There's something magical about the combination of ripe peaches, fragrant basil, and the zesty kiss of lime. This Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad is sunshine in a bowl – juicy, vibrant, and bursting with summer flavor.

I first made this salad after a visit to the local farmer’s market where the peaches were so ripe, their sweetness practically perfumed the air. With a handful of fresh basil from my windowsill herb garden and a drizzle of honey, I whipped together what has become a go-to side dish for BBQs, brunches, and lazy summer afternoons.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a refreshing snack, this salad is as easy as it is elegant. Let’s dive in.

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

This salad isn’t just beautiful—it’s a fresh take on summer fruit that your guests will rave about.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking 15 minutes from start to finish. No cooking, no fuss—just a few knife skills and a quick toss in a bowl.

It’s also naturally sweet and healthy. With no refined sugar and a mix of antioxidant-rich fruits, it’s a treat you can feel good about enjoying any time of day.

The flavors are unexpected and sophisticated. The honey adds a gentle richness, the lime brightens everything up, and the basil? It brings a fragrant, herbal note that elevates this salad from ordinary to unforgettable.

Finally, it’s versatile. Serve it as a brunch side, a light dessert, or even over grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing twist on dinner.

This dish checks all the boxes—easy, healthy, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing. Next, let’s look at what you’ll need.

Ingredient Notes

The secret to this salad’s success is in using fresh, quality ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table.

Peaches are the star of the show. You’ll want ripe, but firm peaches so they hold their shape when sliced. Yellow peaches work best for color and flavor, though white peaches are a lovely alternative if you prefer a milder sweetness.

Strawberries add a burst of bright red and a slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness of the peaches. Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant—those will be the juiciest and most flavorful.

Blueberries bring both a pop of color and a touch of tartness. Plus, they hold up well in the salad and don't release too much juice, which helps keep things fresh.

Fresh basil might sound unusual in a fruit salad, but trust me—it works. Its floral, slightly peppery flavor pairs beautifully with sweet fruit and citrus. Be sure to use fresh, not dried, and chiffonade it into thin ribbons just before serving.

Honey and lime juice form the dressing. Choose a mild honey that won’t overpower the fruit, and always use freshly squeezed lime juice. The acidity balances the sweetness, while the zest adds a burst of citrusy aroma.

As for tools, all you’ll need is a sharp knife, a citrus zester, a large mixing bowl, and a small whisk or spoon to mix the dressing.

How To Make This Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad

Making this fruit salad couldn’t be easier—and the results are as pretty as they are delicious.

Start by washing and preparing your fruit. Slice the peaches into thin wedges, removing the pits. Halve or quarter the strawberries, depending on their size. Rinse and drain the blueberries, patting them dry to avoid extra moisture in the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice and zest of one lime. The lime zest adds a citrusy aroma that really brightens the whole dish, so don’t skip it!

Add all your prepped fruit to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the top and gently toss everything together using a large spoon or your hands. Be careful not to overmix—you want the fruit to stay intact.

Just before serving, chiffonade a small handful of fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top. Toss very gently one last time to incorporate.

Serve immediately, or let it chill for up to an hour in the fridge to let the flavors mingle. The result? A jewel-toned salad that looks like summer in a bowl.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes, including prep and assembly. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of dish.

Storage Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasty.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fruit will soften slightly over time and the basil may darken, but it’ll still be delicious for up to 2 days.

If you're making the salad in advance, wait to add the basil until just before serving. This keeps it from wilting or turning black from the acidity of the lime.

Avoid freezing this salad—the texture of the fruit will suffer too much. This one is meant to be a fresh, vibrant dish.

To re-serve, give the salad a quick toss and, if needed, refresh with a little extra lime juice or a sprinkle of basil.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this salad is how easily it can be customized.

No peaches? Swap them with nectarines or even mango slices for a tropical vibe. Just keep the texture firm so the fruit holds up.

Add more color. Try sliced kiwi, chunks of watermelon, or pomegranate seeds for an even more vibrant presentation.

Use mint instead of basil for a more classic fruit salad flavor. It’s equally refreshing and pairs well with the honey and lime.

Make it savory. Add thin slices of red onion or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a more complex, sweet-savory profile. This version is especially good served alongside grilled meats.

Boost the protein. Toss in a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pistachios for a satisfying crunch and added nutrition.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. This salad is a template you can play with endlessly, depending on what’s in season and your personal preferences.