Tropical Fruit Salad with Litchi
A vibrant, refreshing medley of juicy tropical fruits tossed in a light honey-lime dressing. Sweet litchis pair beautifully with ripe mangoes, pineapple, and papaya, while fresh mint adds a cool finish. Ready in minutes, this colorful salad is the perfect light dessert or sunny breakfast side.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare all the fruits.
1.Peel and deseed litchis, keep whole or halve them.2.Peel the mango, cut flesh away from the pit, and cube into bite-sized pieces.3.Peel and core the pineapple, then cut into small cubes.4.Peel the papaya, scoop out seeds, and cut into cubes.5.Slice the banana into rounds just before mixing to prevent browning.TIPChill the fruits for 30 minutes before assembling for the most refreshing flavour. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the honey-lime dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine honey and freshly squeezed lime juice.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly crushed black pepper.3.Whisk well until the honey dissolves completely and the dressing is smooth. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the fruits gently with the dressing.
1.Place all the prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl.2.Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the top.3.Using a spatula or two large spoons, gently fold and toss until all fruit pieces are evenly coated.TIPToss gently so the soft fruits like papaya and banana don't turn mushy. - garnish · ~1 min
Fold in fresh mint and serve immediately.
Scatter the roughly chopped mint leaves over the fruit, give it one last gentle fold, and transfer to a serving bowl.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill all fruits for 30 minutes before assembling to keep the salad refreshingly cold.
- 2Add sliced banana just before serving to prevent it from turning brown and mushy.
- 3Use ripe but firm fruits so they hold their shape when tossed with the dressing.
- 4For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice.
- 5If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Omit the honey and use a splash of orange juice instead for a naturally sweet, oil-free dressing that keeps the salad light and refreshing.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch and a protein boost, turning this fruit salad into a more satisfying snack or light meal.
jainJain
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and skip the black pepper if it is not preferred, to suit a Jain diet that avoids honey and certain spices.
veganVegan
Swap honey for agave syrup or date syrup to keep the dressing plant-based while still enjoying the sweet-tart balance.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Litchis, mangoes, papaya, and lime juice are all excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Digestive Enzymes
Papaya contains papain, a natural enzyme that aids digestion, making this salad gentle on the stomach.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of pineapple, mango, papaya, and banana provides a good amount of fiber, promoting gut health and satiety.
Antioxidant Rich
Litchis and mangoes are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but drain them well and reduce or skip the sweetener in the dressing since canned litchis are often packed in syrup.
