Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

This Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy summer dessert! With just a few simple variety of fruits, you can have a delicious and refreshing fruit salad that everyone will love.

Whether it's the summer months or you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo, there's plenty of fresh fruit here for everyone. Hot summer days are about to get tastier!

I worked with a gal who used to bring in Mexican food that her mom made. It was an amazing experience and I was able to experience the unique flavor of true Mexican food. I always think of her when I make this fruit salad and especially when I top it with a little spice.

This fruit salad recipe pairs super well with a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired chile relleanos casserole.

Why you'll love this recipe

You can enjoy this salad as a standalone dish or serve it as a side at your next potluck party. Whichever way you choose, this salad is sure to be a hit!

I used some mango, honeydew melon and watermelon in my salad but you can add whatever your favorite fruit is.

It makes a colorful and healthy side to your summer gatherings.

Ingredients

I like to think of a variety of tropical fruits when I put my salad together, though some of it depends on the fruits at my local grocery store and what time of year it was.

You can buy whole fruit and cut it, or splurge and let the grocery store do the work for you!

• pineapple chunks - I bought a 16 ounce package of precut pineapple chunks and diced them into bite sized chunks.
• mango chunks - I bought a 16 ounce package of precut mango spears, and I cut them into small chunks.
• diced papaya - I used a large papaya from Mexico, if that matters at all.... There are also much smaller Brazilian papayas. Our local grocery store doesn't always have these but if you find them in your produce section, add them to the fiesta!
• watermelon - I bought a small watermelon and cut it into bite sized cubes.
• fresh lime juice - a squeeze of lime juice is the perfect addition to balance the sweet fruit salad Bottled lime juice can also be used in a pinch.
• cilantro leaves - these are optional but perfect because it is a Mexican fruit salad.
• chili lime seasoning - also optional but delicious for a hint of spice and salt. You may see this in the grocery store as Taijin, or you can substitute spicy chile powder which will have flavor but not the salt.

How to make fruit salad

Grab a big serving bowl and get ready to start chopping! Chop your fruit and them combine the pineapple, mango, papaya, and watermelon in a large bowl. 

How to cut a papaya

To cut a papaya, cut the two end off.

Cut the skin off of the papaya using a sharp paring knife.

Place the papaya upright on a cutting board, and slice it in half lengthwise.

Scoop the seeds out and cut the halves into thirds.

Cut the third into cubes.

It's stupid easy to make this salad, especially if you use the produce aisle shortcuts.

Drizzle the fruit with some lime juice and if you love cilantro, give it a sprinkle, too. You can also leave this out on the side and let people add it if they'd like. That's how we roll because picky eaters are among us.

They're everywhere...

Give everything a gently toss.

Refrigerate it for a few hours. Serve with some chili lime seasoning on the side if you like for a little salty spicy addition.

How to store fruit salad

Store leftovers covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Substitutions

• Add in cantaloupe, honeydew, or other melons.
• Use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice. Limes can be hard to juice sometimes, so bottled lime juice can help save time.
• Use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh pineapple.

Variations

• Put the fruit salad in individual bowls to make your own Mexican fruit cups
• Make a deconstructed salad and let everyone make their own Mexican fruit bowl by grabbing what they want with tongs.
• Add shredded coconut flakes

Mexican Fruit Salad for two

You can halve this recipe to make a fruit salad for two. Four cups of fruit will keep for several days so you'll have some refreshing snacks at the ready!

Main dishes to serve with Mexican-inspired fruit salad

Of course, this would be an amazing addition to a taco bar party. Other ideas include:

Mexican Chopped Salad

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

If you make this simple Mexican fruit salad, leave a recipe review or comment below. I'd love to hear from you!