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Rainbow fruit salad with honey lime dressing brightens any table and makes eating fruit irresistible for kids and adults alike. This colorful bowl brings together a variety of juicy fruits and a tangy sweet glaze that ties everything together. It is a crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or just an easy way to sneak extra fresh fruit into your day.
I started making this fruit salad for my niece’s birthday years ago and it quickly turned into a family favorite for every summer gathering. It always disappears before anything else hits the table.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries: pick ripe berries for deep sweetness and balanced tartness hull and cut them so every bite is perfect
- Pineapple: look for a fragrant fruit with golden skin slice into chunks for juicy bursts
- Blueberries: berries should be plump and deeply colored for the freshest flavor
- Seedless red grapes: halve these for easy eating and sweetness
- Kiwis: ripe kiwis give a tangy green contrast peel and slice thinly
- Canned mandarin oranges in juice: drain them well for juicy citrus pops and convenience
- Ripe bananas: add creaminess and mellow sweetness slice just before mixing to keep them fresh
- Honey: choose a floral or light honey for best flavor and natural sweetness
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: brightens and balances the fruit sweetness only use fresh limes for the dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Gently wash and dry all the strawberries blueberries grapes and kiwis Hull quarter and slice each fruit into similar sized pieces so every bite is balanced
- Mix the Fruit:
- In a large mixing bowl add the strawberries pineapple blueberries grapes kiwis and drained mandarin oranges If you are serving soon add the sliced bananas to the bowl
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together the honey and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth and blended
- Combine and Toss:
- Right before serving drizzle the honey-lime dressing over your mixed fruit Gently toss everything together with a big spoon just enough to coat without smashing the fruit
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My kids always beg to help make this dish They love picking out fruit and creating their own fruit rainbow and some of our best giggles come from sneaking bites while we toss
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days The salad is best served fresh because bananas and kiwis soften quickly To keep leftovers fresh squeeze a little extra lime juice over the top before closing the container
Ingredient Substitutions
Nearly any fruit will work here Swap mango for pineapple or try raspberries instead of blueberries In peak stone fruit season add diced peaches or nectarines You can use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit salad as a healthy breakfast side dessert or refreshing snack You can also spoon it over Greek yogurt ice cream or pancakes for a colorful boost It is perfect for holiday brunches school potlucks or backyard picnics
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Cultural and Historical Context
Fruit salads have been a staple in gatherings and feasts worldwide for centuries This rainbow version fills your table with color and draws on classic picnic recipes with a modern twist The honey lime dressing gives a nod to tropical flavors found in many cultures
Recipe FAQs
- → Which fruits work best for this colorful blend?
Strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, blueberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, and bananas all bring unique flavors and hues. Choose ripe yet firm fruit for the best results.
- → How should the honey lime dressing be mixed?
Simply whisk honey and freshly squeezed lime juice together, then drizzle over the fruit just before serving for the freshest taste.
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep and combine the fruit in advance, but add the dressing shortly before serving to keep everything crisp and prevent browning.
- → Are there easy substitutions for certain fruits?
Absolutely. Swap in mango, peaches, or blackberries based on seasonality and preference, adjusting quantities as needed.
- → How do I keep bananas from browning?
Add bananas right before serving, and the lime in the honey drizzle helps slow down any browning by providing acidity.