Indian Fruit Chaat Recipe – Mango, Apple & Creamy Yogurt Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Indian Fruit Chaat Recipe – Mango, Apple & Creamy Yogurt Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly delicious treat, you have to try this Indian Fruit Chaat. It’s a burst of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite – seriously addictive! I first made this for a family get-together and it was gone in minutes. It’s become a summer staple at our place, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a fruit salad; it’s an experience. The combination of juicy fruits, creamy yogurt dressing, and that signature chaat masala kick is simply divine. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert or a light snack, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free – more on that later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful chaat:

• 1 whole mango
• 1 whole apple
• 1 whole banana
• 20-30 pieces grapes
• 4 tbsp raisins
• 1 whole lime juice
• ¼ cup toasted nuts (optional, but recommended!)
• 125 ml thick cream
• ½ cup thick yogurt
• 3 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black salt (kala namak)
• 1 tsp chaat masala

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

Mango Varieties for Chaat

Any sweet mango variety works beautifully here. Alphonso is the gold standard if you can get your hands on it, but Kesar, Dasheri, or even a good Honey Mango will be fantastic.

The Role of Black Salt (Kala Namak)

Don’t skip the black salt! It has a unique sulfurous aroma that adds a wonderful savory depth to the chaat. It’s what really makes it chaat! You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Choosing the Right Yogurt

Thick yogurt is key. Greek yogurt works wonderfully, or you can strain regular yogurt through a cheesecloth for a few hours to thicken it up. The thicker the yogurt, the creamier the dressing will be.

Raisins: Soaking & Flavor

Soaking the raisins in warm water for about 10-15 minutes plumps them up and makes them extra juicy. You can even soak them in a little rose water for a more fragrant twist – my grandmother always did that!

Chaat Masala – A Flavorful Blend

Chaat masala is a magical spice blend! It typically contains amchur (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, ginger, black salt, and other spices. Every brand has its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.

Step-By-Step Instructions

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

1. First, chop your mango, apple, and banana into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a large bowl along with the grapes and soaked raisins. Squeeze in the lime juice and give everything a gentle mix.
2. Now, in a separate bowl, let’s make the creamy dressing. Whisk together the thick cream, yogurt, sugar or honey, black salt, and chaat masala until it’s smooth and lovely. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice as needed.
3. Pour that gorgeous creamy dressing over the fruit mixture. Toss gently to make sure everything is nicely coated.
4. Finally, sprinkle with toasted nuts (if using) and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this chaat even better:

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency

If your dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or yogurt at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Preventing Fruit from Browning

A little lime juice helps prevent the fruit from browning, but if you’re making this ahead of time, you can also toss the chopped fruit with a tiny bit of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) powder.

Adjusting Sweetness & Spice

Don’t be afraid to adjust the sugar/honey and chaat masala to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter chaat, while others like a more pronounced spice kick.

Variations

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

Vegan Fruit Chaat

Simply swap the thick cream and yogurt for plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and coconut yogurt. It’s just as delicious!

Gluten-Free Fruit Chaat

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the label on your chaat masala to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment (Green Chili)

For a fiery kick, finely chop a green chili and add it to the fruit mixture. My friend loves adding a pinch of cayenne pepper too!

Festival Adaptations (Raksha Bandhan, Diwali)

During festivals like Raksha Bandhan or Diwali, you can add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for extra color and festive flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fruit chaat chilled, as a refreshing dessert or a light snack. It’s perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a cup of chai. It’s also a lovely addition to a brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

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

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Chaat and where does it originate from?

Chaat is a broad term for savory snacks that originated in India. It typically includes a combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy elements. It’s street food at its finest!

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute fruits like papaya, pineapple, oranges, or even berries.

How can I make the chaat less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar or honey, or use a sugar substitute. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

What is the purpose of black salt in fruit chaat?

Black salt adds a unique savory and umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit. It’s a key ingredient in authentic chaat.

Can this be made ahead of time? How long will it stay fresh?

You can prepare the fruit mixture and the dressing separately a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to combine them just before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, but the texture may change slightly.