Sweetheart Fruit Salad Honey Lime

Last summer I brought this fruit salad to a friend's garden wedding shower and watched it disappear in minutes. The bride's grandmother cornered me afterwards for the recipe, which I consider the ultimate compliment. There's something about cutting fruit into hearts that makes people smile before they even take a bite.

I first attempted the heart shapes with a paring knife and nearly gave up after three wonky watermelon attempts. Then I discovered those tiny cookie cutters at a craft store and suddenly I was turning out perfect hearts by the dozen. Now I keep a set specifically for occasions that call for something a little extra.

Ingredients

• Strawberries: Pick ones that are deep red and slightly firm, they hold their heart shape better when sliced
• Watermelon: The red flesh creates such beautiful contrast against the lighter melons and green grapes
• Cantaloupe or honeydew: These add sweetness and bulk, plus the orange or pale green looks stunning alongside red berries
• Seedless grapes: Halving them releases more juices that mingle with the dressing beautifully
• Kiwi: The bright green color and tiny black seeds make the whole bowl feel more vibrant
• Blueberries: These little gems burst in your mouth and add a gorgeous purple pop
• Honey: Use a mild variety so it enhances rather than overpowers the fruit's natural flavors
• Fresh lime juice: The acid balances all that sweetness and keeps the fruit from turning brown
• Lime zest: This little detail adds aromatic brightness that juice alone can't achieve
• Fresh mint: The finishing touch that makes everything taste garden fresh and incredibly refreshing

Instructions

Prep your fruits with love:

Use those small heart cutters on watermelon and cantaloupe slices about half an inch thick. Slice strawberries into rounds and use the cutter on a few choice pieces. Toss everything gently in your largest bowl as you work.

Whisk up the magic dressing:

Combine honey, fresh lime juice, and grated zest in a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth, the honey should dissolve into the citrus with no stubborn streaks remaining.

Bring it all together:

Pour that sweet tart dressing over the fruit and fold everything together with a gentle hand. You want each piece kissed with flavor without crushing those delicate heart shapes you worked so hard on.

Add the final flourish:

Scatter chopped mint over the top right before serving. The green looks gorgeous against the colorful fruit and the aroma hits everyone before they even take their first bite.

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My niece asked if she could help cut the hearts last Valentine's Day and we ended up with the most charming collection of imperfect little shapes. That bowl looked less like a magazine photo and more like something made with love, which honestly made it taste even better.

Choosing the Perfect Fruit

I've learned the hard way that rock hard melons never ripen properly once cut. Give everything a gentle squeeze at the store and use your nose, the best fruits have that subtle sweet perfume that tells you they're ready to shine. Trust your instincts over perfectly uniform appearance.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in whatever looks beautiful at the farmers market, like those adorable champagne mangoes or perfect raspberries. The dressing works with almost any fruit combination, just think about colors that will make the bowl gorgeous and flavors that play nicely together.

Serving Secrets

This salad deserves to be served in something clear, maybe glass coupes for individual portions or one big trifle bowl if you're feeding a crowd. The way the light hits those colorful heart shapes is part of the whole experience.

• Keep extra mint handy to refresh the garnish if it sits out
• Chilled serving bowls make each bite feel extra special
• Have the recipe ready, people will absolutely ask for it

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There's something deeply satisfying about serving a dish that makes people's faces light up before they even pick up a fork. This fruit salad has become my go to for moments that call for a little extra joy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What fruits are used in the salad?

Strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew, seedless grapes, kiwi, and blueberries make up the fruit selection.

→ How is the honey lime dressing made?

Whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, and finely grated lime zest until smooth for a sweet-tart dressing.

→ Can the fruit be shaped differently?

Yes, fruits can be cut into heart shapes using a small cookie cutter or left sliced normally according to preference.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Indeed, the salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains only fresh fruits and a simple honey lime dressing.

→ How should the salad be served?

Serve immediately after tossing or chill for up to two hours to enhance flavors; garnish with fresh mint before serving.

→ Are there any suggested substitutions?

You can substitute honey with agave syrup for a vegan option or add other fruits like pineapple and mango for variety.