The Best Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

from 39 votes

This will be The Best Fruit Salad to ever cross your lips! The honey-lime dressing is sweet, tangy and pairs perfectly with whatever fruit is in season. It’s cool, refreshing and tastes even better when made a day in advance!

A large serving bowl containing fruit salad with diced cantaloupe and honeydew melon, blueberries, raspberries and pomegranate arils.

That big ol’ bowl of rainbow-colored juiciness was a total accident. I actually shot the above photo with my iPhone and after sharing it on Instagram, I realized quite quickly that sometimes the simplest of recipes can be the biggest of hits.

I was inundated with requests for the recipe, and since I am never one to deny the culinarily curious, I present to you The Best Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing!

I brought this fruit salad as a super last-minute potluck addition for a friend’s brunch and, call me crazy, but it was gone before the platter of bacon!

I’ve awarded it the title of “The Best Fruit Salad” because it encompasses everything you want in this side dish staple:

  • A rainbow of color
  • A refreshing crunch
  • A balance of sweetness and tanginess

You can serve it as is or layer it up with yogurt for the ultimate parfait. Best of all, we’re talking about a fruit salad here, not nuclear fission, so use this recipe as a basic template but feel free to swap in whatever fruit is in season to really make the most of this dish 365 days a year.

A rainbow of fresh fruit, including sliced strawberries, sliced cantaloupe, sliced pineapple, sliced honeydew melon, blueberries, purple grapes and pomegranate arils.

Ingredients

  • Strawberries or raspberries: I love both of these berries! Strawberries add a classic touch, while raspberries contribute a slightly tart and bold flavor. 
  • Cantaloupe: Pick a cantaloupe that smells sweet at the stem end and feels slightly soft. A smooth, tan netted pattern on the skin means it’s ripe.
  • Pineapple: Choose a pineapple with a fragrant, sweet smell at the base. The leaves at the crown should be green and pluck out easily. Press the skin; it should give slightly but not feel too soft. See my pineapple guide for how to easily cut your pineapple.
  • Honeydew melon: A ripe honeydew will have a creamy color and a sweet fragrance. Press on the blossom end – if it gives slightly, it’s ready. Even though the interior is a light green, there shouldn’t be a green tint on the skin.
  • Blueberries: Choose plump, firm blueberries with a uniform color. Blackberries would be delicious, too!
  • Grapes: My #1 tip for the grapes – go seedless! Whether they’re red, green or purple, opting for seedless grapes makes for a smoother snacking experience.
  • Pomegranate arils: I love the burst of tartness and crunch these add to any dish. Select a pomegranate with smooth, unblemished skin and a heavy feel for its size. Or, opt for pre-packaged arils for convenience!

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

The Best Fruit Salad Dressing

This simple fruit salad dressing is made without any cream or other heavy ingredients you might see in other recipes. All you need is:

  • Honey: Brings sweetness with a touch of complexity to balance the acidity of the lime.
  • Fresh lime juice and lime zest: This dynamic duo adds a zesty, citrusy kick to the dressing. It not only enhances the flavor but also brightens up the entire salad.

How to Make Fruit Salad

Assembling this fruit salad is a total breeze. 

  1. Slice, dice and chop your fruit.
  2. Toss all the fruit into a bowl. 
  3. Make the honey-lime dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime zest and lime juice. 
Honey being poured into a clear bowl that contains lime juice and lime zest.
  1. Add the dressing to the bowl with the fruit and toss to combine.

Pro Tip: Serve the fruit salad in a carved-out watermelon half or pineapple bowl for a creative and stunning presentation.

Seasonal Variations

Here are some suggestions for fruit combinations, but feel free to let your creativity guide you!

  • Summer Fruit Salad: For a summertime twist, use mango, kiwi and papaya.
  • Fall Fruit Salad: In the fall, I love adding crisp apples (Honeycrisp is my favorite!), pears and figs. Sometimes I’ll even toss in a handful of chopped walnuts just before serving.
  • Winter Fruit Salad: Grapefruit, blood oranges and persimmons are perfect for a wintery mix. Or, try my favorite citrus salad with honey dressing.

Tips

  • Mix and match fruits based on what’s in season and what you like best. 
  • Make it in advance! This allows the fruit to marinate in the honey-lime dressing, amplify the flavors.
  • Add bananas and apples only if you plan to serve the fruit salad immediately. Both can brown and change texture over time.
  • Don’t use frozen fruit! Stick to fresh fruit to maintain the salad’s crispness and prevent the unwanted texture that comes with thawing frozen fruit (soft, mushy and watery).
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, this salad is so delicious that there might not be much left to store!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make fruit salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often whip it up a day in advance and toss it with the honey-lime dressing then keep it covered in the fridge until it’s ready to serve. The added chill time amplifies the flavors.

Can I use frozen fruit in a fruit salad?

It’s best to use fresh fruit for optimal texture. Frozen fruit tends to become mushy and watery as it thaws.

How do I keep the fruit salad from getting too watery?

Be sure to thoroughly dry washed fruit before adding it to the salad to prevent excess water from accumulating at the bottom.

A rainbow of fresh fruit, including sliced strawberries, sliced cantaloupe, sliced pineapple, sliced honeydew melon, blueberries, purple grapes and pomegranate seeds.

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Salad

The Best Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Win the side dish game with this fast and fresh recipe for The Best Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing.
Author: Kelly Senyei
5 from 39 votes
A large serving bowl containing fruit salad with diced cantaloupe and honeydew melon, blueberries, raspberries and pomegranate arils.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries or raspberries
  • 1 1/2 cups diced cantaloupe
  • 1 1/2 cups diced pineapple
  • 1 1/2 cups diced honeydew melon
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup halved grapes
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Fresh mint, for garnishing

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, toss together the strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, honeydew melon, blueberries, grapes and pomegranate arils.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime zest and lime juice. Add the dressing to the bowl with the fruit and toss to combine. 
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately or store, covered securely with plastic wrap, in the fridge. 

Kelly’s Notes

  • Mix and match fruits based on what’s in season and what you like best.
  • Add bananas and apples only if you plan to serve the fruit salad immediately. Both can brown and change texture over time.
  • Don’t use frozen fruit! Stick to fresh fruit to maintain the salad’s crispness and prevent the unwanted texture that comes with thawing frozen fruit (soft, mushy and watery).
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 12mg, Potassium: 314mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 1070IU, Vitamin C: 52.6mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 0.5mg

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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.


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5 from 39 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Kat says:

    5 stars
    The dressing is so versatile and delicious! Adds just the right amount of brightness to the fruit!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you’re enjoying it, Kat!

  2. Jennifer Cannady says:

    5 stars
    So yummy! I served this yesterday at a bridal shower brunch and guests really enjoyed it. That honey-lime dressing is delish! Thank you for sharing it

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m thrilled to hear that you and the guests enjoyed the recipe, Jennifer!

  3. Sharon Lisette says:

    5 stars
    AWESOMENESS! I had a hankering for exactly this type of salad. And it’s great to bring for my lunch at work!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sharon!

  4. Ellen Jerrick says:

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe! Perfect for summer. Loved the dressing, very light and bright.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe, Ellen!

  5. Kevin Hulse says:

    I made the honey lime dressing and did put a bit of orange juice in one time thanks Kelly.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Kevin! Enjoy!

  6. Hana Bartlett says:

    5 stars
    Really easy and refreshing! I used drained canned pineapple in place of fresh, and it worked well. I didn’t add the pomegranate, due to personal preference, but I think it was fine without it. I also added whole milk Greek yogurt to the dressing. It made a nice creamy dressing and the tanginess was perfect. Low or no fat would probably also work fine. This will be my go-to fruit salad!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Hana!

  7. Sarah says:

    5 stars
    This was so delightfully tangy and fresh. Excellent.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sarah!

  8. Lynn Cain says:

    Bought my fruit and I’m ready to make this for Easter lunch. I wanted a fruit salad for my Easter table and this looks like it will fit the bill. Thanks for posting it. I’m looking forwarding to eating it and I know my family will enjoy it!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I hope you and your family enjoy the fruit salad, Lynn!

  9. Carol says:

    5 stars
    Delicious and refreshing, as well as light tasting

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Carol!

  10. Kristi says:

    5 stars
    I make this all the time and it so so good!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Kristi!

  11. Erin says:

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe! I used a few different fruits and added just a pinch of salt to the dressing, but all-in-all this is a beautiful and tasty twist on the classic fruit salad.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Erin!

  12. AnneH says:

    Just Wow! That dressing is absolutely killer. I am a huge lime fan and the honey (I used orange blossom) tempers it so well. More than the sum of its parts, so simple yet effective. I used late season watermelon and cantaloupe and dressing those lightly did a lot for off-peak fruit. Added grapes, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries and pom airels on a very large oversized platter in layers that created a mountain that took everyone’s breath away. I never before dressed fruit salad but I’m a convert. I will now need to explore your site in depth.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      This is what I love to read, Anne! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, and welcome to Just a Taste! :)

    2. Mila Genkova says:

      5 stars
      I am really sorry that i found this recipe just now because it makes for a great study snack and it is delicious quick and amazing. I just added some caramel flavoured syrup to the dressing and removed the pomegranate and it’s truly the best fruit salad ever! Thank you soooo so much for skipping me the headache of trying to think of a quick simple and delicious snack ever single time I start studying.

      1. Kelly Senyei says:

        I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Mila! Good luck with studying!

  13. Mady Rothchild says:

    5 stars
    Simple and delicious. Not much more need be said.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Mady!

  14. Rhonda says:

    I made this last night, with a bit of hesitation. Due to fact that I’m not a big lime fan. But after reading the reviews I thought I would give it a try.
    I am so glad I did, just delicious and the lime … just but the finesse to it. Just goes to show you how not to judge anything without first knowing.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rhonda!

  15. Marvette says:

    I made the fruit salad with honey-lime dressing minus the pomegranate and it was delicious. Thank you just a taste. Next time in going to add white peaches

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Marvette!

  16. Pat Scott says:

    5 stars
    Great for Memorial Day get together. Looking forward to eating it .
    Thanks again Kelly!
    Pat

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Pat! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  17. Sheila Jones. (Cardinal ) says:

    Can you use lemon instead of limes & some frozen fruit?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Absolutely, Sheila!

  18. Ann Buettner says:

    5 stars
    Love making this salad….great fruit combos and delicious dressing. I make what I have on hand…apples, pears, raisins….. Thanks for a great recipe!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Ann! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying it!

  19. Mary says:

    5 stars
    I made this last weekend for a neighborhood brunch. Winner, winner! Thank you!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Mary! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  20. Neil says:

    Weights as well as volumes please. The majority of the world isn’t American.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Hi Neil – I don’t provide metric conversions for my recipes, as I cannot guarantee they would be 100% accurate without being tested. However, you are welcome to use an online converter. :)

  21. Jo Hightower says:

    I made this a few years ago and we all loved it .. lost the recipe .. so thanks again!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you found the recipe again, Jo!

  22. Thea says:

    How far in advance can this be made? Will it be ok to make a day before a gathering?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Absolutely, Thea! I often whip it up a day in advance and toss it with the honey-lime dressing then keep it covered in the fridge until it’s ready to serve. The added chill time amplifies the flavors. :)

  23. Tonya P says:

    5 stars
    Amazing and tangy. The best recipe out there for fruit salad. Thank you!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Tonya! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  24. Freya says:

    5 stars
    I didn’t have all the fruit for this recipe but I used what I had. Fortunately I had pomegranate arils because they added a nice fresh pop of flavor. Served with Jalapeño brats. I will definitely make this again. So easy and delicious. Thank You!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Freya! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  25. Colleen says:

    My go to fruit recipe for family gatherings and work pot luck. Making for the 3rd time in 3 months. This time for a Father’s Day brunch. We love it so much.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Yay! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Colleen!

  26. Camille says:

    5 stars
    Excellent and the dressing is the best, fresh and tangy. I tried it with maple syrup instead of honey and it’s yummy

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Camille!

  27. Cindy Hof says:

    5 stars
    Had it for brunch this morning. So light and fresh tasting.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Cindy!

  28. misty says:

    5 stars
    it was delicious and amazing thanks for the recipe

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Misty! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!

  29. Glenda Edwards says:

    I took your fruit salad to my brunch time book club with the honey and lime dressing. It is beautiful in appearance and the dressing is perfect. It was 3/4 gone by eight women. Guess they liked it!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Glenda!

  30. DIANNE FARRELL says:

    5 stars
    My fruit salad consisted of oranges, apples, strawberries, mangoes, and kiwi. I don’t usually sweeten my fruit salads with any kind of sugar. I like the natural blend of sweetness from the fruit. I am taking my fruit salad to work and decided I would sweeten it a little so I tried the recipe with the honey, lime juice, and lime zest. I tried a bowl of fruit before I took it to work and YUMMY! Not too sweet and blends with the natural sweetness of all of the fruits. I will definitely use this dressing on my fruit salads again. Thanks for sharing it.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Dianne! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  31. Susan Ramsey says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Just the right amount of sweetness and tartness.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the fruit salad, Susan!

  32. Melba Rhodes-Stanford says:

    Love the fruit salad with honey lime dressing! As far as prep time, unless you are using pre-cut fruits, make sure you factor in cutting time for the melons, pineapple, strawberries and grapes…took me a couple of hours! Still, was worth it! Great salad!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Melba!

  33. JShimko says:

    5 stars
    I used the freshest fruits we had-lots of watermelon, berries and pineapple. The dressing is the absolute best! The lime balances sweetness of honey-its perfect! Everyone asks for recipe. I like a bit of salty with my fruits so I add just a sprinkle of feta, not much at all.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe! And I love your addition of feta cheese!

  34. Cee Jay Kay says:

    5 stars
    I made a fruit salad of strawberries, apples and peaches, then decided that I wanted a dressing for it, so started searching the web. I’ll admit I was kind of dubious about the honey. I though it might make the salad too sweet so I backed off on the amount. Because my salad contained peaches, I added a tiny splash of peach brandy to the dressing. It was soooo good! I have a party to go to on Saturday and am thinking about making this again, maybe with your suggested fruits.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe for the honey-lime dressing!

  35. Darlene Nicholas says:

    5 stars
    I made the basic fruit/green salad with spring mix, different-colored cherry tomatoes, Maine blueberries, and seedless watermelon chunks. I needed a fruit salad dressing and found this recipe. I didn’t have a lime for the zest, so just used honey and lime juice. It was delicious!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you enjoyed the recipe!

  36. Shery Sullivan says:

    5 stars
    I didn’t make it yet but I will for my niece’s graduation party. I want to know if this really makes 8 servings.
    Your bowl looks like it makes a lot more. She will have a lot of people with a lot of other food. Should I double it
    and double the dressing? I’m sure it will be awesome.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Hi Shery – Yes, this recipe yields 8 servings so you’d have to gauge how hungry your group may be in order to determine the amount you’d need. I always err on people having big appetites :)

  37. Jackie Hill says:

    I also made this the first time for Easter, and everyone raved about it. I didn’t have any fresh limes, but instead used the real lime juice in a bottle and I had lemons, so used lemon zest. It was really good! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Jackie! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!

  38. Susanna K says:

    5 stars
    So delicious! I brought this to a picnic today & it was completely gone in about 15 minutes!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Woohoo! This is what I love to hear, Susanna!

  39. Maribea Berry says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious for my spring tea party.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!

  40. Mary Roge says:

    5 stars
    Add this recipe for a graduation party the first time ever. I had so much that I had to put it in a round tupper ware cake holder. Every bite was eaten. Big hit.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Mary!

  41. Julie says:

    This is amazing – my family raved about it. It is a keeper :)

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled to hear this, Julie!

  42. Susie Krepel says:

    5 stars
    We just had your salad with the lime/honey dressing for Easter morning breakfast. It was a terrific hit with the whole family. I made a huge bowl of it, and every morsel was devoured and exclaimed over. Many thanks.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Love hearing this, Susie! I’m so thrilled the recipe was enjoyed by all!

  43. Skye says:

    5 stars
    Ah, April in New England when soon the buds on the trees will sprout. What do I turn to? The best fruit salad with honey-lime dressing! I’m eating it right now and it’s delicious. Thanks for this receipe. :)

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Skye! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!

  44. Karen says:

    5 stars
    I never used a dressing before on a fruit salad, so I was a bit wary when someone gave me this recipe to use for a bridal shower. I love it! I just don’t want it to soak in too much, so I will put the dressing on only about a couple of hours beforehand.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Karen!

  45. Sami says:

    5 stars
    I love that it’s lime and honey super simple and super delicious. Admittedly I made a fruit salad dressing yesterday from another website and to put it politely it wasn’t really to my taste it had alot of lemonyness a shovel of zest a bucket of juice both lemon and orange it asked for a 1/4 cup of brown sugar but it was more like a kilo of brown sugar to get it tasting half appealing. So I wasn’t that keen to pour it all over the giant bowl of fruity deliciousness i had just spent the last 2 hours cutting up without atleast having a look if this was anything else out there. Needless to say your dressing won the competition and made it to the table ☺ x

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the honey-lime dressing recipe, Sami! :)

  46. Skingrey says:

    5 stars
    I love that it doesn’t have refined sugar in it. Even with a lot of substitutions for the fruit, it was delicious! My favorite new dressing!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!