- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 250 kcal
Quick summary
“Assorted fresh fruit salad cut into cubes with ripe pineapple, chopped mango, sliced kiwi, strawberries, and grapes drizzled with lemon and honey. A light and colorful dessert that serves four generous portions for picnics, brunches, and hot days.”
What you need to know
- The uniform cut of varied fruits balances natural sweetness and acidity without requiring heavy sugar syrups.
- Lemon juice squeezed over the cubes slows down enzymatic oxidation, keeping the colors of the cut fruits vivid.
- The 10-minute rest in the refrigerator stimulates the release of natural juices to form an aromatic marinade.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 medium pineapple cut into cubes
- 2 ripe mangoes, chopped
- 3 sliced kiwis
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup of grapes cut in half
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- Try adding other fruits like watermelon or papaya to vary the recipe.
- For a special aroma, add a little vanilla essence.
- Use seasonal fruits to ensure freshness and flavor.
- This salad can be made a day before, but it is recommended not to add the lemon until serving time.
- Use frozen fruits for an even more refreshing version on hot days.
Instructions
Principal
- Start by cutting all the fruits into similar sizes to ensure an attractive presentation.
- In a large salad bowl, add the pineapple, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, and grapes.
- Drizzle the fruits with lemon juice to prevent them from darkening and to add a refreshing touch.
- If you choose, add honey for an extra touch of flavor.
- Gently stir with a tablespoon to combine all ingredients without mashing the fruits.
- Take to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving, to intensify the flavors.
- Serve in individual bowls or glasses for a charming presentation.
- Decorate with mint leaves if desired.
Chef's tips
- Chop all fruits into similar 1.5 cm sizes so that each portion offers a balanced mix.
- Dry the strawberries well after washing so as not to add excess foreign liquid to the salad bowl during preparation.
- Cut the grapes in half and remove the inner seeds to provide a safer and more comfortable tasting experience.
Variations
- Add fresh mint leaves torn by hand just before serving the fruit salad at the table.
- Add fine lemon zest or half a teaspoon of vanilla to the syrup with the honey to enrich the aromas.
- Mix chopped and toasted cashews on top of the individual glasses to add crunchy contrast.
Substitutions
- Pineapple can be replaced with cubed yellow melon or slices of firm papaya in the same measure.
- Honey can be replaced with sugarcane molasses or agave syrup to meet vegan diets.
- Sliced kiwi can be exchanged for thin slices of fresh starfruit or peeled ripe peaches.
How to store
Store the fruit salad in a closed glass container in the fridge for up to 2 consecutive days. Avoid aluminum containers so that the natural acids of the fruits do not change the flavor of the food.
Can it be frozen?
It is not indicated to freeze the ready-made fresh fruit salad, as kiwis and strawberries soften upon defrosting. If there is any left, blend everything in a blender and freeze as concentrated pulp for juices for up to 30 days.
What to serve with
Serve with a scoop of plain yogurt ice cream, light whipped ricotta cream, or a portion of crunchy artisanal granola. A glass of chilled sparkling wine or mint-infused water pairs well with the fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Why not add the lemon many hours before serving?
Excessive citric acid time softens fragile strawberries and kiwis, ruining their fresh texture.
Is honey indispensable for the success of the salad?
No, it is optional; ripe and sweet fruits already provide all the sweet flavor necessary for the final result.
Can I prepare the salad using canned fruit in syrup?
Prefer fresh fruits; canned fruits contain excess sugar and lose the original crunchy texture of the food.
What is the most recommended mango variety for chopping?
Ripe Palmer or Tommy mango is ideal because it has fleshy, firm pulp and no annoying fibers.
You might also like
