- Wash and dry all fruits thoroughly. Peel and dice the mango, bananas, kiwis, and orange. Core and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, orange juice, honey, and a pinch of sea salt to create the citrus dressing.
- Combine all prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the fruits and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Garnish with mint leaves before serving.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:1.5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:30 mg40%
- Sugar:22 mg8%
- Salt:20 g25%
- Fat:0.5 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Ultimate Fruit Salad Recipe – Mango, Apple & Berry Mix
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a way to brighten up your day with something fresh, healthy, and utterly delicious. This fruit salad is it. It’s a burst of sunshine in a bowl, and honestly, it’s become a staple at our family gatherings. I first made this for a summer picnic, and it was gone in minutes! Let’s get into it, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any fruit salad. It’s a vibrant mix of sweet, tangy, and juicy fruits, all tossed in a light and refreshing citrus dressing. It’s perfect as a light dessert, a healthy snack, or even a colourful addition to brunch. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, anyone can whip this up! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fruity masterpiece:
- 1 apple
- 2 bananas
- 1 mango
- 2 kiwis
- 1 orange
- ½ cup blueberries (approx. 75g)
- 1 cup mixed grapes (approx. 150g)
- ½ cup raspberries (approx. 75g)
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils (approx. 30g)
- ½ lemon juice (approx. 30ml)
- 2 tbsp orange juice (approx. 30ml)
- 1 tbsp honey (approx. 15ml)
- 1 pinch sea salt
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk fruit! Using the freshest, ripest fruits makes all the difference.
- Mangoes: Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. Alphonso mangoes are amazing if you can get your hands on them, but any sweet mango will work beautifully.
- Apples: I prefer using a crisp apple like Royal Gala or Fuji for a nice texture.
- Berries: Berries are nutritional powerhouses! A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and grapes adds a lovely variety of flavours and antioxidants. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other berries too.
- Seasonal Fruit: This salad is fantastic because you can adapt it to what’s in season. Peaches and plums are wonderful in the summer, while pears and persimmons are lovely in the fall.
- Honey: A little honey adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking (well, assembling!). It’s super simple, I promise.
- First things first, wash and dry all your fruits thoroughly. This is important!
- Now, peel and dice the mango, bananas, kiwis, and orange into bite-sized pieces. Core and chop the apple too.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, honey, and a tiny pinch of sea salt. This is your citrus dressing – it’s what ties everything together.
- Combine all the prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the fruits and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with mushy fruit!
- Finally, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Expert Tips
Want to take your fruit salad game to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:
- Preventing Browning: Apples and bananas can brown quickly. To prevent this, toss them with a little lemon juice immediately after cutting.
- Fruit Preparation: For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit shapes!
- Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of water. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It really allows the flavours to develop and makes the salad even more refreshing.
Variations
This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the honey for maple syrup. It works beautifully!
- Spice Level: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom to the dressing for a warm, aromatic flavour. It’s surprisingly good!
- Festival Adaptations: During Diwali or Holi, I love making a larger platter with even more colourful fruits – it’s a beautiful and festive treat.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- As a light and healthy dessert.
- As a side dish with breakfast or brunch.
- As a refreshing snack on a hot day.
- Served with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the fruit may release some juices over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I use frozen fruit in this salad? While fresh fruit is best, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the salad.
- How can I prevent the fruit from browning? As mentioned earlier, tossing the apples and bananas with a little lemon juice will help prevent browning.
- What’s the best way to choose a ripe mango? Gently squeeze the mango. It should be slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma near the stem.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prepare the fruit and dressing separately ahead of time, but I recommend combining them just before serving to prevent the fruit from getting soggy.
- Is it possible to add other fruits like pineapple or melon? Absolutely! Pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon all make delicious additions to this salad. Feel free to get creative and use your favourite fruits!