Take a classic side dish to the next level with this recipe for the BEST Fruit Salad Dressing. A drizzle of this infused simple syrup, made with tangy lime zest and fragrant mint leaves, takes your fresh fruit salad from average to outstanding. Everyone will want the recipe!
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At some point or another, you've probably been asked to bring a fruit salad to a brunch or BBQ. Colorful fruit is the perfect addition to nearly any meal. While we love the sweet and savory spin of this Watermelon Feta Salad, adding this irresistible Fruit Salad Dressing to any bowl of fresh fruit instantly levels up your fruit salad game.
This dressing is sweet, tangy and fragrant thanks to a generous amount of fresh mint and lime zest. You'll never eat plain fruit salad again!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's easy! No need to complicate an already simple side dish like fresh fruit. This fruit salad dressing is made with only four ingredients and takes just minutes to make.
- It makes plain fruit salad even better. Drizzle as much of this simple syrup infused with tangy lime zest and fragrant mint on your fruit salad as you want. This dressing enhances the flavors of the fruits rather than masks them.
- No refrigeration needed. Many fruit salad dressings rely on yogurt, which really needs to be kept chilled when serving for food safety. This dairy-free fruit salad dressing is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Add water to the ingredients below, and you have everything you need to make the best fresh fruit salad dressing.
Ingredient Notes
- Lime: Lime is my go-to citrus for this dressing, but feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits if you like.
- Mint: Fresh herbs are a must with this recipe. You cannot substitute dried herbs.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar or superfine sugar both work well.
Instructions
Make this dressing in minutes!
- Add water and sugar to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in mint and lime zest.
- Allow to steep in the syrup for at least 20 minutes and up to one hour.
- Strain dressing through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids. Store dressing sealed in the fridge for up to two weeks.
FAQs
This sweet and tangy dressing is made from just four ingredients: water, sugar, lime zest and fresh mint leaves.
Avoid fruits that will get mushy in fruit salad, like most canned and frozen
fruits, fresh banana slices and tender berries like raspberries.
Infused simple syrups like this one are best used within two weeks. Store sealed in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips for making the best fresh fruit salad
- Use ripe, seasonal fruits whenever possible. They have the best flavor.
- Add a variety of fruits to the salad for both eye-catching color and great texture.
- Cut all fruit into the same size pieces so it's easier to eat and stir together.
- Fruit salad tastes best when chilled so assemble your salad and pop it in the fridge for an hour before serving.
Shortcuts
- Make this fruit salad dressing up to two weeks ahead of time. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cut fruits up to two days in advance and store in separate containers in the refrigerator.
- Buy pre-cut fruit from the store if you are short on time.
- Leftover infused syrup can also be added to cocktails for a flavored twist on plain simple syrup, like in this recipe for a Tequila Mojito.
- You can use other herbs in place of mint for a different twist on this fruit salad dressing. Basil would be delicious!
- Leftover fruit salad can be frozen and used in smoothies. Simply freeze fruit in a single layer on a sheet pan. When frozen, transfer to a zip top bag to use when desired.
More simple side dishes
Add some color to your next meal with these beautiful (and easy) side dishes.
You can check out all of our side dish recipes in our archives.
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Recipe
Fruit Salad Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup packed mint leaves
- Zest of 1 lime
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Instructions
- Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Make sure all of the sugar has dissolved.½ cup water, ½ cup sugar
- Remove from heat and add mint leaves and lime zest. Let steep for 20 minutes and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Store sealed in the refrigerator until ready to use.½ cup packed mint leaves, Zest of 1 lime
Notes
- The amount of dressing you need depends on the amount of fruit you have. Start with a small amount, stir to combine and taste. Add more dressing, if needed.
- You can also use other herbs in place of mint for a different twist on this fruit salad dressing. Basil would be delicious!
- This dressing will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
- Leftover infused syrup can also be added to cocktails for a flavored twist on plain simple syrup, like in this recipe for a Tequila Mojito.
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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