Serves: 4 | Time: 15 minutes | No cooking required
Let’s Keep It Fresh
This Watermelon Kiwi Spinach Salad is a sweet little surprise.
You’ve got juicy watermelon chunks, tart green kiwi slices, and tender baby spinach leaves all drizzled with a bright honey-lime dressing.
It’s refreshing, colorful, and tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
I love tossing this together when I want something light but full of flavor.
It’s super simple, and it always feels special.
🛒 What You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 3 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced into rounds
For the Honey-Lime Drizzle
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This one came together on a hot afternoon when I needed something light, fast, and a little fancy—but without the fuss. I had watermelon, some leftover kiwis, and a bag of spinach… the rest just kind of happened. Now I crave it every summer.
Why this salad’s a favorite:
- Super fast—done in 15 minutes
- Sweet and tart with a fresh green base
- Looks beautiful on the table
- Great as a starter or light meal
- That honey-lime drizzle is addictive
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Spinach brings a mild, tender green base that balances fruit
- Watermelon adds natural sweetness and hydration
- Kiwi is tangy and juicy, cutting through the sweetness
- Honey-lime dressing brightens everything and ties it all together
- Olive oil adds just enough body to make the dressing cling to the leaves
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using overripe kiwi – Too soft and it turns mushy in the salad
- Not drying the spinach – Wet leaves can make the whole salad soggy
- Overmixing – Toss gently so the fruit doesn’t break down
- Too much dressing – Keep it light so the flavors of the fruit shine through
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Crusty bread or flatbreads
- Quiche or egg tart
- Light pasta with lemon and herbs
- Chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime
❓ FAQ
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, just prep the fruit and dressing separately. Mix it all right before serving.
Can I use frozen fruit?
I don’t recommend it—frozen watermelon or kiwi turns mushy when thawed.
What if I don’t have honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave as a swap.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- Slice the kiwi and cube the watermelon a few hours ahead and keep them in separate containers in the fridge.
- Make the dressing and store in a sealed jar for up to 2 days.
- Toss it all together just before serving for the freshest texture.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board + knife
- Whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Citrus juicer (optional)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Add crunch: Sprinkle in sliced almonds or pepitas
- Boost protein: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Go citrusy: Add orange segments instead of kiwi
- Make it vegan: Use agave instead of honey
- Add herbs: A little fresh mint goes really well here
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Instructions:
Peel and slice 3 ripe kiwis into thin green rounds. Dice 2 cups of seedless watermelon into small cubes.
Step 2: Wash and Dry the Spinach
Instructions:
Rinse 4 cups of baby spinach and dry well using a salad spinner or paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Honey-Lime Drizzle
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Instructions:
In a large salad bowl, layer 4 cups of baby spinach, followed by the watermelon cubes and kiwi slices.
Step 5: Drizzle and Toss
Instructions:
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to combine. Serve immediately.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish (Optional)
Instructions:
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra kiwi slices or a lime wedge if you’d like.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Best eaten fresh! If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The spinach may wilt a bit, but the flavors will still be great.
✨ Wrap-Up
This Watermelon Kiwi Spinach Salad is sweet, tangy, fresh, and totally simple. It’s the kind of salad that feels fancy without being fussy—and it goes with just about anything. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it. Got a fun twist? I’d love to hear it in the comments! 🥝🍉🥗