This summer fruit salad is bright and colorful with loads of fresh juicy fruit and a citrus ginger mint dressing. It's a healthy, refreshing choice for dessert after a summer braai which is a South African style BBQ.
1/2fresh lemonjuiced (small lemon about 2 tablespoons)
3large juicy orangeszest before slicing makes roughly 1 cup of juice
1/2half of a thumb-size piece of fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
chopped fresh mint
2teaspoonssugar
For the Fruit Salad
250gramsgrapeshalf a tub of fresh grapes slice the grapes in half or leave them whole, I did half slice and half whole.
3cupsfresh strawberrieshalved
2cupsfresh blueberries
3whole nectarinespitted and sliced
2kiwipeeled and cut into cubes
1orangequatered with the peels on
fresh mintleft whole
1/3cuptoasted pine nutssee notes
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Instructions
Zest, slice and juice the oranges. Juice the fresh lemon and grate the ginger. In a measuring jug or medium bowl whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, grated ginger and sugar (maple syrup or honey).
In a large bowl, add the strawberries, blueberries, grapes, sliced nectarines, kiwi chunks or cubes and the grapes. Toss them all together. Now add the quartered orange pieces placing them randomly in the fruit salad. Finish with the fresh mint leaves and toasted pine nuts.
To serve immediately, pour half the dressing over the salad, carve into smaller bowls and enjoy with the remaining dressing on the table to be added as needed. To serve the fruit salad later, cover in cling wrap without the dressing and store in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, follow the step above, add a little and gently toss.
Notes
Tips for this recipe
To get more juice out of your oranges, hold it in your hand and roll it back and forth to soften and release more juice. This can be done for the lemon too.
Don't forget to zest first then cut.
This salad is very easy to make so I wouldn't bother with prepping everything and then storing them in airtight containers. It's better to serve the vinaigrette on the side and make it a 'help yourself' service. Should there be any fruit over, toss it into the blender and make a fruit smoothie.
The only make-ahead suggestion from me would the vinaigrette but without the mint, that can be added before serving.
Tip: How to Toast Pine Nuts
Heat a Pan: Place a dry skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Avoid adding any oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the pine nuts in a single layer.
Toast and Stir: Cook the pine nuts, stirring frequently to prevent burning. They toast quickly, usually in 3-5 minutes so watch them closely. As soon as they start turning golden brown and become fragrant, remove them from the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions for Fruit Salad
What goes into a fruit salad?Stone fruit like: nectarines, plums, peaches and cherries. You can also add banana's, fresh pineapple, grapes, fresh berries, kiwi, raspberries, apple, melon, citrus like: mandarin oranges and grapefruit. More tropical fruit: papaya's and mangoes.
Where can I find the best fresh fruit? When the fruit is season you will find a variety of in-season fruit at the grocery store, but don't stop there, look at your local farmer's market and any local markets. And you can use any of your favorite combination of fruits.
Can I substitute with other fruits?You can and should use the fruit that you and your family love, what's in-season and then make it your own and enjoy!
Can frozen fruit be used in a fruit salad?Frozen fruit, once thawed will be soggy so it is not advised to use frozen fruit in a fruit salad