Authentic Indian Fruit Salad Recipe- Yogurt, Apple & Melon Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Indian Fruit Salad Recipe – Yogurt, Apple & Melon Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and utterly delicious treat, you’ve come to the right place. This Indian Fruit Salad with Yogurt is a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy – and honestly, it just feels like sunshine in a bowl. I first made this for a summer picnic years ago, and it’s been a hit ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any fruit salad. It’s a taste of India, a little bit of comfort, and a whole lot of flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking (basically none!), and is packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day or enjoy a light, healthy dessert. You’ll love how the creamy yogurt dressing brings everything together!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful salad:

• 3 cups Fresh Yogurt
• 1 medium Apple
• 1 cup Watermelon
• 1 cup Musk Melon
• 0.5 cup Pineapple
• 0.5 small lemon Lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 0.5-1 teaspoon Honey
• 0.25-0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
• 2-3 pinch Nutmeg Powder
• 1 pinch Salt
• 15-20 Raisins
• 15-20 Almonds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! The star of the show is definitely the yogurt. We’re using strained yogurt, also known as Greek yogurt. This is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and it holds the dressing beautifully.

Straining Yogurt: Don’t worry if you can’t find Greek yogurt at the store! You can easily make your own. Simply line a colander with muslin cloth (or a clean cheesecloth), pour in your regular yogurt, and let it strain in the fridge for 3-4 hours. You’ll be surprised how much liquid comes out! Don’t throw away the whey, though – it’s fantastic for smoothies or even baking.

Fruit Variations: Traditionally, Indian fruit salads are super flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorites! Grapes, bananas, oranges, mangoes (especially in season!), and papaya are all wonderful additions. My grandmother always added a little bit of pomegranate for a beautiful pop of color and flavor.

Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey to your liking. I usually start with ½ a teaspoon and add more if needed.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, assembling!). It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, prepare your Greek yogurt. If you’re making your own, make sure it’s strained for at least 3-4 hours.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and a pinch of salt. This is your delicious dressing!
3. Gently fold in the strained yogurt until everything is well combined.
4. Now for the fun part – add the diced apples, watermelon, musk melon, and pineapple. Toss in the raisins and almonds too.
5. Gently fold everything together, making sure the fruit is coated in the yogurt dressing.
6. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to get nice and cold. Trust me, this step is crucial.
7. When you’re ready to serve, arrange some lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the chilled fruit mixture over the lettuce.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Dice the fruit into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to eat and ensures a good balance of flavors in each bite.
• Don’t overmix! You want to keep the fruit intact. Gentle folding is key.
• Use fresh, ripe fruit. The better the fruit, the better the salad.
• A little lemon juice prevents browning. Especially important for the apples!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the dairy yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. It works beautifully!
• Spice Level: For a little extra warmth, add a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to the yogurt dressing. My friend, Priya, swears by this!
• Festival Adaptations: This salad is especially popular during summer festivals like Baisakhi and Onam. It’s a light and refreshing way to celebrate.

Serving Suggestions

This Indian Fruit Salad is incredibly versatile.

• Enjoy it as a light meal on a hot day.
• Serve it as a refreshing appetizer.
• It’s also a fantastic side dish with grilled meats or fish.
• For a more decadent treat, top with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the fruit may release some liquid over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to strain yogurt at home?

As mentioned earlier, line a colander with muslin cloth, pour in the yogurt, and let it strain in the fridge for 3-4 hours. Easy peasy!

2. Can I use other fruits in this salad? Which ones are best?

Absolutely! Grapes, bananas, oranges, mangoes, and papaya are all great choices. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?

Start with ½ a teaspoon of honey and add more to taste. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives.

4. What is the significance of using nutmeg in this recipe?

Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the fruit and the tanginess of the yogurt. It’s a traditional ingredient in many Indian desserts.

5. Can this salad be made ahead of time? If so, for how long?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time! It’s best to chill it for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld. However, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.