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

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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.

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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