This classic Fruit Salad is fresh, colorful, and tossed with a simple honey citrus dressing that makes every bite taste bright and juicy. It has all the colors of the rainbow, making it a beautiful side dish for brunch, BBQs, holidays, and summer potlucks.
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Fruit Salad Video
Watch my video tutorial, and you’ll see just how easy this fruit salad is to make. It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the fruit ahead of time and add the honey-citrus dressing just before serving so the fruit stays juicy and colorful and doesn’t get watery.
Classic Fruit Salad Recipe
I first developed this fruit salad recipe after getting suggestions from my readers a few years ago, and then I brought it to my sister’s baby shower, where it got rave reviews. I love this community!
Now it’s one of the first things I add to the menu for parties, BBQs, brunches, and summer gatherings. This rainbow fruit salad always draws people to the table, and the honey citrus dressing works with just about any mix of seasonal fruit.
I usually serve it in a large bowl with a big serving spoon, but you can also thread the fruit onto toothpicks or small skewers and drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving.
Fruit Salad Ingredients
The best fruit salad starts with ripe, fresh fruit. Choose fruit that’s sweet, colorful, and in season when you can, then cut everything into bite-sized pieces so each spoonful has a little bit of everything.
- Strawberries – Look for bright red berries with fresh green tops and no soft spots or mold. Hull and quarter them, or halve smaller berries.
- Pineapple – A ripe pineapple should smell sweet at the base and feel firm with a little give. Core and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Blueberries – Choose plump, deep blue berries and remove any soft or shriveled ones.
- Grapes – I love red grapes for their sweetness and color. Slice them in half so they’re easier to eat, especially for kids.
- Kiwi – Peel off the fuzzy skin, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces. You’ll love my tip on how to cut a kiwi below.
- Mandarin oranges or clementines – Use fresh, peeled citrus and cut into segments, or watch my video for my easy-peel method. I prefer fresh mandarins over canned so the salad doesn’t get watery.
- Honey Citrus Dressing – A simple mix of honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and mint (mint is optional, but delicious).
Easy Way to Cut a Kiwi
I only recently learned the easiest way to cut and peel a ripe kiwi, and it works so well. Slice off both ends of the kiwi, then slide a spoon just under the skin and run it all the way around to loosen the peel. For best results, use a spoon that fits the size of the kiwi.
If your kiwi is still firm or underripe, the spoon trick won’t work as well, so it’s better to cut the skin away with a paring knife.
Fruit Salad Variations
- Mango – Swap for kiwi or pineapple. Peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Apples – Great for fall fruit salad. Use crisp apples and add them just before serving so they don’t brown.
- Raspberries or blackberries – Add them just before serving so they don’t get crushed.
- Peaches or nectarines – Perfect for summer. Use ripe but firm fruit so it holds its shape.
- Watermelon – Use in place of pineapple or grapes, but add it shortly before serving since it releases a lot of juice.
- Cherries – A fun summer add-in. Pit and halve them before adding.
How to Make a Fruit Salad
This fruit salad comes together quickly, and you can prep the fruit ahead. For the freshest texture, wait to add the dressing until just before serving.
- Prep the fruit – Wash and dry the fruit well so the dressing clings and the salad doesn’t get watery. Peel, hull, and cut everything into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so every spoonful has a little bit of everything.
- Add to a bowl – Add the prepared fruit to a large mixing bowl. If you want to impress everyone, arrange the fruit in sections or stripes before tossing.
- Make the dressing – In a small bowl, stir together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Add the mint to taste, if using. It’s optional, but it gives the salad a fresh pop of flavor. My friend Adrienne taught me to use mint, and now I always add it!
- Dress and serve – Drizzle the dressing over the fruit just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a fresh, colorful side for BBQs and cookouts, especially next to smoky, savory, or grilled foods. Some of our favorite pairings are:
Bring this Classic Fruit Salad to your next potluck, BBQ, or brunch—it’s fresh, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The honey-lime dressing makes the fruit shine and keeps everyone coming back for refills.
Fruit Salad
This classic fruit salad is fresh, colorful, and tossed in a light honey-lime dressing. It’s the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing fruit salad people expect for brunches, potlucks, holidays, and summer gatherings.
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Prep the fruit – Wash and dry the fruit well. Peel, hull, and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces, keeping them similar in size.
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Add to a bowl – Place the prepared fruit in a large mixing bowl. For a pretty presentation, arrange the fruit by color before tossing.
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Make the dressing – In a small bowl, stir together the 2 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp lime zest. Stir in the mint, if using.
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Dress and serve – Drizzle the dressing over the fruit just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.
- Remove the Kiwi and add mango
- Swap the Mandarin oranges for chopped apples or grapes
- Add raspberries or blackberries just before serving
- Summer: Replace the pineapple or grapes with watermelon.
Storage and Make Ahead:
- Make-Ahead: Fruit salad is best served fresh, but you can prep the fruit a few hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Add the dressing just before serving so the fruit stays bright and juicy without getting watery.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit will soften and release juices as it sits, but those sweet juices are delicious spooned over Greek yogurt or layered into parfaits.
136kcal Calories35g Carbs2g Protein1g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Fruit Salad
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
More Fruit Salad Recipes
If you love the freshness of this classic fruit salad recipe, I know you’ll love these other fruit salad recipes.
