Prepare all fresh fruits by washing thoroughly and cutting into bite-sized pieces. Pat everything dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the finished summer potluck fruit salad crowd recipe. This ensures the dressing coats evenly without diluting.

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed—the dressing should be balanced between tartness and sweetness. Let it sit for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Place all prepared fruits into a large mixing bowl, arranging them gently to preserve delicate berries. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves throughout the mixture for even distribution of fresh flavor. Avoid over-stirring at this stage.

Pour the honey-lime dressing over the fruit mixture and gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula. Make careful motions to combine without crushing the berries. Work from the bottom up, rotating the bowl as you go.

Transfer to a serving bowl or keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 hours before the gathering. If making ahead, save the mint garnish and add it just before serving for maximum freshness and visual appeal. This maintains both texture and presentation.