Watermelon Fruit Salad with Fresh Berries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love watermelon, and this vibrant fruit salad has become one of my go-to recipes for summer gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, refreshing, and packed with seasonal fruits. The combination of juicy watermelon and fresh berries tossed in a honey-lime dressing creates a delightful balance of sweetness and zest. Whether I’m serving it at a backyard BBQ, a holiday picnic, or as a light breakfast, this salad never fails to impress. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and versatile enough to enjoy any time of day.

Ingredients

For the Mint Lime Dressing:

• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

• Zest of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced

For the Salad:

• 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon

• 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and halved

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup blackberries

• 1 cup raspberries

• Fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, honey, and thinly sliced mint leaves to create the dressing. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, halved strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

3. Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss to coat all the fruit evenly.

4. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with additional thinly sliced mint leaves before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare for any occasion.

Variations

• Add other fruits: I sometimes include cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or grapes to add variety and color to the salad.

• Spice it up: A light sprinkle of black pepper can add an unexpected flavor twist.

• Make it festive: For a patriotic touch, especially around holidays like the 4th of July, I add white chocolate chips to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the fruit can release juices over time. I don’t suggest freezing this salad, as the texture of the fruit may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the salad the morning of or the day before my event. However, I recommend storing the dressing and fruit in separate containers and tossing them together just before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.

Can I use agave instead of honey?

Absolutely! If I prefer a vegan option or have agave on hand, I substitute it for honey in the dressing without any issues.

How do I hull strawberries?

To hull strawberries, I simply slice off the green leafy top and the white core beneath it using a small knife, leaving just the red fruit.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

While fresh lime juice offers the best flavor, I occasionally use bottled lime juice if fresh limes aren’t available. I also omit the lime zest in that case.

Is this salad suitable for kids?

Yes, this salad is kid-friendly. The natural sweetness of the fruit and the light dressing make it appealing to children.

Conclusion

This Watermelon Fruit Salad with Fresh Berries is a delightful and refreshing dish that I often prepare for summer gatherings. Its combination of juicy watermelon, sweet berries, and a tangy honey-lime dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m serving it as a snack, side dish, or light dessert, it’s always a hit. I love how versatile and easy it is to make, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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