There's nothing quite like the burst of summer sweetness you get from a bowl of Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad. Juicy peaches, plump berries, and a hint of citrus all come together in a vibrant medley that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful.

I first whipped up this salad during a backyard BBQ when I had a surplus of peaches and no dessert plan. A quick toss of fruit with lime juice and honey, plus a handful of basil from the garden, turned into an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s now my go-to for brunches, picnics, and anytime I need a light, feel-good dish.

This fruit salad is quick to prepare, stunning on the table, and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your summer rotation.

Why You'll Love This Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite summer side dish. This Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad isn’t just delicious—it’s a simple, elevated twist on traditional fruit salad that brings bright flavor and a sophisticated edge.

It’s incredibly quick to make. You can throw this salad together in 15 minutes flat, making it ideal for those last-minute gatherings or busy weekday meals.

It feels fancy without the fuss. Thanks to the addition of fresh basil and a zesty honey-lime dressing, this fruit salad has an herbaceous, slightly floral note that feels gourmet—even though it’s ridiculously easy.

Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it’s a dish everyone can enjoy. No substitutions necessary!

Perfect for using up ripe summer produce. Peaches at their peak are the star, but you can mix in whatever berries or stone fruits you have on hand.

With all that going for it, this recipe will earn a regular place in your warm-weather meal planning.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of this salad lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each piece of produce adds a layer of color and flavor, and the honey-lime-basil combo ties it all together with brightness and depth.

Fresh peaches are the heart of this salad. You want them ripe but not mushy—look for fruit that gives just slightly when pressed. Leave the skins on for extra texture and color, or peel if you prefer a smoother bite.

Berries add sweetness, juiciness, and a splash of color. I love using a mix of blueberries and strawberries. Blueberries hold their shape beautifully, while sliced strawberries add that unmistakable summertime taste.

Fresh basil is what elevates this dish from basic to brilliant. Tear it gently by hand or slice it into ribbons (chiffonade) to release the aromatic oils. Basil adds a lightly peppery, almost anise-like note that pairs surprisingly well with fruit.

Lime juice adds essential acidity. It balances the sweetness of the fruit and honey and keeps everything vibrant and fresh. Fresh-squeezed is a must here—bottled juice just won’t have the same zing.

Honey ties everything together with a soft floral sweetness. Use a light, mild honey (like clover or wildflower) so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. If you’re vegan, a drizzle of agave syrup works just as well.

For this recipe, no special equipment is needed beyond a sharp knife, a citrus juicer, and a large mixing bowl. A microplane is handy if you want to add a bit of lime zest for extra zing.

How To Make This Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad

Making this salad is a breeze, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preparing your fruit. Slice the peaches into thin wedges, removing the pits as you go. Rinse your berries gently under cool water and pat them dry—excess water can dilute the dressing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peaches, blueberries, and sliced strawberries. Gently toss the fruit with your hands or a rubber spatula so everything is evenly mixed without bruising the berries.

Next, in a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lime juice and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed—some peaches are sweeter than others, so trust your palate.

Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat. The lime and honey will begin to infuse the fruit right away, adding layers of flavor and a lovely gloss.

Right before serving, tear or chiffonade the fresh basil and scatter it over the top. Give the salad one last gentle toss, then spoon it into a serving bowl or individual cups.

The whole process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll end up with a bowl full of glistening, colorful fruit that smells like summer and tastes even better.

Storage Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be made a few hours ahead of time with great results.

If you need to prep in advance, store the dressed fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the fresh basil just before serving to keep it bright and fragrant.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days, but the fruit may start to break down and release juices, especially the strawberries. For best texture, consume within the first day.

If the fruit releases too much liquid, simply drain off a bit of the excess or stir in a few more fresh berries to refresh the texture.

To re-serve chilled, just give the salad a quick stir and add a fresh squeeze of lime or a drizzle of honey to wake everything up.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this fruit salad is how adaptable it is. Feel free to play around with ingredients based on what’s in season or in your fridge.

Try swapping peaches for nectarines if you prefer a smoother skin or slightly firmer bite. Plums, apricots, or mangoes would also work well here.

For a berry swap, raspberries or blackberries are delicious alternatives to blueberries or strawberries. Just be gentle—they’re more delicate and can break apart easily when tossed.

Want to mix up the herbs? While basil is stunning in this salad, fresh mint also works beautifully and brings a cooling effect that pairs well with the lime and honey.

For a tropical twist, toss in some pineapple chunks or shaved coconut. These add sweetness and texture that’s perfect for summer cookouts or luau-themed meals.

And if you want to turn this salad into a more filling side, consider adding a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for some crunch.