This recipe for tropical fruit salad is a colorful mixture of mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple and raspberries coated in a honey lime dressing. The perfect summer salad!
This refreshing and colorful combination of tropical fruit is an easy side dish that’s great for entertaining or for an everyday meal.
When I think warm weather, I think tropical – I just can’t help it! It’s been a long time since taken a Hawaiian vacation but I’m still constantly creating dishes with island flare. This tropical fruit salad is the perfect summer entertaining recipe – it’s great for brunch, the perfect make-ahead potluck fare, or the ultimate refreshing side dish for a barbecue. And while fresh fruit is great on its own, it’s even more amazing when you pair it with an easy honey lime dressing!
How do you make tropical fruit salad?
For this recipe you’ll need a variety of fresh and colorful fruit like pineapple, papaya, kiwi and mango. I added raspberries here even though they’re not technically a tropical fruit, simply because they add great color and flavor. The fruit gets get into evenly sized pieces, then gently tossed in a simple combination of honey and lime juice.
What fruits are good to mix together?
When I’m making a fruit salad such as this tropical fruit salad, I try to go for a variety of colors, flavors and textures. I also use hardier fruit that won’t brown or turn mushy in the salad, I avoid apples and bananas for the most part for that reason.
There are typically two different types of papaya available at the grocery store – the large, elongated Mexican papayas, and the smaller, pear shaped Hawaiian papayas. I typically use Mexican papaya for this salad because it’s a beautiful orange color and costs a lot less than the Hawaiian papayas.
The fruits I use in this recipe are just a suggestion, you can mix and match other fruits to create a custom salad if you prefer. Some great additions to this salad are
- oranges
- strawberries
- shredded coconut
- grapes
This tropical fruit salad can be made up to one hour before you plan to serve it. I don’t recommend trying to store it for longer than that, simply because the delicate raspberries and papaya may break down in the citrus based dressing.
Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!
More great ways to eat fruit
Tropical Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 cup papaya chunks
- 2 cups mango chunks
- 1 cup kiwi slices
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional garnishes: Mint sprigs and lime slices
Instructions
- Place the pineapple, papaya, mango, kiwi and raspberries in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat. Serve, garnished with mint sprigs and lime slices if desired.
Nutrition
This post has been sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Dinner at the Zoo possible! This post was originally published on May 10, 2016 and was updated on May 9, 2018 with new content and photos.
David Allen Elliott says
I love making fruit salads with a lot of different fruits. I wouldn’t have thought to put coconut with it, but I can see why it would be good. I will have to try this out. I love kiwis!
Alaina Monster says
I love how colourful this is. Perfect for these warmer days!
Suzanne says
I love fruit salads and this one has all the right ones in it. Yum!
Genny says
Perfect summer salad, very refreshing, healthy and extraordinarily tasty
Agata says
It’s so colorful it almost feels fake! It’s great to see that some bloggers still post amagizng, engaging content! Keep up the good work!
Kareen Liez Datoy says
Oh my! Why are you doing this to me?lol. I had been craving for this for days! Would definitely make one!
Kirsten says
I love fruit so this looks delicious! It also looks really refreshing which is perfect for summer. All of the colors make it look even better too. I will definitely have to try this! It’s easy enough that even I can’t possibly mess it up! =)
Nina says
A tropical fruit salad is the perfect thing to make for the summer. I find when I get invited to a gathering and have to bring something, I want to bring a fruit salad because it’s an easy thing to throw together.
Sondra Barker says
This is such a beautiful fruit salad dish! I’ll have to make this this summer, it’ll be perfect.
xo, Sondra
Cuisineandtravel.com
Andrea says
love this it is perfect for the summer months. in colombia were my family is from they have a tropical fruit salad that is almost a drink, its tropical fresh fruit chopped into tiny pieces and served with like a mixture of fresh orange juice, fresh watermelon juice. it is so tasty.
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
Wow, this is a real feast, Sara. So beautiful and I love the coconut addition! There’s nothing better than a gorgeous fruit platter shared with friends. Can’t wait for the local summer produce!
Greg says
That is an amazing fruit salad!
Beatrice says
This beautiful fruit makes my mouth water!
Chris Scheuer says
This is beautiful Sara and would make the dreariest day feel quite tropical. I love all the vibrant colors and textures in the fruit and the dip sounds so delightful!
cheri says
You sure know how to showcase a salad like this, looks amazing!!!
Debra Ferman says
What an amazing fruit display! Perfect for my Sunday brunch!
Sam says
This is a beautiful fruit salad and like the almond side dip!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I’m with Sue on this one – this is an absolutely gorgeous salad. Please set this in front of me with a fork – I would be a happy, happy, happy girl!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Wow! Those colours 🙂 How impressive and love tropical fruit and the coconut almond dip is perfect!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
OMG this is amazing — what a stunning presentation for a party — the colors are just mesmerizing 🙂