Indian Fruit Salad Recipe – Cumin & Chaat Masala Delight

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Indian Fruit Salad Recipe – Cumin & Chaat Masala 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 enjoy a burst of fresh flavors. This Indian Fruit Salad with a sprinkle of cumin and chaat masala is exactly that! It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lot refreshing. I first made this when I was craving something different from the usual fruit salads, and honestly, it’s been a family favorite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average fruit salad. The magic lies in the spices! We’re taking familiar fruits and giving them a vibrant Indian twist with cumin, chaat masala, and a touch of black salt. It’s unbelievably easy to make – seriously, 5 minutes is all you need! – and it’s a fantastic way to introduce some exciting flavors to your palate. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

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

• 1 small banana
• 6 strawberries
• 1 medium apple
• 0.25 cup blueberries (about 30g)
• 0.25 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (about 1g)
• 0.25 teaspoon chaat masala (about 1g)
• 0.125 teaspoon salt (a pinch, about 0.5g)
• 0.25 teaspoon black salt (kala namak, about 1g)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (about 5ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about those spices, because they really make this recipe sing!

• Roasted Cumin Powder: Cumin is a staple in Indian cooking, adding a warm, earthy flavor. Roasting the cumin seeds before grinding them enhances this flavor beautifully. You can find pre-roasted cumin powder at most Indian grocery stores.
• Chaat Masala: This is the spice blend for Indian street food! It’s a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy mix that instantly elevates any snack. It usually contains amchur (dried mango powder), black salt, cumin, coriander, ginger, and other spices.
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): Don’t be scared by the color! Black salt has a unique sulfurous aroma and a slightly salty, egg-like flavor. It’s often used in Indian cuisine to add a distinctive taste and is considered to have cooling properties. It really complements the sweetness of the fruits.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First things first, wash and pat dry all your fruits thoroughly. We want everything nice and clean.
2. Peel and slice the banana into about ½-inch (1.25cm) rounds.
3. Hull the strawberries and quarter them.
4. Core the apple and dice it into bite-sized pieces. I like to leave the skin on for extra fiber and color, but you can peel it if you prefer.
5. Gently combine all the fruits – banana, strawberries, apple, and blueberries – in a mixing bowl. Be gentle, we don’t want to bruise the fruit!
6. Now for the magic! Sprinkle the roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and both salts evenly over the fruits.
7. Drizzle the fresh lime juice across the salad.
8. Toss everything very gently to coat the fruits without bruising them. You want everything nicely seasoned, but still looking pretty.
9. Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix! Gentle is key to keeping the fruit intact.
• For a more intense flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the spices to meld with the fruit. But don’t let it sit for too long, or it will get soggy.
• Use ripe, but firm fruits for the best texture.

Variations

This recipe is super adaptable – feel free to get creative!

• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the chaat masala to ¼ teaspoon.
  • Medium: Stick to the original recipe.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
• Festival Adaptations: This salad is a wonderful addition to Janmashtami celebrations! It’s light, refreshing, and a great way to enjoy fruits during the fast.
• Fruit Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits! Mango, papaya, guava, grapes, or even pomegranate seeds would all be delicious additions. My grandmother always added a little bit of orange segments.

Serving Suggestions

This fruit salad is perfect on its own as a light dessert or snack. You can also serve it alongside a meal, or even as part of a brunch spread. It’s lovely with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Be aware that the fruit may release some juice and the salad will lose some of its crispness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Can I prepare this fruit salad ahead of time? It’s best to prepare it right before serving, but you can chop the fruits ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. Add the spices and lime juice just before serving.
• What is Chaat Masala and where can I find it? Chaat Masala is a tangy spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.
• Can I use other types of salt besides black salt? Yes, you can use regular table salt or sea salt, but black salt adds a unique flavor that really elevates the salad.
• What fruits work best in this Indian fruit salad? While the recipe calls for banana, strawberries, apple, and blueberries, feel free to experiment! Mango, papaya, guava, grapes, and pomegranate seeds are all great options.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of this salad? If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments what you think, and if you tried any fun variations!