Bionico (Mexican Fruit Salad)

Do you love a good fruit salad? Well, have I got a fruit recipe for you. Here's a Mexican take on a simple fruit cocktail called bionico, which I might add is an addictively delicious treat! Make a batch of this bionico Mexican fruit salad the next time you crave a fresh and sweet dessert on a hot summer day.

I am lucky to live in Los Angeles, which is full of delicious Mexican food. One of my favorites is called a bionico, a famous fruit salad dish from Guadalajara, Mexico. Originally a street food offering, it’s basically a fruit salad tossed in a delicious sweet “milk” sauce and topped with granola.

From the first time I tried a bionico, I was hooked! They’re quick, easy to make, and perfect for summertime. 

I always thought that, because it was a fruit-based dish, it was likely light and healthy, but the traditional version actually contains tons of sugar and fat from cream, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. 

However, since I love it so much, I decided to find a lighter, healthier option. It is also one of those recipes that take 2 minutes to make but tastes delicious for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Looking for more fruit-based desserts? Try this Banana Nice Cream and Watermelon Ice Cream.

Key Ingredients For Bionicos Fruit Salad

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Mexican fruit salad at home:

• Fruit: Typically this dish is made with a combination of banana, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, grapes, and apples. With that said, it works with virtually any fruit you like.
• Plain yogurt: To lighten the calorie load and add some protein, I used plain yogurt as the base of the bionico cream sauce. It still lends that creamy texture and delicious flavor but is a much healthier sauce base. You could also use plain greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Using yogurt alone would be creamy but a little on the tart side. While I didn’t use as much sweetened condensed milk as traditional Bionicos use, I wanted to use a small amount to maintain the recipe’s formal integrity. If you are looking to reduce the sugar and calories, even more, you could only use the yogurt and add a drizzle of honey to sweeten the fruit salad.

Note: For a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make this bionico recipe, check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Recipe Tips and Ideas For Bionico Mexican Fruit Salad

Making this recipe couldn’t be easier. All it takes are these four simple steps: cut the fruit, mix up the sauce, toss the fruit in it, and add your favorite toppings.

I don’t think cut-up fruit in a sweet cream sauce can ever get boring. However, just in case, here are some variations you can make to this recipe so that it always feels fresh and exciting!

Use Seasonal Fruit

Strawberries, papaya, bananas, cantaloupe, and apples are traditionally used in this Mexican fruit salad recipe. However, you can change up the fruit combinations to fit the seasons of the year.

Here are some ideas:

• Spring: A variety of fresh berries is always delicious.
• Summer: Mangoes, peaches, plums, and melons make a delicious combo.
• Fall & Winter: Pears, apples, pineapple, oranges, and maraschino cherries taste especially good in the cold weather months.

Add More Spices

There are small ways you can slightly change the flavor profile of this recipe when you want to spice things up. Try adding in a:

• Dash of cinnamon
• Splash of lime juice
• Tsp of vanilla extract

Change Up The Toppings

Granola is the traditional topping in this bionico fruit salad, but it doesn't have to be your only option. Here are some other ideas for satisfying toppings.

• Pecans or other sliced or chopped nuts
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Shredded coconut
• Strawberry jam

Make this fruit salad whatever you want it to be! If you are looking for a more traditional street-style option, try this yummy Mexican Fruit Cup with Tajin.

What To Serve With This Bionico Recipe

This dish stands alone as a tasty dessert or snack. You could also use it as a side dish with other delicious Mexican-inspired dishes.

I love to eat it on its own, especially on a hot sunny day in L.A. by the pool or beach!