Name: Mexican Street Fruit Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1-2 large mangoes (sliced); ½ large papaya (seeded, sliced); ½ large Hot House cucumber (sliced); ¼ medium watermelon (sliced); 1 red chili pepper; 1 medium lime (sliced/wedged); ¼ cup chili-lime seasoning; cilantro or mint ((optional, for garnish))

^{“Vaso de Fruta Mexicana”A spicy, yet, vibrant Mexican (or SoCal) street food that takes the concept of a fruit salad to a whole new level. Imagine a large cup of sweet and juicy fruits on a summer day while basking in the sun! The chili-lime seasoning is that extra hint that makes it super special and gives such a unique flair to this south-of-the-border favorite.}

I admit I have only had TV and drive by envy when seeing these fruit cups! I’ve craved these on a hot day walking along the beach but have yet had the chance to try one! Not even on my trip to Mexico and still not when I saw a local street vendor selling them when I visited California. I’ve just wanted one so bad!!

I have watched so many specials and TV shows on the food channels that highlight these gorgeous little (actually big!) cups of seasoned fresh fruit. I had to make it. I originally put together all the ingredients on a Fourth of July trip in 2020 where restaurants were shut down. I thought this would be my answer for a fast and healthy breakfast, but my mango was not ripe and I only wanted it with mango.

Honestly, that’s the best part about this so called“recipe”. It’s so easy to pick and add whatever you want. You just want fruits that are complimented by the seasoning. In my mind that means watermelon, mango, melons, papaya, pineapple and cucumbers. Oh yes, cucumbers! Cucumbers add such a subtle crunch and pair well with the sweet fruits. Also, according to my research, the cucumber is a pretty common additive to this salad.

I also told myself I needed to cut back on recipes that were spicy but I couldn’t help it. This is not meant to be a spicy dish but a little slice of chili pepper here and there never hurt. Again, that’s what’s so great about this, add it or leave it out based on what you love.

Pick fruits that are in season and look GREAT for a refreshing summer treat. The mangoes were ripe (and on sale), the watermelon was crisp, the papaya was fresh and the cucumbers were also on sale so that just made for a win! You can add jicama, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe and even freshly shredded coconut! I kept mine simple and it was perfect!!!! I did add some hidden slices of chili peppers but that was just my spin on it.

I know, how weird, salt on fruit. Let me tell you, I’ve seen a lot of weird spices and condiments added to watermelon on this TikTok thing…you know who you are. The salt does bring out the sweetness of the fruit but it it’s an acquired taste.

5 from 1 vote

Mexican Street Fruit Cups

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Ingredients

1-2 large mangoes sliced
½ large papaya seeded, sliced
½ large Hot House cucumber sliced
¼ medium watermelon sliced
1 red chili pepper
1 medium lime sliced/wedged
¼ cup chili-lime seasoning
cilantro or mint (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Peel and slice all fruit to evenly sized slices. Reserve leftover cuts or chunks.
Rim a cup or glass with a lime wedge or water and then dip the edge of the glass or cup into the chili-lime seasoning. (This step is optional).
Add and arrange all fruit in a cup and sprinkle with chili-lime seasoning to your liking.

Notes

How long does it last and where?

It’s fruit salad! Once you cut up the fruits, you can store them all together in one giant sealed container. They’ll last for about 4-5 days in the fridge.

Assemble in the pretty fashion if you please, but for me, that was simply for looks. They didn’t taste any different slopped in a bowl as my dessert.

Can you freeze it?

No, that would be weird!

Substitutions?

What’s so great about this recipe is the fact that there’s really no perfect combination of fruit. I would stick with tropical-ish fruits like mangoes, papayas, pineapples and thick crunchy fruits.

I love watermelon. Cucumbers are pretty common in this as well. Added melons are perfect as they hold up well with layers and have a very subtle flavor. Only add what you enjoy and mix it up! Find fresh fruits that are at their prime in the markets.

I have even seen citrus added to this but do as you want. Limes are perfect in this as a garnish.

If you’re not a fan of the chili-lime seasoning, that’s fine. Even a little dusting of chili powder, sea salt and a squeeze of lime adds to the flavor. Feel free to leave off the chili pepper slices if you don’t do heat. They’re not needed but they certainly made me happy.

The only other thing I have seen added to this is a thick Chamoy sauce. This is more of fruit and lime glaze. That’s a great little color addition. Add hot sauce in my mind which obviously amps up the heat level. I know that’s odd but it’s perfectly fine with this combo.

Add coconut! It’s not required but it’s freakin’ delicious. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite ingredient but it’ll definitely make you feel like you’re in a hot, tropical climate.

Tips and Tricks

Make sure that the fruit is perfectly ripe and sweet. I am a fan of not-so-ripe fruit from time to time but you want it to be sweet and refreshing. Pick fruits in season.

I think it’s nice to add sticks and slices to the actual fruit so that you can eat it on the go with your hands. All pieces should be similar in size and fit perfectly in a cup. Extra chunks and bits are great at the bottom to add height and you know I’m all about appearance.

It’s pretty simple. Just get creative and make sure the fruit is nice and cool!

What to serve with it?

This is another Cinco de Mayo festive treat. It’s a great addition with these other recipes.

Mexican Spiced Roasted Carrots

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Jackfruit “Carnitas” Tacos

Slim & Spicy Jalapeno Margarita

Table Side Guacamole and Baked Tortilla Chips

Charred Tomato Salsa