Name: Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 11 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pineapple; 1 cup watermelon balls; 1 cup mango; 1 cup papaya; lime juice; chili lime seasoning; mint sprigs; lime wedges

This vibrant and refreshing Mexican fruit salad brings together a medley of tropical fruits, perfect for a summer gathering or a light dessert. The combination of sweet, juicy fruit with a tangy lime juice kick and a hint of spicy chili lime seasoning creates an irresistible treat that's both colorful and flavorful. Serve it in a charming hollowed out pineapple for an extra touch of presentation flair.

Photos of Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe, like papaya and chili lime seasoning, might not be staples in every pantry. Papaya is a tropical fruit with a unique flavor and is often found in the produce section. Chili lime seasoning can be located in the spice aisle or the international foods section of your supermarket. Make sure to check the produce section for fresh mint sprigs as well.

Ingredients For Mexican Fruit Salad

pineapple: A sweet and tangy tropical fruit used as both an ingredient and a serving vessel.

watermelon balls: Juicy and refreshing, these add a burst of color and hydration.

mango: A sweet and flavorful tropical fruit that complements the other ingredients.

papaya: Offers a unique taste and texture, enhancing the tropical theme.

lime juice: Adds a tangy zest that brightens up the fruit flavors.

chili lime seasoning: Provides a spicy and tangy contrast to the sweet fruits.

mint sprigs: Adds a fresh aromatic note and a pop of green color.

lime wedges: Optional but great for an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice.

One reader, Fidelio Rudd says:

This Mexican fruit salad is a refreshing delight! The combination of juicy fruits with a zesty lime kick and a hint of chili lime seasoning is simply perfect. The presentation in the pineapple shell adds a fun, tropical touch. Highly recommend for a summer treat!

Fidelio Rudd

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Mexican Fruit Salad

How to make watermelon balls: Use a melon baller to scoop out round balls from the watermelon. How to hollow out a pineapple: Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, then use a knife and a spoon to remove the flesh, leaving the shell intact. How to cut mango: Slice the mango along the sides of the pit, score the flesh in a grid pattern, and then scoop out the cubes with a spoon. How to cut papaya: Cut the papaya in half, scoop out the seeds, then slice or cube the flesh as desired. How to juice a lime: Roll the lime on the counter to soften it, cut it in half, and squeeze out the juice using a citrus juicer or your hands.

Mexican fruit salad is refreshing and spicy at the same time. While I love fresh fruits soaked up in a creamy dressing, diving into a platter of this Mexican-style fruit salad hits differently. Summer or not, this exciting variation is the perfect side salad to jazz up your meals!

Mexican food, as we all know it, borders on being spicy. Even some Mexican desserts, albeit sweet, have hints of fieriness. Take this fruit salad recipe, for instance. It puts a hot twist on my favorite summer dessert with the addition of chili lime seasoning. But just like the classic version, it’s among the healthy recipes out there. It’s a total package, I must say. That’s why it quickly became one of my favorite Mexican fruit desserts ever!

Making this Mexican fruit salad recipe wouldn’t take much of your time. It’s so easy that even the kids in the house can help you out! I used my favorite tropical fruits for my salad, such as watermelon, mangoes, and papaya. Although, you can pick and choose your preferred fruits. But if I were you, I’d try to get a variety of colors for this spiced-up salad. Think of a gorgeously-arranged Mexican fruit bowl with jicama, mandarin oranges, honeydew melon, dragon fruit, and cantaloupe. Absolutely stunning and delicious, no doubt!

When crafting this Mexican fruit salad, I made sure that I had rinsed and peeled the fruits that needed to be peeled. Then, I sliced the mangoes and papayas into bite-size pieces. Using my melon baller, I also made cute watermelon balls for a prettier visual presentation. If you don’t have a fruit baller, just scoop out the fruit with a round measuring spoon. Or, if you want to keep things vibrant yet simple, simply cut the watermelon into cubes or chunks.

While a regular fruit bowl is great for serving fruit salads, I decided to be a little creative and went for a pineapple boat instead. To make the pineapple fruit bowl, I cut the pineapple in half, removed the crown and the core, and scooped out the flesh. Then, I tossed in the fruits in the pineapple boat. You can arrange them by color or by type. It’s up to you. You also have the option to use clear plastic cups and serve Mexican fruit cups instead.

The Mexican fruit seasoning makes this fruit salad recipe stand out from the rest. For my version, I opted for chili lime seasoning. Tajin seasoning is an excellent choice as it’s a well-known Mexican spice for fruit and is quite accessible. Trust me, try to sprinkle a dash of Tajin on fruit slices, and you’ll love the piquant taste it brings about! You can also make your own chili lime sauce if you like. Just combine lime juice with chili powder, honey, and salt. Mexican fruit salad with chamoy sauce is also one to try!

Learn how to make fruit salad Mexican-style to bring exciting flavors to your tables. Whether it’s Cinco de Mayo or you’re just having a Mexican-inspired feast, it’s one of the best side dish recipes to serve. Finish it off with mint sprigs and lime wedges. Chia seeds and chopped pecans are also delicious toppers. You can even serve your Mexican fruit salad with yogurt or with whipped cream.

How To Make Mexican Fruit Salad

This Mexican fruit salad features fresh tropical fruits dusted with chili lime seasoning for a refreshing, spicy treat. Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple and garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs for a more delectable presentation.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 1 minute

Total: 11 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1 pineapple, halved
1 cup watermelon balls, or 1 inch chunks
1 cup mango, 1 inch chunks
1 cup papaya, 1 inch chunks
lime juice
chili lime seasoning, to taste
mint sprigs, optional garnish
lime wedges, optional garnish

Instructions

Add the mango, papaya, and watermelon balls to a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the fruit chunks with lime juice. Gently toss to coat.
Transfer the fruits to the hollowed-out pineapple. Then, place the pineapple fruit bowl on a large plate.
Drizzle the fruit salad with chili lime seasoning.
Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedges.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Ensure that you remove the seeds and rinds from the fruits, especially watermelon.
You can also sprinkle your Mexican fruit salad with a dash of chili powder for extra spice.
Feel free to use diced avocados, kiwis, strawberries, and bananas.
You can add honey to the salad dressing for a touch of sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 172.54kcal
Fat: 0.68g
Saturated Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.21g
Carbohydrates: 44.53g
Fiber: 5.61g
Sugar: 33.28g
Protein: 2.40g
Sodium: 9.55mg
Calcium: 69.34mg
Potassium: 485.76mg
Iron: 2.31mg
Vitamin A: 80.19µg
Vitamin C: 152.31mg

Master This Crucial Technique for Elevating Your Mexican Fruit Salad

When preparing the pineapple, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the top and bottom, then stand it upright to slice off the skin. Cut the flesh into chunks, avoiding the core, to ensure you have even, bite-sized pieces for the salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mexican Fruit Salad

Pre-cut the fruit: Buy pre-cut pineapple, watermelon, mango, and papaya to save time on chopping.

Use a melon baller: Quickly create uniform watermelon balls with a melon baller instead of cutting by hand.

Ready-made seasoning: Opt for pre-mixed chili lime seasoning to avoid measuring and mixing spices.

Efficient lime juicing: Use a citrus juicer to quickly extract lime juice without the mess.

Garnish ahead: Prepare mint sprigs and lime wedges in advance and store them in the fridge until needed.

Substitute Ingredients For Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

pineapple - Substitute with cantaloupe: Cantaloupe has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a good alternative to pineapple.
watermelon balls - Substitute with honeydew melon balls: Honeydew melon has a similar refreshing quality and texture to watermelon.
mango - Substitute with peach: Peaches have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them a good substitute for mango.
papaya - Substitute with kiwi: Kiwi offers a similar tropical flavor and vibrant color, making it a good alternative to papaya.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor as lime juice.
chili lime seasoning - Substitute with tajin: Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning that combines chili powder, lime, and salt, making it a perfect substitute.
mint sprigs - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and aromatic flavor, similar to mint, and complements the fruit salad well.
lime wedges - Substitute with orange wedges: Orange wedges provide a similar citrusy burst of flavor and can be used as a garnish.

Presenting Mexican Fruit Salad: Tips for a Beautiful Display

Use a hollowed-out pineapple as the centerpiece: Place the hollowed-out pineapple on a large, elegant plate. This will serve as the main vessel for the fruit salad.
Arrange fruit artfully: Fill the pineapple shell with a mix of pineapple chunks, watermelon balls, mango slices, and papaya cubes. Ensure the colors are evenly distributed for a visually appealing presentation.
Scatter remaining fruit around the pineapple: Place any extra fruit around the base of the pineapple shell on the plate. This creates a lush, abundant look.
Add a touch of lime juice: Drizzle lime juice over the fruit to enhance the flavors and add a fresh, zesty note.
Sprinkle with chili lime seasoning: Lightly dust the fruit salad with chili lime seasoning to add a hint of spice and complexity.
Garnish with mint sprigs: Place a few fresh mint sprigs on top of the fruit salad and around the plate for a pop of green and a refreshing aroma.
Serve with lime wedges: Arrange lime wedges around the plate so guests can add extra lime juice if desired. This also adds a decorative element to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Mexican Fruit Salad

Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare the fruits.
Chef's knife: Essential for cutting the pineapple, mango, and papaya into bite-sized pieces.
Melon baller: Used to create uniform watermelon balls for a visually appealing salad.
Large mixing bowl: To combine all the fruits and mix them with lime juice.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh lime juice to coat the fruits.
Tongs: Useful for gently tossing the fruit with lime juice without crushing them.
Serving plate: To place the hollowed-out pineapple and arrange the fruit around it.
Measuring cups: To measure out the correct amounts of watermelon, mango, and papaya.
Spoon: For scooping the fruit into the hollowed-out pineapple.
Small bowl: To hold the chili lime seasoning for easy sprinkling.
Kitchen shears: Useful for cutting mint sprigs for garnish.
Lime wedges: For garnishing and adding extra lime flavor if desired.

Storing and Freezing Mexican Fruit Salad: A Comprehensive Guide

This Mexican fruit salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To keep the fruit from browning, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the top before storing.
If you want to prepare the fruit salad in advance, you can cut up the fruit and store it in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Unfortunately, this Mexican fruit salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the fruit. The texture of the fruit will become mushy and unappetizing once thawed.
If you have leftover pineapple shell, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Use it as a serving bowl for other fruit salads or desserts.

Surprising Facts About Mexican Fruit Salad You Didn't Know

A traditional Mexican fruit salad, known as ensalada de frutas, often includes tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya. The addition of lime juice and chili lime seasoning gives it a unique tangy and spicy flavor, which is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine.

Is Making Mexican Fruit Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This Mexican fruit salad recipe is quite cost-effective. The main ingredients, such as pineapple, watermelon, mango, and papaya, are generally affordable, especially when purchased in season. The additional items like lime juice, chili lime seasoning, and mint sprigs are inexpensive and often used in small quantities. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Mexican Fruit Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Mexican fruit salad recipe is a refreshing and nutritious dish that offers a variety of health benefits. The combination of pineapple, watermelon, mango, and papaya provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These fruits are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight management and digestive health. The addition of lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also adds a boost of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

However, the use of chili lime seasoning may raise some concerns. While chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound with potential health benefits such as boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation, the seasoning mix may also contain added sugars, salt, or preservatives. These additives can detract from the overall healthiness of the dish.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this Mexican fruit salad, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for fresh, whole fruits instead of pre-cut or canned varieties to minimize added sugars and preservatives
Use a light sprinkle of plain chili powder and fresh lime zest instead of the chili lime seasoning to reduce the risk of unwanted additives
Add a handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, for an extra boost of antioxidants and fiber
Sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds or unsweetened shredded coconut for a dose of healthy fats and added texture
Serve the fruit salad alongside a scoop of plain Greek yogurt for a protein-rich and creamy complement to the sweet and spicy flavors

Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on Mexican Fruit Salad

This Mexican fruit salad recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for a summer gathering. The combination of pineapple, watermelon, mango, and papaya offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The lime juice adds a zesty tang, while the chili lime seasoning provides a subtle kick that elevates the fruit's natural sweetness. Garnishing with mint and lime wedges not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh aroma. Serving the salad in a hollowed-out pineapple is a creative touch that makes the dish visually appealing. Overall, it's a simple yet impressive recipe.

Enhance Your Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Street Corn: Grilled Street Corn: Imagine the smoky aroma of corn mingling with the zesty flavors of your Mexican Fruit Salad. This delightful pairing brings a burst of summer to your table, with each bite offering a harmonious blend of charred sweetness and tangy zest.

Spicy Black Bean Salad: Spicy Black Bean Salad: Add a touch of protein and a kick of spice to your meal. The earthy richness of black beans combined with fresh cilantro and a hint of jalapeño creates a vibrant contrast to the refreshing fruit medley.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Cilantro Lime Rice: Elevate your dining experience with a side of fluffy rice infused with the bright flavors of cilantro and lime. This aromatic dish complements the tangy and sweet notes of the fruit salad, making each bite a delightful journey.

Avocado and Tomato Salsa: Avocado and Tomato Salsa: Dive into a bowl of creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes, seasoned to perfection. This salsa adds a rich, buttery texture and a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the vibrant fruit salad.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce: Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End your meal on a sweet note with crispy churros dipped in luscious chocolate sauce. The warm, cinnamon-sugar coated churros provide a delightful contrast to the cool, refreshing fruit, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Delicious Alternatives to Mexican Fruit Salad You Must Try

Tropical Fruit Salsa: Dive into a refreshing tropical fruit salsa that combines diced mango, pineapple, and kiwi with a zesty lime and cilantro dressing. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or tortilla chips!

Chili Lime Grilled Pineapple: Transform your pineapple into a smoky, sweet, and spicy delight with chili lime seasoning. Grill the pineapple slices until caramelized and serve as a side dish or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Mango Avocado Salad: Create a vibrant mango avocado salad with juicy mango, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or side dish.

Papaya Lime Sorbet: Cool down with a refreshing papaya lime sorbet. Blend ripe papaya with lime juice and a touch of honey for a naturally sweet and tangy dessert that's perfect for hot days.

Watermelon Feta Salad: Enjoy a delightful watermelon feta salad that combines juicy watermelon, crumbly feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This salad is a refreshing and savory treat for any summer gathering.

Why trust this Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe:

This Mexican fruit salad recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of pineapple, watermelon, mango, and papaya creates a symphony of flavors that are both sweet and tangy. The addition of lime juice and chili lime seasoning adds a zesty kick, while the mint and lime wedges provide a fresh finish. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a trustworthy choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

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FAQ:

Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or grapes. Just make sure they complement the overall flavor.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prepare the fruit a few hours ahead of time, but it's best to add the lime juice and chili lime seasoning just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What kind of chili lime seasoning should I use?

You can use store-bought chili lime seasoning like Tajín, or you can make your own by mixing chili powder, lime zest, and a bit of salt.

Can I skip the mint and lime wedges?

Sure, the mint and lime wedges are optional garnishes. They add a nice touch, but the salad will still be delicious without them.

How do I hollow out the pineapple?

Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, then use a knife and a spoon to carefully remove the fruit, leaving about a half-inch border to keep the shell intact.