🍓 “WOULD YOU EAT THIS Fruit Salad?” – Fruits Galore in Citrus-Honey Dressing
This bright, colorful fruit salad is packed with juicy goodness, natural sweetness, and a refreshing citrus twist. It’s the perfect energizing snack, breakfast, or party dish that tastes like sunshine in a bowl!
🍊 Ingredients:
- 3 cups orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup diced melon (cantaloupe or honeydew)
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 apple, chopped (with peel)
- 2 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- 1 mango, diced
- 1 banana, sliced
- ½ cup blueberries
🧑🍳 Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, and honey/maple syrup until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped fruits.
- Pour the citrus-honey dressing over the fruits and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let the flavors meld.
- Stir gently before serving. Serve cold and enjoy!
📝 Notes:
- Add the banana last, right before serving, to prevent it from browning.
- If making ahead, sprinkle some lemon juice on apple and banana slices to keep them fresh.
- You can omit or substitute any fruit based on season or availability.
💡 Tips:
- Chill your fruits before assembling the salad for extra crisp freshness.
- For a fancier presentation, layer the fruit in a trifle bowl or serve in hollowed-out orange or pineapple halves.
- Add mint leaves for extra freshness or a drizzle of lime juice for a zesty kick.
🍽️ Servings:
Serves 6–8 people
Serving size: ~1 cup
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugars: 24g (natural fruit sugars)
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: Over 100% RDA
- Antioxidants: High (thanks to berries, pomegranate, citrus)
✅ Benefits:
- Hydrating: High water content from melon, orange juice, and grapes.
- Immunity Boosting: Rich in Vitamin C, especially from citrus and strawberries.
- Digestive Aid: Pineapple, kiwi, and papaya (if added) support digestion.
- Low-Calorie Sweet Fix: Great alternative to sugary desserts.
- High in Antioxidants: Berries, pomegranate, and grapes help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
❓Q & A:
Q: Can I use canned fruit?
A: Fresh is best, but if using canned, choose fruit packed in 100% juice, not syrup. Drain well before using.
Q: How long does this fruit salad last?
A: Best eaten within 24 hours. Keep refrigerated. Bananas may brown after a day.
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: Yes! Just skip the honey/maple syrup. The fruit itself is naturally sweet.
Q: Is this good for kids or diabetics?
A: Great for kids! For diabetics, monitor portion sizes and possibly reduce high-sugar fruits (like mango and banana).
Q: Can I serve this at parties?
A: Absolutely! It’s colorful, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing—especially in summer or festive gatherings.
💬 Final Verdict:
YAY! It’s nutrient-packed, no-guilt, naturally sweet, and utterly refreshing. 🌈🍇🍍🥭🥝
Would you eat this fruit salad? 😋