Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

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This Easy Mexican Fruit Salad is a fun and flavorful way to liven up any meal or fiesta. With a fresh mix of tropical fruits, zesty lime, and a little chili kick, it’s a bold and colorful dish that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo!

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

This Mexican Fruit Salad is more than just a pretty dish—it’s a lifesaver when you need something quick, fresh, and easy to pull together. Whether you’re juggling busy weeknights or hosting a last-minute gathering, this recipe comes together effortlessly and always impresses. It’s a great way to showcase vibrant, seasonal fruits while adding a zesty twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What I love most about this salad is how adaptable it is. You can prep it ahead of time, make it as mild or spicy as you like, and even customize the fruits to suit your taste or what’s in season. It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—easy, healthy, and delicious. Plus, it’s perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen (they love helping with the lime and sprinkling the seasoning!).

Why you’ll love this Mexican Fruit Bowl

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!

WATCH: How to make Mexican 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!

Mexican Fruit Ingredients

A bowl of fruit on a tray, with fruit salad

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 full recipe 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.

Image on the left is a bowl with chunks of fruits and the right image is lime juice being poured over the fruit.

Variations

This is delicious served with a creamy sweet lime yogurt dip.

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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.

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.

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

Mexican Fruit Bowl FAQs

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.

What is Mexican Fruit Salad called?

Mexican Fruit Salad is called “Ensalada de Frutas con Chile y Limón” in Spanish. It’s a vibrant mix of fresh fruit tossed with lime juice, lime zest, and a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning (I love using Tajín!). This sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy combination is a classic in Mexican cuisine.
It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for just about any occasion—whether you’re serving it as a side at a family barbecue, a refreshing snack on a hot day, a fiesta, or even a fun dessert. The bold flavors and beautiful colors are sure to make it a hit every time!

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

Plated Mexican fruit salad with lime yogurt dolloped on top.

More Mexican Recipes

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!

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
▢ 2 cups seedless watermelon, cut into chunks
▢ 2 cups mango, peeled and cut into chunks
▢ 2 cup papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
▢ 2 cup seedless grapes, halved
▢ 3 Tablespoons lime juice
▢ 2 teaspoons of lime zest, or to taste
▢ chili lime seasoning to taste, I use Tajin brand

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