If you’ve ever wished you could eat summer by the spoonful, you have to try this Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad! Bursting with juicy watermelon, zippy lime, a pop of mint, and just a wink of (optional) rum, this crowd-pleaser is as fun to eat as it is simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Summer Crowd-Pleaser: This vibrant salad brightens every BBQ, picnic, or potluck with its juicy colors and tropical flavors.
- Ready in Minutes: No fancy techniques—just a few snips of mint, a squeeze of lime, and a quick toss brings everything together with minimal effort.
- Versatile and Customizable: Make it with or without rum, and switch up the fruit and garnishes for any crowd or dietary need.
- Stunning to Serve: Those jicama stars and lush berries turn every bowl into an edible masterpiece, guaranteed to make your table (and Instagram feed) pop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad is how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together for maximum flavor and visual wow. Here’s what you’ll need—each one plays a starring role in making this salad a juicy, crowd-pleasing delight!
- Watermelon (8 cups, cubed about 1″): Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon—the juicier and sweeter, the better! Cubes hold their shape and soak up all that zesty dressing.
- Strawberries (4 cups, hulled & quartered): Their tart-sweet flavor and rosy color make them a must for contrast and flavor depth.
- Blueberries (3 cups): Plump and juicy, blueberries bring bursts of sweetness and a pretty pop of color.
- Large Mint Leaves (18, chopped): Mint is the soul of any mojito. Fresh leaves add a cool, herbal lift that can’t be matched.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1/2 cup): Don’t skimp here—freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the fruit and ties everything together.
- Powdered Sugar (4 tablespoons): Just enough to accentuate the natural sweetness without overpowering the freshness.
- White Rum (4 tablespoons, optional): Adds a grown-up spin for adults—totally optional but seriously fun if you’re serving a 21+ crowd.
- Jicama Stars (optional): For that magical touch! Crisp, refreshing jicama cut into star shapes turns this into party-worthy fare.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad totally your own! It’s easy to adapt to what’s in your fridge, your taste buds, or your guest list—think of it as your blank (and delicious) summer canvas.
- Swap the Berries: If strawberries or blueberries aren’t in season, try blackberries, raspberries, or chunks of juicy mango for extra tropical flair.
- Make it Booze-Free: Skip the rum for a kid-friendly spin, or use coconut water for a little extra refreshment and subtle sweetness.
- Add Some Citrus Zest: Boost the mojito vibes with a sprinkle of fresh lime or even lemon zest for another flavor dimension.
- Give It a Crunch: Chopped cucumber or a scattering of pistachios can add surprising crunch and even more summer freshness.
How to Make Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Start by cubing your watermelon into even, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch) and place them in a large bowl. Next, hull and quarter your strawberries, and add those in along with the blueberries. If you’re feeling extra festive, this is a great time to prep the jicama stars—simply slice the jicama and use your favorite small star cutter for a little “wow” factor.
Step 2: Make the Mojito Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the freshly chopped mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and powdered sugar. To get every bit of minty flavor, muddle the mint against the side of the bowl with the back of a spoon, releasing all those fragrant oils. If you’re adding rum, stir it in now for that classic mojito twist.
Step 3: Dress and Chill
Drizzle your minty lime dressing over the fruit and gently fold everything together so every bite is coated but the fruit stays intact. Pop the whole bowl into the fridge for at least an hour—this allows the flavors to mingle and the salad to get extra cold and refreshing.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Right before serving, gently fold in the jicama stars (or any other special garnishes)—this keeps them crisp, white, and picture-perfect. Give it one last gentle toss, taste for balance, and you’re good to go!
Pro Tips for Making Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad
- Chill Your Fruit First: For maximum refreshment, cube and chill the fruit before assembling—there’s nothing better than biting into icy-cold watermelon on a hot day.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Gently fold everything together to keep the fruit from breaking down and releasing too much juice, which can make your salad watery.
- Taste and Adjust: Every melon is different! Give your salad a little taste before serving—you might want to add an extra squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of sugar to match your own sweet-tart preference.
- Mint Matters: Always use fresh, fragrant mint leaves for the best mojito flavor, and chop them right before adding so they don’t bruise or brown.
How to Serve Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad
Garnishes
For that show-stopping finish, top your salad with a handful of extra chopped mint, a few more jicama stars, or even a sprinkle of lime zest. If you have edible flowers on hand—like small pansies or nasturtiums—they’ll add a whimsical, summery flourish that always draws “oohs” and “aahs” at the table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or picnic classics like fried chicken or veggie burgers. Its crisp, juicy bite also balances out creamy side dishes (think potato salad or coleslaw) and is absolutely fantastic as a palate refresher between rich main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve your Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad in hollowed-out watermelon “baskets” or individual mason jars—great for picnics or parties. Skewer the fruit onto sticks for mojito fruit kabobs, or use small cocktail glasses to show off all those layers and vibrant colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any salad left (it disappears fast!), pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days—after that, the fruit can start to get a bit too juicy and lose its bite.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing—the fresh fruit textures just won’t hold up after thawing. But if you have extras, try blending them for a frozen treat: homemade mojito-style popsicles or fruity ice cubes for summer drinks!
Reheating
No need to reheat at all—just give the salad a quick stir before serving cold from the fridge. If things look a little watery, drain off excess liquid and add a handful of fresh mint to revive those flavors.
FAQs
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Can I make Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! The salad is actually best when given some time in the refrigerator—just remember to fold in the jicama stars and any delicate garnishes right before serving to keep them crisp and pretty.
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What can I use instead of rum?
If you want to make yours alcohol-free, simply omit the rum. For a fun alternative, a splash of coconut water or even club soda gives a similar light, mojito-inspired vibe.
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How can I keep the fruit salad from getting watery?
The key is to gently fold the fruit and dressing together right before serving, and store the salad cold. If it does release extra juice, simply pour it off—or turn it into a quick mocktail with extra lime and mint!
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Is there a way to make this salad sweeter or more tart?
You bet! Taste as you go—add a touch more powdered sugar for sweetness or an extra squeeze of lime for tang. Every batch of fruit is a little different, so don’t hesitate to adjust to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If summer had a signature salad, it would be this Refreshing Mojito Watermelon Fruit Salad. It’s light, lively, and bursting with flavor—perfect for sharing with the people you love. Whip up a bowl and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Print
Minty Mojito Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mojito Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and a hint of mint and lime create a burst of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 cups cubed watermelon, about 1″ in size
- 4 cups hulled and quartered strawberries
- 3 cups blueberries
For the Dressing:
- 18 large mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons white rum (optional)
For Jicama Stars:
- Jicama stars (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Place watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix chopped mint, lime juice, and powdered sugar. Muddle the mint with the back of a spoon to release its flavor. Stir in rum if using.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the fruit. Gently fold everything together. Chill the salad in the fridge to let the flavors meld. It can be made ahead but mix before serving.
- Optional Jicama Stars: Cut jicama into 1/4″ slices and use a star-shaped cutter to create stars. Add them to the salad just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
