Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer lifesaver – this incredible fruit salad with maple-lime dressing! I swear, nothing beats the combination of juicy seasonal fruits and that sweet-tangy dressing when the temperatures start rising. After years of experimenting with different fruit combinations at our backyard barbecues (and enduring plenty of “helpful” suggestions from my fruit-picky niece), I’ve finally perfected this version that everyone goes crazy for.
What makes this summer fruit salad so special? It’s all about those perfectly ripe berries and tropical fruits playing together in the most refreshing way possible. The maple-lime dressing is ridiculously simple – just three ingredients! – but it transforms ordinary fruit into something magical. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be making it all season long for picnics, potlucks, or just because you deserve a little fruity sunshine in your day.
The best part? It comes together in about 15 minutes flat. No cooking, no fuss – just chop, whisk, toss, and boom! Instant summer happiness in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
Let me count the ways this fruit salad will become your summer obsession:
- Refreshing AF: That sweet-tangy maple-lime dressing cools you down faster than jumping in a pool
- 15-minute magic: From chopping to serving before your guests even finish their first cocktail
- Vegan-friendly: Accidentally plant-based perfection that even non-vegans will devour
- Picnic superstar: Travels like a champ without turning into a sad, soggy mess
- Totally customizable: Swap fruits based on what’s ripe or what your kids haven’t declared “gross” this week
Bursting with Seasonal Flavors
The flavor fireworks here come from mixing juicy berries with tropical sweetness. Imagine plump raspberries popping against creamy mango, tart kiwi playing with honeyed blueberries – it’s a party in every bite! The colors alone will make your Instagram followers jealous.
Effortless and Quick to Prepare
No cooking, no fancy skills needed – just chop, whisk, and toss. I’ve made this half-asleep at 7 AM for brunch (don’t judge). Perfect for when you need something impressive but honestly can’t adult too hard today.
Ingredients for Summer Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
Here’s the beautiful thing about this salad – you probably have most of these ingredients already! But let’s get specific, because precision matters even in something as simple as fruit salad. I’ve learned the hard way that eyeballing measurements can turn perfect fruit ratios into “why is this just a bowl of strawberries?”
The Fruit
- 2 cups strawberries – hulled and sliced (about 1 pound before prepping)
- 1 cup blueberries – packed (look for plump ones that roll slowly when you tilt the container)
- 1 cup raspberries – gently rinsed and patted dry (those little guys bruise easily!)
- 1 mango – diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 cup – and yes, I always sneak a few extra pieces)
- 1 kiwi – peeled and sliced into thin half-moons
The Magic Dressing
- 2 tbsp maple syrup – the real stuff please, no pancake syrup imposters!
- 1 tbsp lime juice – freshly squeezed (about half a lime – roll it first for maximum juice)
- 1 tsp lime zest – finely grated (the secret flavor booster!)
Pro tip from my many kitchen experiments: measure fruits after prepping, not before. Those strawberry hulls and mango pits can really throw off your measurements if you’re not careful!
How to Make Summer Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this gorgeous fruit salad come together! I promise it’s easier than convincing kids to eat their veggies. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the most refreshing summer treat in no time.
Preparing the Fruits
First things first – give all your fruits a gentle rinse under cool water (except the mango – we’ll peel that one). I like to pat the berries dry with a paper towel because nobody likes a watery salad. Hull those strawberries like a pro – I use a small spoon to scoop out the tops in one quick motion. Slice them about 1/4-inch thick so they hold their shape but aren’t too chunky. For the mango, my trick is to cut off the “cheeks” around the pit, score the flesh in a grid pattern, then flip the skin inside out to pop out perfect little cubes!
Whisking the Dressing
Now for the secret weapon – that amazing maple-lime dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and lime juice until they’re best friends. Here’s my little secret: zest the lime before juicing it – that bright, citrusy aroma makes all the difference! Taste and adjust – want more tang? Add another squeeze of lime. Too tart? Drizzle in a bit more maple syrup. It should make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Combining and Serving
Time for the grand finale! Gently toss all the prepped fruits together in your prettiest serving bowl – I like to use my hands for this part to avoid crushing the delicate berries. Drizzle that gorgeous dressing over the top and give everything one last careful toss – just enough to coat but not turn your fruit into mush. You can serve it immediately, but if you can wait 30 minutes in the fridge, the flavors marry beautifully. Just try not to eat it all straight from the bowl before it hits the table – no judgment if you do!
Tips for the Best Summer Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
After making this salad more times than I can count (and yes, burning through a small fortune in berries), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it perfect every time:
- Firm is fabulous: Use fruit that’s ripe but still firm – mushy berries turn your salad into jam (delicious, but not what we’re going for!)
- Minty fresh: Toss in a handful of torn mint leaves right before serving – it adds the most refreshing zing!
- Taste as you go: Adjust the dressing to your mood – more lime zest for brightness, extra maple syrup when you need comfort
- Chill out: If prepping ahead, add delicate fruits like raspberries just before serving to keep them from getting soggy
- Double duty: Make extra dressing – it’s amazing drizzled over yogurt or ice cream later!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this fruit salad is how easily you can switch things up based on what’s in season or what you’ve got in the fridge. No mango? No problem – try peaches or nectarines instead. Out of maple syrup? Honey works beautifully (just warm it slightly first to make it drizzle-able). For nut allergies, this recipe is already safe as-is, but you can amp up the protein by tossing in some toasted coconut flakes or chia seeds. Want to make it extra fancy? Swap in blackberries for blueberries or add some thinly sliced basil for a gourmet twist!
My favorite variation? When citrus is in season, I’ll swap the lime dressing for blood orange juice and zest – it gives the most gorgeous pink hue to the whole salad. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to play with your food!
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This summer fruit salad is so versatile – serve it however your heart desires! I love pairing it with Greek yogurt for breakfast (okay, sometimes dessert) or alongside grilled chicken at BBQs. The bright flavors cut through rich meats perfectly. Need to prep ahead? It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 24 hours – just hold off on adding the raspberries until serving time to prevent sogginess. Pro tip: If you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house!), drain any excess liquid and add fresh lime zest to revive the flavors.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates that might wiggle a bit depending on your exact fruits and maple syrup brand. For one generous cup of this summer happiness, you’re looking at:
- 120 calories – basically guilt-free snacking!
- 22g sugar – but it’s the good kind from fruits and pure maple syrup
- 5g fiber – thanks to all those beautiful berry seeds and fruit skins
- 0.5g fat – practically nothing, so you can have seconds (or thirds…)
- 1g protein – because even fruit salad needs a little muscle
Pro tip: Want to boost the protein? Serve it over cottage cheese or Greek yogurt – delicious and even more satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit for this salad?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen berries work in a pinch – thaw and drain them well first. Skip frozen mango/kiwi as they get too mushy.
How do I prevent the fruit from browning?
Toss apples/bananas (if using) with lemon juice first. Otherwise, the lime dressing acts as a natural preservative – just mix right before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prep fruits and dressing separately up to 24 hours ahead. Combine 30 minutes before serving – the flavors meld beautifully while keeping textures perfect.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or agave work great! For sugar-free, try monk fruit syrup – adjust to taste since sweetness varies.
How long does leftovers keep?
About 24 hours max – berries release juice over time. Drain excess liquid and add fresh lime zest to refresh flavors the next day.
Share Your Creation!
I’d love to see your gorgeous fruit salad creations! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below – did you add any fun twists? Which fruits did your family go crazy for? Happy fruit feasting!
Print
15-Minute Summer Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Bliss
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing summer fruit salad with a sweet and tangy maple-lime dressing, perfect for picnics or as a light dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 mango, diced
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fruits.
- Combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, and kiwi in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and gently toss.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm fruits for the best texture.
- Add mint leaves for extra freshness.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: summer fruit salad, maple-lime dressing, vegan dessert, easy fruit salad