Pecan and Prickly Pear Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing regional Texas-inspired fruit salad featuring sweet prickly pear, crunchy pecans, and a zesty honey-lime dressing. This american-inspired salads (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, roughly chopped toasted pecans, honey into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup peeled and diced prickly pear fruit pulp, 1 cup hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, and 1 cup pineapple chunks. Toss gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the honey-lime dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted pecans and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves to the salad. Toss lightly once more.
  5. Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to refresh.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pecan and Prickly Pear Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pecan and Prickly Pear Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pecan and Prickly Pear Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pecan and Prickly Pear Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pecan and Prickly Pear Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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