If you’re craving something vibrant, refreshing, and a true celebration of summer, Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing is about to become your go-to! Bursting with sweet watermelon, juicy berries, and a zesty, herby lime dressing, this salad is the very definition of sunshine in a bowl—and it comes together so simply you’ll want to make it all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Refreshing: The combination of chilled watermelon and juicy berries with fresh mint and lime is the most hydrating, cooling treat for hot days.
- Almost Effortless: This Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing takes just minutes to make, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine.
- Naturally Sweet and Healthy: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, this salad satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things light and nourishing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its eye-popping colors and universally loved flavors, it’s always the star of every potluck, picnic, or backyard gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of nature’s finest summer gems to make this irresistible Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing. Each ingredient was chosen for its unique flavor, texture, and dazzling color—creating a salad that’s every bit as beautiful as it tastes!
- Watermelon (about 650 g, 4 heaping cups, cubed): Choose a sweet, ripe watermelon for maximum juiciness and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Strawberries (150 g, about 1 cup): Their natural sweetness and bright red color make every bite extra special—just hull and halve or quarter them.
- Cherries (150 g, about 1 cup): Pitted fresh cherries add a slight tang and a wonderful chew. If cherries are out of season, feel free to swap with grapes.
- Raspberries (150 g, about 1 cup): These delicate berries bring a hint of tartness, balancing the sweetness of the salad.
- Fresh Mint (1 tablespoon, chopped): Mint brings a cooling lift that makes every mouthful taste like summer vacation.
- Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Zesty and bright, lime ties everything together and prevents the fruit from browning.
- Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a natural touch of sweetness and enhances the flavors harmoniously. Honey or agave make fabulous substitutes.
Variations
One of the best things about this Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t hesitate to mix and match with your favorite fruits, herbs, or sweeteners—this recipe is all about making it your own!
- Add Other Fruits: Blueberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, or dragon fruit will all taste fabulous and create a rainbow effect.
- Swap the Herbs: Try fresh basil for a peppery twist, or even experiment with cilantro or parsley for a fun herbaceous switch-up.
- Use a Different Sweetener: Honey, agave, or even a sprinkle of coconut sugar will work perfectly if you don’t have maple syrup on hand.
- Make It Boozy: For grown-up gatherings, add a splash of limoncello or a drizzle of elderflower liqueur to your dressing!
How to Make Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing
Step 1: Prep and Chop the Fruit
Start by thoroughly rinsing all the berries and fruit to get rid of any dirt or residues. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes—aim for even pieces to make every forkful perfect. Hull and halve the strawberries, pit the cherries (if using fresh), and leave the raspberries whole. Transfer everything into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whip Up the Mint Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, maple syrup, and finely chopped mint until they’re beautifully combined. The scent of mint mingling with citrus is positively intoxicating and sets the tone for the whole salad.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the minty lime dressing over your vibrant medley of cut fruit. Carefully toss the salad until everything is evenly coated—try not to overmix so the berries stay intact. Serve immediately while everything is crisp, cool, and bursting with flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing
- Go For Cold Fruit: Chill your watermelon and berries before assembling—this makes every bite incredibly refreshing.
- Gentle Tossing: Use a soft spatula or your hands to gently mix the salad, keeping the delicate berries whole and lovely.
- Prep the Dressing in Advance: Letting the mint infuse in the lime juice and syrup for 10-15 minutes amps up the herby flavor without overpowering the fruit.
- Right Before Serving Is Best: For maximum freshness and texture, dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting watery.
How to Serve Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing
Garnishes
Add some extra chopped mint leaves or even a few edible flowers (like pansies or nasturtiums) for a beautiful, fresh finishing touch. If you want a little extra zest, a sprinkle of finely grated lime zest over the top is pure magic.
Side Dishes
This salad shines next to grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a platter of summer sliders. It also holds its own on a brunch table alongside quiches, croissants, or breakfast pastries, and makes the perfect poolside snack with just a bowl of salty tortilla chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing into hollowed-out watermelon shells for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can also layer the salad in clear glass jars for gorgeous picnic servings, or skewer the chunks for fruity party “kabobs!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad will keep well for up to 1–2 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. The fruit will release some juices as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fruits lose their lovely texture and become mushy once thawed. For best results, always make Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing fresh!
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a quick toss and perhaps add a few fresh mint leaves before serving again.
FAQs
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Can I make Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the fruit and make the dressing separately a few hours in advance. Just combine everything and toss with the dressing right before serving for the freshest, most vibrant texture.
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What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey, agave, or any liquid sweetener you prefer will work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust the amount to your taste for just the right sweetness.
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Are there other herbs besides mint that taste good in this salad?
Absolutely! Fresh basil is a delicious and slightly peppery alternative, but you can also experiment with cilantro or flat-leaf parsley for a unique flavor twist in your Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing.
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Can I add feta or cheese to this salad?
Yes—you can turn your Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing into a sweet-salty treat by crumbling some feta or goat cheese on top. It adds a lovely creaminess and complements the fruit and herbs beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing adds a splash of color and joy to your summer table! It’s the kind of easy, irresistible recipe that brings everyone back for seconds, and I can’t wait for you to taste all that sunshine in a bowl. Give it a try—and don’t forget to share your delicious creations!
Print
Berry Watermelon Salad With Mint Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Berry Watermelon Salad with Mint Lime Dressing is a delightful blend of sweet watermelon, juicy berries, and a zesty mint lime dressing. It’s a perfect summer salad bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Watermelon Salad:
- 650 grams watermelon, cubed
- 150 grams strawberries, sliced
- 150 grams cherries, pitted
- 150 grams raspberries
Mint Lime Dressing:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Fruits: Wash, clean, and cut all the fruits. Place them in a mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix lime juice, maple syrup, and chopped mint.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the fruits and gently toss to coat.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Check the post for more detailed instructions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
