Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe – Apple, Orange & Cucumber Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe – Apple, Orange & Cucumber Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to beat the heat or just brighten up your day. This fresh fruit salad is exactly that – a burst of flavors and textures that’s incredibly easy to make. I first stumbled upon this combination years ago at a local street vendor, and I’ve been hooked ever since! It’s become a family favorite, especially during summer picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average fruit salad. The addition of cucumber might sound a little unusual, but trust me, it adds a wonderfully refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the fruits perfectly. It’s light, it’s vibrant, and it’s packed with vitamins. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes – perfect for when you need a healthy treat, fast!

Ingredients

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

• 1 Apple (whole)
• 1 Orange (small, whole)
• ½ Mosambi (sweet lime, whole)
• 3-4 Pineapple slices (cubed)
• 2 Sapodilla (whole)
• ½ Cucumber (cubed)
• 1-2 tbsp Walnuts
• 3-4 Almonds (blanched)
• Lemon juice (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper powder (to taste)
• Mustard powder (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec!

• Fruits: Feel free to swap things up based on what’s in season. Mangoes, grapes, or even pomegranate seeds would be fantastic additions.
• Cucumber: English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds, but any cucumber will work. Just make sure to peel it if the skin is thick.
• Nuts: Walnuts and almonds add a lovely crunch, but you can use any nuts you like – cashews or pistachios would also be yummy.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! It brightens up the flavors and helps prevent the fruit from browning.
• Mustard Powder: Don’t skip this if you like a little zing! It adds a subtle complexity to the dressing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, wash and cube all your fruits – the apple, orange, mosambi, pineapple, and sapodilla. Don’t forget to peel the orange and mosambi! Also, cube the cucumber.
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the chopped fruits and cucumber. You want to be careful not to mash them up.
3. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, salt, black pepper powder, and mustard powder (if you’re using it).
4. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Finally, garnish with chopped walnuts and blanched almonds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Chill the fruit: For an extra refreshing salad, chill the fruit for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the fruit mushy, so be gentle!
• Taste as you go: Adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your liking.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: Mild: A tiny pinch of chili powder can add a subtle warmth. My friend, Priya, loves adding a dash!
• Festival Adaptations: Summer/Picnic focused: Pack this salad in individual containers for a perfect picnic treat. It’s especially great for summer festivals.

• Regional Variations: South Indian: Add a pinch of chaat masala for a tangy, savory twist. My grandmother always did this!

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Serving Suggestions

This fruit salad is fantastic on its own as a light dessert or snack. It also pairs well with:

• Yogurt
• Granola
• A sprinkle of chia seeds
• As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish

Storage Instructions

This salad is best served immediately, as the fruit will release juices over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the fruit may become a little softer.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Is this fruit salad best served immediately? Yes, absolutely! It’s at its freshest and most vibrant right after it’s made.
• Can I use other fruits in this salad? Definitely! Feel free to get creative and use your favorite seasonal fruits.
• What is the purpose of adding cucumber to a fruit salad? The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and helps balance the sweetness of the fruits. It’s a surprisingly delicious addition!
• Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
• How can I prevent the fruit from browning? Toss the fruit with a little lemon juice as soon as you chop it. This will help slow down the oxidation process.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful fruit salad. I hope it brings a little sunshine to your day! Let me know in the comments what fruit combinations you love.