Seasonal Brunch Fruit Salad
I first made this Seasonal Brunch Fruit Salad on a sunny weekend when too many ripe berries were begging to be eaten. It’s a simple, colorful mix of strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, kiwi, and grapes brightened with a honey–lime dressing and fresh mint. It’s ideal for brunches, potlucks, light desserts, or whenever you want something fresh, quick, and crowd-pleasing — and if you like a honey–lime finish, you might also enjoy this best-ever fruit salad with honey-lime magic I test often.
Why you’ll love this dish
This fruit salad is fast, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. It balances sweet (pineapple and strawberries) with tangy (lime) and refreshes the palate with mint. Because the dressing is just honey and lime, it doesn’t weigh the fruit down — it simply amplifies the natural flavors.
“Bright, fresh, and so simple — it disappeared before I could take a second photo.” — a weekend brunch review
Perfect occasions:
- Weekend brunches and baby showers.
- Healthy potluck contributions or kid-friendly snacks.
- A light dessert after heavy holiday meals.
It’s also budget- and time-friendly: no baking, no complicated techniques, and you can scale it up in minutes.
How this recipe comes together
Before you start chopping, here’s the quick workflow so you know what to expect:
- Wash and prepare all fruit (hulled/sliced strawberries, halved grapes, diced pineapple, peeled/sliced kiwi, and blueberries left whole).
- Whisk a simple dressing of honey and lime juice.
- Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and toss gently so the pieces stay intact.
- Garnish with mint and serve immediately or chill briefly.
This preview helps you time chopping and chilling so the salad is fresh and vibrant at serving.
What you’ll need
Key ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced (choose firm but ripe berries)
- 1 cup blueberries, washed and drained
- 1 cup pineapple, diced (fresh is best; canned is OK, drained)
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced (firm-ripe)
- 1 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
- 2 tablespoons honey (use agave or maple for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional but recommended)
Substitution notes: swap mango for pineapple in summer, or add orange segments in winter. For a protein boost, stir in a cup of plain Greek yogurt when serving. If you like an herby twist, basil can replace mint — see a berry-forward spin in this berry cheesecake fruit salad for inspiration.
Directions to follow
- Prepare fruit: Rinse all fruit under cold water. Hull and slice strawberries, peel and slice kiwi, dice pineapple, halve grapes, and drain blueberries.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon lime juice until smooth. Adjust lime or honey to taste.
- Combine: Place all fruit in a large bowl. Pour the honey–lime dressing over the fruit.
- Toss gently: Use two large spoons to fold the dressing through the fruit, keeping chunks intact.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle mint leaves over the salad. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30–60 minutes to chill (don’t leave too long as juices can pool).
Short, clear steps keep the fruit looking beautiful and prevent mushy texture.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve in individual bowls or hollowed-out pineapple halves for a pretty presentation.
- Pair with plain Greek yogurt or a dollop of ricotta for a richer brunch option.
- Place next to pancakes, waffles, or a cheese board — it cuts through heavier flavors.
- Top with toasted almonds or granola for crunch just before serving.
This salad also makes a lively topping for vanilla ice cream or panna cotta if you want a dessert twist.
Keeping leftovers fresh
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 24–48 hours. Fruit will release juices over time; stir before serving.
- Avoid long storage: Because citrus and honey draw juices out of the fruit, texture softens after a day. Best eaten the same day or the next morning.
- Freezing: Not recommended for whole salad — frozen fruit will become mushy after thawing. If you must, freeze individual fruit (like berries) on a tray for smoothies later.
- Food safety: Keep chilled below 40°F (4°C). Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Pro chef tips
- Cut fruit uniformly so it mixes and chills evenly.
- Use slightly underripe pineapple and kiwi if you want firmer texture once chilled.
- Toss dressing at the last minute to avoid watery fruit. If prepping ahead, add dressing 10–15 minutes before serving.
- For a deeper flavor, let the dressing sit 10 minutes to meld before tossing.
- Make it vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup or agave. For a creamier finish, stir in a little coconut yogurt.
- For inspiration on plated fruit desserts, check these cheesecake fruit salad ideas: cheesecake fruit salad ideas.
Creative twists
- Citrus boost: Add orange and grapefruit segments for a winter version.
- Tropical: Swap grapes for diced mango and add shredded coconut.
- Protein add-ins: Fold in cottage cheese or mascarpone for a brunch dish that fills you up.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of orange liqueur for adults-only servings.
- Kids’ version: Skewer fruit on toothpicks and drizzle lightly with honey for fun finger food.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this fruit salad take to make?
A: Active prep time is about 10–15 minutes depending on chopping speed. Dressing takes 1–2 minutes.
Q: Can I make it ahead for a party?
A: Prep the fruit and keep it in separate containers, then toss with dressing 10–15 minutes before serving. If dressed too early, juices will pool and texture will soften.
Q: Is there a vegan substitute for honey?
A: Yes — use maple syrup or agave nectar in a 1:1 swap.
Q: Can I add mint ahead of time?
A: Add mint just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and color.
Q: What if some fruit is sweeter than others?
A: Adjust the honey and lime in the dressing to taste. Add more lime to brighten overly sweet fruit.
Conclusion
Seasonal Brunch Fruit Salad is an effortless way to showcase fresh fruit with a bright honey–lime finish — perfect for brunches, picnics, or a light dessert. For other quick fruit-salad ideas, see this 15-Minute Breakfast Fruit Salad Recipe | Live Eat Learn and this cozy alternative, Easy Winter Fresh Fruit Salad – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.
Seasonal Brunch Fruit Salad

Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced Choose firm but ripe berries
- 1 cup blueberries, washed and drained
- 1 cup pineapple, diced Fresh is best; canned is OK, drained
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced Firm-ripe
- 1 cup grapes, halved Red or green
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey Use agave or maple for vegan
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed For brightness
Garnish
- to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional but recommended)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse all fruit under cold water.
- Hull and slice strawberries, peel and slice kiwi, dice pineapple, halve grapes, and drain blueberries.
Make Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice until smooth.
- Adjust lime or honey to taste.
Combine
- Place all prepared fruit in a large bowl.
- Pour the honey-lime dressing over the fruit.
Toss and Garnish
- Use two large spoons to fold the dressing through the fruit, keeping chunks intact.
- Sprinkle mint leaves over the salad.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30–60 minutes to chill.
