Name: Mexican Fruit Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups watermelon, cut into spears or cubes; 2 cups pineapple, cut into spears or cubes; 2 cups mango, cut into spears or cubes; 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into spears; 2 limes, cut into wedges; Chili powder (such as Tajín), to taste; Salt, to taste

Why You’ll Love Mexican Fruit Cups Recipe

It captures the lively flavours of Mexican street‑fruit stands with minimal effort.
The contrast of sweet fruit, tart lime, smoky‑chile seasoning and savory chamoy makes each bite exciting.
It’s super quick to assemble — about 20 minutes from start to finish.
It’s flexible: change up the fruit or toppings to fit what’s in season at your local store.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ medium‑large watermelon, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed (about 4 cups)
2 mangoes, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 2 cups)
1 jicama, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
Chile‑lime seasoning (such as Tajín), to taste (approx. ½ tsp per cup)
Chamoy sauce, to taste (approx. 1 tbsp per cup)
Lime wedges, plus additional lime juice to taste

Directions

Evenly distribute the cubed watermelon, pineapple, mango and jicama into six 18‑ounce clear cups or twelve 9‑ounce cups.
Top each cup with a sprinkle of chile‑lime seasoning and a drizzle of chamoy sauce.
Add a lime wedge or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top.
Insert a fork and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 6 servings (18‑ounce cups) or 12 smaller servings (9‑ounce cups)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Swap fruit: Try papaya, cantaloupe, cucumber or kiwi.
Spice level: Adjust the amount of chile‑lime seasoning and chamoy to your heat preference.
Presentation: Serve in tall clear cups for an authentic street-food look or in a large bowl for family-style sharing.
Sweet twist: Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle with coconut flakes for extra sweetness.
Adult version: Add a splash of your favorite clear spirit or top with sparkling water for a fizzy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fruit (without toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Keep the chile-lime seasoning, chamoy, and lime separate until just before serving to maintain texture and flavor. These cups are best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not applicable.

FAQs

What are Mexican fruit cups?

Mexican fruit cups are snack-sized portions of fresh fruit topped with chile-lime seasoning, chamoy sauce, and lime juice—popularly sold by street vendors across Mexico.

What fruit should I use for these cups?

Common choices include watermelon, pineapple, mango, and jicama. You can also try papaya, cantaloupe, cucumber, or kiwi depending on availability.

What is chile-lime seasoning and why is it used?

Chile-lime seasoning is a blend of chile powder, dehydrated lime, and salt. It enhances the sweetness of the fruit with a tangy, mildly spicy kick.

What is chamoy sauce?

Chamoy is a thick, sweet-sour-spicy Mexican condiment made from pickled fruit and chiles. It adds depth and contrast to the fresh fruit.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes. You can chop the fruit ahead of time and refrigerate it. For the best taste and texture, add the toppings right before serving.

How long will these fruit cups keep?

Without the toppings, the cut fruit will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Always add seasoning, chamoy, and lime just before serving.

Are these suitable for a party or gathering?

Absolutely. They’re easy to prepare in large batches, customizable, and perfect for guests of all ages.

Can I make a lower-sodium version?

Yes. Use a reduced-sodium chile-lime seasoning or make your own blend with chile powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt.

Is this snack healthy?

Yes. The fruit provides fiber, vitamins, and hydration, while the toppings add just a small amount of sodium and spice for flavor.

Can I omit chamoy or seasoning if I don’t like spicy?

Of course. You can skip the chamoy and chile-lime seasoning and just use lime juice for a simpler, fruit-forward version.

Conclusion

Mexican fruit cups are a fresh, fun, and flavorful snack that bring a taste of street food into your kitchen. With juicy fruit, bold toppings, and quick prep, they’re perfect for parties, healthy snacks, or cooling off on a warm day. Simple to make and easy to customize, this recipe is a delicious way to brighten up any table.