Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

This Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion—from cookouts and potlucks to healthy weeknight dinners. Packed with juicy summer fruits like strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and kiwis, it’s tossed in a simple two-ingredient honey lime dressing that enhances natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit. This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and delivers a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with Vitamin C, making it an ideal light side or even a guilt-free dessert.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 12 oz strawberries

  • 3 peaches

  • 1½ cups blueberries

  • 2–3 kiwis

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

  1. Wash and cut strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and kiwis into bite-sized pieces.

  2. In a small bowl, combine honey and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk until well blended.

  3. Place all the cut fruits into a large bowl.

  4. Pour the honey lime dressing over the fruits and gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to squish the fruit.

  5. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 2mg
Vitamin A: 300 IU
Vitamin C: 72mg
Potassium: 364mg
Calcium: 27mg
Iron: 1mg

Why This Fruit Salad Stands Out

Unlike many fruit salads that rely on sugary syrups or canned fruits, this version uses only fresh produce and a clean, two-ingredient dressing. It’s free from refined sugars and artificial additives, which not only enhances its health benefits but also allows the natural flavor of the fruit to shine.

The combination of strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and kiwis offers a diverse blend of textures—from the juicy bite of peaches to the soft chew of kiwis and the burst of blueberries. Each fruit brings its own vitamin-rich profile, making this salad not only delicious but also highly nutritious.

Health Benefits You’ll Love

This fruit salad is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, which help support skin health and immune function. Blueberries are known for their high levels of anthocyanins—potent antioxidants that support brain and heart health. Peaches provide beta carotene and fiber, promoting good digestion and healthy vision. Meanwhile, kiwis are packed with vitamin C and actinidin, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion.

The dressing itself, made from just honey and lime juice, adds a burst of flavor without overloading the dish with calories. Honey provides natural antibacterial properties and quick-release energy, while lime juice offers a dose of vitamin C and aids in hydration and digestion. Altogether, this dish is low in fat, gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

A Recipe Made for Any Occasion

One of the best features of this fruit salad is its versatility. It’s an excellent addition to:

Summer cookouts – Serve it chilled in a large bowl to complement grilled meats or barbecue.

Potlucks and picnics – It’s easy to transport and won’t weigh down your plate.

Weeknight dinners – A great way to sneak in extra fruits and brighten the dinner table.

Brunch spreads – Adds color and freshness to any breakfast or brunch.

Healthy desserts – Satisfies a sweet tooth naturally, especially when chilled.

This dish is also highly adaptable. You can use any combination of fresh fruits based on what’s in season or available in your fridge. Watermelon, pineapple, grapes, or oranges all work beautifully in this dish. Just keep the honey lime dressing as your base and mix in your favorite flavors.

Tips for Perfecting Your Fruit Salad

To ensure your salad is as visually appealing and delicious as possible, here are a few helpful tips:

Use ripe but firm fruit – Overripe fruit can turn mushy and water down the dressing. Choose fruit that holds its shape well when cut.

Cut evenly – Keeping fruit pieces around the same size ensures even distribution of flavor and prevents heavier fruits from settling at the bottom.

Add the dressing just before serving – While you can prep the fruit ahead of time, it’s best to toss it with the dressing right before serving to preserve texture.

Chill before serving – Letting the fruit salad sit in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes helps the flavors meld and gives it a refreshing chill.

Garnish for added flair – A few mint leaves or edible flowers can elevate the presentation, especially for special occasions.

How to Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a base that can be adapted to fit different tastes and dietary goals:

Make it tropical – Swap in mango, papaya, and pineapple for a vacation-style twist.

Add crunch – Toss in some chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds just before serving.

Make it creamy – A dollop of coconut cream or Greek yogurt on the side makes for a richer variation.

Include grains – Quinoa or couscous can be added for a heartier fruit salad that works as a light lunch.

Spice it up – A tiny sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín seasoning can give your fruit salad a spicy edge that pairs especially well with lime.

Storage and Meal Prep

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can be prepped in advance with a few tricks. Store cut fruit in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day before serving. Store the honey lime dressing separately and mix it in right before eating. This helps keep the fruit from becoming soggy and extends its shelf life.

Leftovers, if any, can be stored in the fridge for another day. However, fruits like strawberries and peaches tend to soften quickly once dressed, so it’s best to eat them soon after assembling.

Nutrition Snapshot

Per serving, this fruit salad clocks in at just around 120 calories. It offers about 30 grams of carbohydrates—mostly natural sugars from fruit—and 4 grams of dietary fiber to aid digestion and promote satiety. With negligible fat and sodium, it’s an ideal option for those watching their heart health, weight, or sugar intake.

Most importantly, it provides a strong boost of vitamin C (about 72mg per serving), which supports immune health, collagen production, and overall vitality. With potassium, iron, and trace amounts of calcium, this salad checks a lot of boxes for nutritional value.

Conclusion

This Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is a beautifully simple dish that delivers on all fronts: taste, nutrition, versatility, and ease. Whether you’re planning a casual meal or a festive gathering, it’s the kind of recipe you can rely on to impress without stress. Bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and kiwis, and enhanced by a tangy, silky honey lime glaze, every bite is both refreshing and satisfying.

Best of all, it’s a dish that encourages creativity and embraces the beauty of seasonal eating. As a side, a snack, or a light dessert, this salad is a feel-good addition to any menu that keeps things deliciously fresh and fuss-free. Try it once, and it may just become a staple in your healthy recipe repertoire.

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