiwi from making the salad soggy?
Kiwi contains an enzyme that can break down other fruits. For longer storage (more than a few hours), you can keep the kiwi slices separate and add them when you add the raspberries. For immediate serving, this is not a concern.
