Tropical Fruit Salad

I love the sun and heat. One of the reasons for this is that I’m Greek and love nothing more than being on the beach by the ocean. It’s in my blood! We spend a lot time at the beach in Greece in the summer. In the winter we try to go south to get some sun when it’s really cold here in Connecticut. (Sometimes winters really make me miss my college days in Florida!) That said, I can bring the beach back to me whenever I make this Tropical Fruit Salad, no matter the weather outside. 

This salad features lots of delicious tropical fruits tossed in a honey, lime dressing. Even when I make it at home in the Northeast, I close my eyes and am transported to the beach. Making this salad is not difficult, but it does require getting the best versions of the tropical fruits you can find. You want the richest possible flavors. 

I love the dressing on this salad because the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness and the tropical lime gives it a nice extra zing. 

This salad is a great one to make for friends and family when you’re a little tired of our regular berry or melon salad. Yes, it’s easier to find those fruits in the northeast, but we all need a change now and then. I make this Tropical Fruit salad a lot when I cater and clients want something bright on the table at a bridal shower or baby shower. Every bite conjures the warm, radiant feeling of sun on your face. 

This beautiful salad will easily become a favorite whenever you’re ready for a taste of the tropics. Unfortunately, it does not come with a plane ticket. But no matter. If you close your eyes while you’re eating it, you’ll never know the difference! Enjoy! 

Tropical Fruit Salad 

When you eat this salad you might temporarily think you’re on a tropical beach vacation. It’s so delicious and flavorful and perfect for warm weather! 

Ingredients 

For the fruit salad: 

• 1 cup pineapple (diced) 

• 1 cup mango (diced) 

• 1 cup watermelon (diced) 

• 1 cup kiwi (peeled and sliced) 

• 1 cup strawberries (hulled and sliced) 

• ½ cup blueberries 

• 1 orange (peeled and segmented) 

• 1 tbsp fresh mint (chopped for garnish) 

For the honey-lime dressing: 

• 2 tbsp honey 

• 1 tbsp lime juice 

• 1 tsp lime zest 

• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated, optional) 

Instructions 

1. In a large bowl, combine all the diced fruit—pineapple, mango, watermelon, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, and orange segments. 

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, and optional fresh ginger until well combined. 

3. Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the fruit salad and toss gently to coat. 

4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving! 

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.