Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

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This recipe for Mexican fruit salad is a blend of juicy tropical fruits and topped off with chili-lime seasoning. This sweet fruit salad sprinkled with a hint of spice is the perfect side for cooling off on a warm day.

This salad pairs perfectly with a Mexican meal or Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Mexican Fruit salad in a half pineapple on a galvanized tray.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Fresh Recipe: Fresh fruit always makes for a delicious side dish. It brightens and lightens up a meal.
Packed with Flavor: It's such a simple dish but really packs a little punch to the flavor palate.
Party Food: This is perfect for a Mexican-themed party, Cinco de Mayo, poolside fare, summer BBQ, or when you have a craving for a kicked-up fruit salad!

I don't know about you, but I find myself craving fruit salad when the weather starts warming up. They are so refreshing and the perfect way to cool down.

It's hot here in Florida and fruit salad is a favorite poolside snack. The idea of a Mexican fruit salad first hit me when my daughter sprinkled chili lime seasoning on her watermelon. I am pretty sure she could put that stuff on just about anything.

That ah-ha moment hit me! That would be just the thing to top off a Mexican-inspired fruit salad. We are all about Mexican food here at my house anyway!

If I can add to our Mexican dish recipe box that's a win for sure!

Ingredients

Pineapple - fresh pineapple is best if you can get it. If not canned chunks will work as well.
Watermelon - seedless watermelon
Mango - A nice ripe mango can be found pretty much year-round. There are several varieties and growing seasons that are exported here. To check for ripeness you can go by how they feel. If gently squeezed they will be slightly soft and often have a fruity aroma.
Papaya - These may be slightly harder to find. If you can't get them just add a little more of your other fruits to make up for them.
Grapes - I like to use both green and red seedless grapes. You can use what you like best.
Lime - Fresh lime and lime zest give this Mexican fruit salad its freshness.
Chili lime seasoning - This gives a little spice and tons of flavor.

Up close picture of half pineapple filled with Mexican fruit salad.

How to make Mexican Fruit Salad

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions!

Prepare and cut fruit: Peel, remove any seeds, and cut fruit into uniform-sized pieces. 1 inch is usually a good size. Cut grapes in half.
Toss together: Place all of the fruit in a large bowl. Add lime juice and zest, then toss to coat.
Serve: Place in a serving bowl or halved pineapple to serve.
Top with chili lime: Sprinkle with chili lime seasoning to taste.

Half pineapple with Mexican fruit salad sprinkled with chili lime seasoning on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell if a papaya is ripe?

The skin will be turning from green to yellow in color. You will be able to press your thumb into the flesh or skin it will have a softness and will not be hard. Don't forget to smell it (it will have that papaya fragrance as well.

How do you prepare papaya?

Peel the skin off, a vegetable peeler works wonderfully. Then cut in half length-wise. Scrape out all of the seed with a spoon and discard. Slice and for this recipe cute into bite-sized pieces.

What is chili lime seasoning and where do I find it?

Chili lime seasoning has chili peppers, salt, citric acid, and dehydrated lime juice in it. It is not overly spicy.

You can find it in most grocery stores and big-box stores, often on the international aisle or with your taco seasonings. I use the brand Tajin.

A Mexican fruit salad platter with chili lime seasoning in a clear ramekin.

Variations

Change up or add to the fruits with local fresh fruits you can find or just use your favorites. Cantaloupe or honeydew would be great additions or substitutions.
Sprinkle on a little chopped cilantro for a nice authentic Mexican touch.
Add in chunks of avocado for a savory and creamy component.
Cucumber or Jicama would give a cool crunchy element to this salad.
You could add in a small jar of drained maraschino cherries for a pop of red color and sweetness.
This is delicious served with a creamy sweet lime yogurt dip.

Tips

Cut fruit in uniform bite-sized pieces so it is easier to eat.
Serving for a party: You can go light on the chili-lime seasoning and serve some on the side for those who want extra spice.
This fruit salad is delicious served with a sweet lime yogurt dip on the side.

Plated Mexican fruit salad with lime yogurt dolloped on top.

More Mexican Recipes

Yield: 10 cups