Watermelon Pineapple Mint Salad
15 min
|
easy
|
clean eating,
gluten-free,
lactose-free,
low-fat,
Mediterranean diet,
vegetarian
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 0 min | 15 min |
Introduction
This watermelon pineapple mint salad is ultra-refreshing, juicy, and naturally sweet with just a hint of honey and lime.
It’s perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or an easy no-cook side on hot days.
The fresh mint and splash of lime juice make every bite bright, cool, and totally craveable.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients:
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How to Make Watermelon Pineapple Mint Salad
-
Prep the fruit
Cut the watermelon and pineapple into 1-inch cubes, keeping them as similar in size as you can.
Remove any seeds from the watermelon and trim away the tough pineapple core as you cube it.
-
Whisk the honey-lime dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and a tiny pinch of salt, if using.
Taste and add a little more honey or lime if you want it sweeter or more tart.
-
Combine the salad
Add the watermelon and pineapple to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the dressing over the fruit, sprinkle on the chopped mint, and gently toss until everything is lightly coated.
-
Chill and serve
Serve the salad right away, or cover and chill it for 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors mingle.
Give it a gentle toss before serving and finish with a few extra mint leaves on top if you like.
Substitutions
- Honey -> Agave syrup
- Agave keeps the salad naturally sweet but makes it fully vegan for plant-based guests. It dissolves easily and adds gentle caramel notes.
- Pineapple -> Fresh mango
- Ripe mango brings the same tropical vibe with a softer, custardy texture. It pairs beautifully with watermelon and mint.
- Fresh mint -> Fresh basil
- Basil gives the salad a slightly savory, herbal twist that still feels fresh. Choose tender small leaves so the flavor stays delicate.
Tips
- Salt very lightly
- A tiny pinch of salt makes the fruit taste sweeter and brighter, but too much will make it taste oddly savory.
- Chill your fruit first
- If the fruit starts cold, the salad stays crisp longer and feels extra refreshing on hot days.
- Cut even cubes
- Keeping the pieces similar in size makes every bite balanced and also helps the salad look prettier in the bowl.
- Drain very juicy fruit
- If your watermelon is very juicy, let the cubes drain in a colander for a few minutes before tossing with dressing.
- Add mint at the last minute
- Mint bruises easily, so chop it right before serving and fold it in gently to keep the color bright.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 124 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Total Fat | 0 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time without it getting mushy?
- You can mix the dressing and cut the fruit up to 4 hours ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Toss with mint and dressing just before serving so the texture stays crisp.
- What if my watermelon is not very sweet?
- Add an extra teaspoon of honey to the dressing and a pinch more salt. The salt helps wake up the flavor, so the fruit tastes sweeter.
- Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
- I do not recommend frozen fruit here because it releases too much liquid as it thaws. The salad will turn soft and watery instead of crisp and juicy.
- How do I pick a ripe pineapple and watermelon?
- For pineapple, look for golden skin, a sweet smell, and leaves that pull out with a gentle tug. For watermelon, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow field spot.
Serving Suggestions
This bright, minty fruit salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or simple veggie skewers for an easy summer dinner.
For a fun twist, scatter crumbled feta or toasted coconut on top right before serving.
More pairings:
Reviews
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Juanita Baker, Fresno, CA: So refreshing and perfectly balanced!
: Happy it hit the spot, Juanita! That honey-lime dressing with mint really makes the watermelon and pineapple shine. 😊
Made this recipe? How did it go?
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