Originally posted May 13, 2013. Updated May 2015.

Sometimes I discover a recipe that is so simple and delicious, I wonder how I didn’t come up with it on my own. Never mind, I take that back…I don’t consider myself a recipe developer (just a good sleuth!), so it makes perfect sense that I never thought of combining these ingredients together! When I find recipes that are not only budget-friendly, but include ingredients I typically have on-hand, are simple to make and bursting with flavor, they quickly become part of my go-to circulation of dishes for work (especially for cooking demos and classes) and at home. When I discovered this recipe from Epicurious.com a few years ago, it met every criteria.

The recipe for this simple syrup made with honey and lime juice adds a hint of citrus flavor that heightens the natural sweetness of almost any combination of seasonal fruit. With a mild bite from freshly chopped mint whisked in, you’ll find yourself making this easy recipe all season long. I used a different combination of fruit than what the original recipe called for, but the syrup is so versatile, it works well with just about any fruit you have on-hand. And, as you can see, it makes a beautiful addition to any meal or as a side dish to take to your next family gathering or party.

Although I’ve  seen similar recipes using brown sugar in place of honey, I prefer using naturally sweet honey produced by those little hardworking honey bees! I especially like using local honey because it supports local producers and unlike sugar, honey contains antioxidants and minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium (Source: National Honey Board). As we all know, fruit is always a healthy food choice because of it’s vitamins, health-boosting antioxidants and filling fiber, but if that doesn’t make it appealing enough, add this simple syrup to your mix and eat it fresh or frozen for a refreshing and (naturally) sweet treat.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Minty Honey-Lime Syrup

Recipe by Christy Wilson
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

Syrup:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (*I like using key limes)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Fruit Mix:

  • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 4 medium kiwis, peeled, halved and sliced
  • 4 cups seedless grapes (any color you prefer!)
  • Mint for garnish

Directions

  1. Whisk lime juice, honey and mint together in a large bowl.
  2. Add strawberries, kiwis and grapes to the bowl and toss gently until fruit is combined and coated with syrup.
  3. Let is stand for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
  4. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with mint before serving.

*Note: Can be made 3 hours ahead of time.

*Christy’s extra note: To change things up, place mixed fruit in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze! Kids may also like to thread seasoned fruit through skewers and fruit can be served freshly chilled or as frozen kabobs.:) 

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Nutrition Facts
 per serving (about 1/2 cup):
Calories: 70; Total fat: 0 gr; Cholestrol: 0 mg; Sodium: 0 mg; Total carbohydrate: 17 gr; Dietary fiber: 1 gr; Sugar: 14 gr; Protein: 1 gr; Vitamin C: 70%; Calcium: 2%; Iron: 4%

Enjoy!
~CWN

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