I made this fruit salad for a family cookout last weekend, and I swear it disappeared faster than the burgers. It’s inspired by the giant bowls of fresh fruit from Costco, but I dress mine up just a little with a light honey-lime glaze that makes it feel extra special. My auntie always told me a fruit salad should taste like summer in a bowl — and this one really does.
I like making this when I know we’ll have kids around because it’s naturally sweet, colorful, and easy to scoop. Plus, it makes a huge batch, so there’s always enough to go around (and a little leftover for breakfast the next day).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fruit salad is as fresh and colorful as it looks at Costco — but with a homemade twist that makes it taste even better. That light honey-lime glaze ties all the fruits together, adding just enough sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
You’ll love how easy this recipe is to throw together, even for a crowd. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep, and you can mix and match whatever fruits are in season or on sale. Kids love it, grownups love it — and it’s healthy without trying too hard.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 ½ cups blueberries
- 2 cups green grapes, halved
- 2 cups cantaloupe, cubed
- 2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
- 2 cups pineapple, cubed
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best)
- ½ teaspoon lime zest (optional)
Pro Tips
- Slice your grapes and strawberries in half for easier eating — especially for little ones.
- Don’t skip the lime zest if you have fresh limes — it adds an extra pop of citrus.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Add the glaze right before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
- If making ahead, prep the fruit and glaze separately, then toss together just before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for glaze)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Citrus zester (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Serving spoon or tongs
Substitutions & Variations
Use what you have — swap in red grapes, kiwi, mango, or blackberries.
No lime juice? Lemon works too, or try orange juice for a milder citrus note.
No honey? Use agave syrup or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Add chopped fresh mint or basil for a herbaceous twist.
For a tropical version, add mango, banana slices (just before serving), and shredded coconut.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep all the fruit a day in advance — just store it in separate airtight containers in the fridge to keep it crisp. The honey-lime glaze can also be mixed ahead of time and kept in a jar. When you’re ready to serve, toss everything together, garnish with fresh mint, and go.
Avoid adding bananas or apples too early — they brown quickly and can get mushy.
Instructions
1. Prep the Fruit
Wash and dry all fruit. Hull and halve the strawberries, halve the grapes, and cube the melons and pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
AI Image Prompt: Sliced strawberries, halved grapes, blueberries, melon and pineapple cubes arranged on a cutting board beside a large mixing bowl. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
2. Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and lime zest (if using) until smooth.
AI Image Prompt: Honey, lime juice, and zest being whisked in a small glass bowl. Lime and honey jar visible in the background. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
3. Combine the Salad
Add all the prepared fruit to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-lime glaze over the top and gently toss to coat the fruit evenly.
AI Image Prompt: Large bowl of colorful fruit with honey-lime glaze being poured over it. Mixing spoon in motion. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
4. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors come together. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
AI Image Prompt: Finished fruit salad in a large glass bowl, garnished with mint and chilled, ready to serve. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve it in a big clear bowl for a potluck or BBQ.
Scoop into individual cups for kids or party trays.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a fun twist.
Layer with granola in jars for breakfast parfaits.
Serve as a fresh side with grilled meats or breakfast casseroles.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best eaten within 24 hours for peak freshness. The fruit may release more juice over time, so give it a quick stir before serving again.
Avoid freezing — the texture won’t hold up once thawed.
Nutrition & Benefits
This fruit salad is naturally packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It’s a sweet snack you can feel good about serving to your family — especially little ones who love bright, juicy flavors. The honey-lime glaze gives just enough sweetness without added refined sugar, and the whole thing is gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy-friendly.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this the night before?
Yes, prep the fruit and glaze separately, then toss together just before serving.
How can I keep bananas or apples from browning?
If adding those fruits, toss them in a bit of citrus juice and add them right before serving.
What fruits should I avoid in fruit salad?
Overly soft fruits like watermelon or raspberries tend to break down quickly.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store it in single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go snacks or breakfast.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Not recommended — frozen fruit releases too much liquid and gets mushy when thawed.
The Final Scoop
This Costco-style fruit salad is one of those dishes that just feels like summer. It’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor — and everyone from toddlers to grandparents goes back for seconds. I love making this for big family meals, but honestly, it’s just as good for meal prepping a few days of healthy snacks.
Let me know if you try it. I’d love to hear what fruits you added or how your kiddos liked it — especially if you put your own spin on it.