If you are looking for a stunning and refreshing fruit salad that supports a heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly diet, this recipe is your dream come true. Unlike many fruit salads, this recipe relies only on the natural sugars of the berries and features a bright, tangy dressing made with fresh lime juice and mint. This keeps the calorie and sugar content low while offering high fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for a light dessert or side dish.
The simple preparation takes just 30 minutes, allowing you to quickly enjoy the sweet combination of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and kiwi, all enhanced by the fragrant citrus dressing.
Don’t miss our other healthy fruit recipes for more delicious ways to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your health goals on track.
This mixed berry salad is a naturally nutritious choice because it is low in calories, contains zero sodium, and is rich in fiber and antioxidants from the dark berries. The recipe specifically excludes refined sugars and heavy syrups, making it an excellent, refreshing option for those managing blood sugar.
While the lime juice is for flavor and does not sweeten the salad, if you want extra sweetness, you can add a drizzle of a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to the dressing instead of honey or maple syrup.
Yes, the salad is best made 1-2 hours ahead of serving to allow the flavors to meld, but no longer than 4 hours. The lime juice helps preserve the fruit, but the berries can release their juices if stored too long and make the salad runny.
If you prefer something creamier, a small dollop of light Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) is a great topping. You can also use a light balsamic glaze, which adds sweetness and depth without much sugar.
You can swap out the grapes or kiwi for other low-glycemic fruits like diced peaches, plums, or cantaloupe. Ensure that any added fruit keeps the overall sugar and calorie count consistent with a diabetic-friendly plan.
Fruit based treats are an excellent choice when you want something sweet that doesn’t rely on excessive sugar. These recipes have all the classic dessert flavor you love in a healthier package.
In search of more fruit recipe inspiration? These quick and easy recipes are perfect for when you want a light, healthy meal or snack starring your favorite fruits.
This fruit salad pairs well as a light, sweet side dish for savory meals that also adhere to heart-healthy and low-sugar guidelines.
Recipe yields 8 servings
In a small saucepan over a medium high heat, combine 1 cup water, lime peel strips and mint sprigs. Bring to a boil and cook until half the liquid has evaporated.
Remove the lime strips and mint sprigs and let the mixture cool. Add the 2 tablespoons minced mint, the lime zest and the lime juice.
In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes and kiwi. Pour the lime and mint sauce over the fruit and toss gently until all the fruit is evenly coated.
You can adjust this recipe to better fit your tastes or schedule with these options:
If you need to make the dressing sweeter, use 1–2 packets of a non-nutritive sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit instead of using natural sugars like honey or maple syrup.
You can swap the kiwi for fresh mango or pineapple chunks, or use other berries. Note that mango and pineapple are higher on the glycemic index, so adjust portions accordingly if you are closely monitoring blood sugar.
If fresh mint is unavailable, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract instead for a different, complementary flavor profile.