Whenever I think of the a fruit salad, the first thing that comes to mind is the fruit cocktail. However, there are so many other fruits that are rich in flavor and also tropical that individuals would enjoy. This recipe can be used as a healthy meal, afternoon snack or easy side dish. Either way, this recipe is great for the summer months where there is warmer weather. The tropical flavors of these fruits will make you feel like you’re on a nice tropical island like Costa Rica. The combination of fruits that I used for this tropical fruit salad recipe is both refreshing and versatile.
I’ve also paired a minty honey-lime dressing that is perfect for melding all the tropical flavors. Although, I have listed a good bit of fruit varieties below, please note that this recipe is pretty versatile. Furthermore, many of these fruits can be found at your local grocery store like Kroger, Publix, Fresh Market, Sprouts, etc.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- You can incorporate more tropical fruits
- Refreshing side dish
- Delicious flavors from a combination of tropical fruits
- Best side dish for your next backyard BBQ that is healthy.
- Great afternoon snack between meals
- Healthy dessert
I particularly love this recipe because it’s a natural energy booster for when I’m trying to stay healthy. Even if you don’t use all the special ingredients for this recipe, you can always use leftovers for a smoothie.
What are the typical sweet tropical fruits?
Tropical fruits are those that thrive in warm and tropical climates. A few examples and their flavor profiles would include:
- Mango – sweet
- Pineapple – tangy and sweet; also common for salsa, sauces for proteins.
- Banana – staple tropical fruit
- Papaya – Soft and sweet
- Guava- Sweet and mildly tart,
- Passion Fruit – Sweet and tart; very versatile as it is used in juiced, cocktails, and smoothies
- Dragon Fruit – mildly sweet
- Star Fruit- sweet, crisp and tangy
Benefits of fresh tropical fruits:
- Fiber – Bananas and pineapples aids in digestion.
- High in vitamins and minerals, Tropical fruits are usually high in vitamin C and vitamin A
- Not only are tropical fruits contain ascorbic acid, but some contain citric acid as well.
Fresh tropical fruit salad ingredients:
- Kiwi fruit
- Dragon fruit
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Strawberry
Honey-lime dressing for fruit:
- Honey
- Lime
- Kosher Salt
- Mint
Basic instructions for this easy tropical fruit salad recipe:
Ensure all fruit are clean before prepping.
Cut pieces of fruit and set aside in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, pour in the honey, mint, and lime juice. Mix all the ingredients.
Once the dressing is done, pour over the fruit and refrigerate.
For more detailed instructions, review the recipe card below.
Looking for more healthy sides? Try my other easy recipes: Baked Broccoli Cheddar Bites
How can I store the fresh tropical fruit?
- You would store the fruit in a separate airtight container to ensure freshness. Place in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. Please make sure it is an airtight container!
How can I store the honey-lime dressing?
- You should place the honey-lime in a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tropical Fruit Salad
This tropical fruit salad is an amazing side dish for cookouts, but can be used as a midday snack!
Ingredients
Honey-lime dressing
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1 lime + lime zest
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Mint
New Group Fruit Salad
- 1/2 cup strawberries, cut
- 1 dragon fruit
- 1 Mango
- 1 Kiwi
- 1-2 Star Fruit
Instructions
- Clean the fresh pineapple, ripe mangos, kiwi, dragon fruit, and mandarin oranges. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Begin with the simple honey lime dressing for your fruit.
- In a small bowl, pour in the honey.
- Zest the lime over the honey.
- Cut the lime and squeeze the lime juice into the bowl of honey, lime zest, and mint.
- Mix the honey and lime ingredients. Set aside as you prepare the fresh fruit.
- Using a cutting board and pairing knife, cut fruit and place in the large bowl.
- Once you have a full bowl of fresh fruit, drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the fruit.
- Toss the dressing into the fruit to ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Next, cover the tossed ingredients to place into the refrigerator.
- This process will ensure the tropical flavors meld with the dressing.
- After 10-15 minutes, your fruit bowl is ready for consumption.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 4gSugar: 42gProtein: 1g
This is an estimate and may not be 100% precise.