This fruit cocktail is full of bold colors and flavors and makes a deliciously healthy treat. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.

Today’s fruit cup has a sweet honey lime dressing to zest it up. It’s super easy to make and adds wholesome ingredients to your table for any special occasion.

You can serve this fruit salad at an elegant gathering, as an individual fruit cup for an extra special surprise treat in the lunch box, or as a great after-school snack.

I have many healthy fruit desserts, but none as easy as this fruit cocktail.

It’s almost as quick and easy to make as it is to eat!

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! This fruit salad will last 3 to 4 days if stored properly. But I would recommend not preparing it for guests until the day you’re ready to serve.

If you’re serving a crowd, all of the fruit except the bananas can be prepped beforehand, like the day of the event and not more than a day before. Fruit tends to get mushy after a day or so.

The bananas should be added last, and don’t forget the dressing because the lime juice will keep them from turning brown.

How to store

This recipe makes a lot, so if you have leftovers, be sure to store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to go even further and prep some lunchbox snacks, portion the fruit into smaller containers.

Can you freeze fruit cocktail?

All of the fruit in this cocktail can be frozen, but usually, you then use that fruit to make smoothies, muffins or fruit desserts.

I really don’t recommend freezing this fruit cup because the texture will suffer. But below are two ways to do so if you absolutely must.

How to freeze

I will say freezing fruit will sometimes make the fruit mushy once thawed, so keep that in mind.

Place the fruit salad in a freezer-safe plastic container, then cover the fruit with the honey dressing. That will help it remain fresher for longer – for up to about 8 weeks.

Any longer than that, and ice crystals will start to form and break down the fruit to where it will be mushy when you let it thaw.

It might be best to freeze the fruit in smaller containers if you can’t eat the entire container after thawing within a day or two.

Without the dressing:

To freeze for a longer period, you can flash freeze the fruit.

1. Pat the fruit dry with a paper towel or dishcloth.
2. Place the fruit pieces onto a tray with parchment paper, leaving room in between each piece.
3. If you have lots of fruit left over, you can add parchment paper layers. Just make sure the pieces aren’t touching.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and place the tray in the freezer for a few hours.
5. Once the fruit is frozen, place the pieces into plastic freezer bags.
6. Squeeze out the air, date and place back into the freezer.

This method helps fruit from clumping together, and you can take a portion at a time without having to thaw the whole container.

Using this method, the fruit should be good for up to 9 months in the freezer. It will make great smoothies without ice.

How to thaw

If you freeze the fruit with or without the dressing, you can thaw the fruit by placing it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about an hour.

Understand that fruit salad should not be left at room temperature for more than a few hours because there is a higher risk of bacteria growth if it is left out for too long.

Just let it sit at room temperature until it’s just defrosted and it’s ready to serve.

Or place the container in the fridge overnight.

Variations

I think besides the taste of amazing fresh fruit, it’s the honey lime dressing that makes it zing and helps keep the fruit fresh.

But if you don’t like those ingredients, you might consider squeezing some lemon and adding a few sprigs of mint.

If honey is not your thing, you can use any liquid sweetener of your choice.

This recipe can be made with the fruit you like best; it’s versatile. Don’t like bananas? Then you can leave them off. Prefer apples? Then drop some in. It really depends on your taste.

The only thing I’ll add here is you want the freshest, ripest fruit to get the best flavors in this dish.

Other healthy treats

Nothing beats a healthy treat, and I’ve got plenty to choose from, even healthy cheesecakes! Since we’re getting close to the holiday baking season, I’m sharing some of my favorites that are perfect for the holidays.

• Whole Organge Cake
• Gluten-free Apple Crisp
• Paleo Vegan Brownies
• Cranberry Apple Crisp
• Swedish Apple Pie

I’d love to hear what you think of this Fruit Cocktail! Please leave a comment below or tag #texanerin on social media and let me know what you think!

Fruit Cocktail

♥♥♥♥♥

Rated 5.0 by 6 readers

• Print

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Ready in: 15 min
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (60 grams) honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (you'll need 1-2 limes)
• 2 teaspoons lime zest (from 1-2 limes)
• 1 pound (455 grams) fresh strawberries, halved or quartered, depending on size
• 12 oz (340 grams) fresh pineapple, chopped into 1" chunks
• 12 oz (340 grams) fresh blueberries
• 8 oz (225 grams) red grapes
• 4 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated, but not cut
• 3 kiwis, peeled, sliced, and each slice cut into quarters
• 2 large bananas, sliced about 1/3" thick

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, lime juice and zest.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add all the fruit and stir until combined.
3. Pour the honey mixture over the top and stir until combined.
4. Transfer the fruit into the serving bowl and serve.
5. If you have leftovers, be sure to store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Permalink: https://www.texanerin.com/fruit-cocktail/

Recipe by Texanerin Baking | www.texanerin.com

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