Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe – Mango, Pomegranate & Nut Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe – Mango, Pomegranate & Nut Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you believe the best desserts are the ones that are both delicious and good for you. This fresh fruit salad is exactly that – a vibrant mix of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and a touch of natural sweetness. It’s my go-to when I want something refreshing, especially during the hot Indian summers. I first made this for a family get-together and it was a huge hit! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any fruit salad. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures! The juicy mangoes and papaya blend beautifully with the tart pomegranate and the satisfying crunch of almonds, cashews, and pistachios. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no cooking, and is perfect for any occasion – a quick snack, a light dessert, or even a festive treat. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

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

• 2 mangoes
• 1 small papaya
• 10-12 strawberries
• 3-4 figs
• 2-3 chikoo (sapota)
• 2 bananas
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 10-12 cashews
• 10-12 almonds
• 12-15 pistachios
• 1-2 tbsp honey (or vegan sweetener)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about picking the best ingredients. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Mango Varieties for Sweetness

Different mangoes have different levels of sweetness. Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard for their rich flavor, but Kesar or even Totapuri mangoes work beautifully too. If you can’t find Alphonso, just choose mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.

Papaya Selection – Ripe but Firm

You want a papaya that yields slightly to gentle pressure, but isn’t mushy. A firm papaya holds its shape better in the salad.

The Benefits of Pomegranate Arils

Pomegranate isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with antioxidants! Getting the arils out can be a little messy, but here’s a trick: submerge the halved pomegranate in a bowl of water and gently loosen the seeds. They’ll sink to the bottom, and the membrane will float to the top.

Nut Choices – Almonds, Cashews & Pistachios

I love this trio for the variety of textures and flavors they bring. Feel free to experiment! Walnuts or pecans would also be delicious. Lightly roasting the nuts enhances their flavor – just a few minutes in a dry pan is all it takes.

Honey vs. Vegan Sweeteners

Traditionally, I use a little honey to bring everything together. But if you’re vegan, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a date syrup work wonderfully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, let’s tackle the pomegranate. Submerge halved pomegranates in water to easily remove the arils.
2. Next, chop your almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Remember to roast them lightly if you like a more intense flavor.
3. Now for the fruits! Wash and dice the mangoes, papaya, strawberries, figs, and chikoo into roughly the same size pieces.
4. Peel and slice the bananas last – they brown quickly!
5. Gently combine all the chopped fruits in a large mixing bowl.
6. Add the pomegranate arils and chopped nuts.
7. Drizzle with honey (or your chosen vegan sweetener) and mix gently to coat everything evenly.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this fruit salad truly special:

Preventing Fruit Browning

Bananas and apples (if you add them) are prone to browning. Adding them last and a squeeze of lemon juice can help slow down the process.

Achieving the Perfect Fruit Texture

Don’t over-chop the fruit! You want some texture, not a mushy mess.

Roasting Nuts for Enhanced Flavor

A quick roast really brings out the nutty goodness. Just 5-7 minutes in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, is perfect.

Choosing Ripe Fruits

Ripe fruit is key! Gently press the fruit – it should yield slightly. Smell it too – ripe fruit will have a fragrant aroma.

Variations

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

Vegan Fruit Salad

Simply swap the honey for maple syrup, agave, or date syrup.

Gluten-Free Fruit Salad

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that any sweeteners you use are also gluten-free.

Spice Level – A Hint of Cardamom or Cinnamon

My grandmother used to add a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to her fruit salad. It adds a lovely warmth and fragrance. A sprinkle of cinnamon is also delicious.

Festival Adaptations – Raksha Bandhan or Diwali Fruit Salad

During festivals, I sometimes add a few saffron strands for a touch of luxury and color. It feels extra special!

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or extra nuts for a beautiful presentation. This salad is wonderful on its own, or as a side dish with yogurt or a light dessert.

Storage Instructions

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the fruit may release some juices and the bananas might brown slightly.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best way to cut a mango for fruit salad?

There are lots of ways! I like to slice off the “cheeks” of the mango, then score the flesh in a grid pattern and scoop it out with a spoon.

Can I use frozen fruit in this salad?

Frozen fruit can work in a pinch, but it will release a lot of water as it thaws, making the salad soggy. If you do use frozen fruit, make sure to drain it well first.

How can I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

Add them last, and a squeeze of lemon juice can help.

What other nuts can I add to this fruit salad?

Walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious!

Is it better to make this fruit salad ahead of time or right before serving?

Right before serving is best! The fruit stays fresher and doesn’t get soggy. However, you can prep the fruit ahead of time and store it separately, then combine everything just before serving.

Enjoy! I hope this fruit salad brings a little sunshine to your day. Let me know in the comments what you think, and if you have any variations of your own!