Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing

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

A vibrant fruit salad bursting with island flavors, paired with a zesty coconut lime dressing for a refreshing Tiki bar treat. This tiki-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends cubed ripe mango, diced fresh pineapple, cubed dragon fruit 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 120 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 Tiki-Inspired cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cubed mango, 1 cup diced pineapple, 1 cup cubed dragon fruit, and 1 cup halved lychee. Gently toss to mix.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp honey until well combined. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes over the top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut 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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut 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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut 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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut 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.

What goes well with Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing?

Tiki-Inspired salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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