Looking for new and interesting ideas for this summer? This Mexican fruit salad is bursting with bold flavors—think chili-lime seasoning, juicy tropical fruits, and a touch of heat that’ll wake up your tastebuds. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and just a little sassy.
This salad is a colorful mix of juicy mango, watermelon, pineapple, and crunchy cucumber, all dusted with spicy chili powder and drizzled with tangy lime juice.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup diced mango
– 1 cup diced watermelon
– 1 cup diced pineapple
– 1 cup sliced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Dice the mango, watermelon, and pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced mango, watermelon, pineapple, and sliced cucumber.
Step 3: Add Spice and Zest
Sprinkle the chili powder evenly over the fruit mixture. Drizzle with lime juice to taste.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Gently toss everything together until the fruit is well coated with the chili powder and lime juice.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the salad to a white platter for serving. Garnish with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
Ways to Improve It
1. Add some jicama for an extra crunch.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the fruit.
3. Mix in fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
4. Use Tajín seasoning instead of plain chili powder for a more complex flavor.
5. Chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to intensify flavors.
What to Serve With This Meal
This Mexican fruit salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It’s also great as a light appetizer before tacos or enchiladas. For a full meal experience, serve it alongside some warm tortilla chips and guacamole.
Substitutions
1. Substitute papaya for mango if you prefer.
2. Use honeydew melon instead of watermelon for a different melon flavor.
3. Replace chili powder with cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
4. Swap lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
Recipe Variations
1. Add avocado slices to make it creamier.
2. Throw in some halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
3. Include toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a nutty crunch.
4. Mix in crumbled cotija cheese for a savory contrast.
5. Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Enjoy this delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will surely brighten up any meal!
