Description of this recipe
This Zesty Fruit Salad with Coconut Milk Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with the natural sweetness of fresh fruits, elevated by a creamy, tangy, and aromatic dressing. It’s a delightful medley of textures and flavors, perfect for a light breakfast, a healthy snack, or a delightful dessert. The combination of crisp apples, juicy oranges, tangy kiwifruit, creamy bananas, plump blueberries, and sweet grapes creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. The lime-infused coconut milk dressing adds a tropical twist, making this fruit salad an irresistible treat.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this Zesty Fruit Salad because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and no cooking. It’s a customizable recipe, allowing you to incorporate your favorite seasonal fruits. The coconut milk dressing is a game-changer, transforming a simple fruit salad into an exotic and flavorful experience. It’s a healthy and guilt-free indulgence, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Whether you’re looking for a quick and nutritious breakfast, a refreshing afternoon snack, or a light dessert, this fruit salad is a winner. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based yogurt alternative. Its vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any table, perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or a simple family meal. This salad offers a delightful escape to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large Fuji apple, cored and chopped: Fuji apples offer a crisp, sweet flavor that complements the other fruits. Their firm texture holds up well in the salad.
- 1 navel orange, peeled and chopped: Navel oranges provide a juicy burst of citrusy sweetness. Ensure all the pith is removed for a less bitter taste.
- 2 kiwifruit, peeled and chopped: Kiwifruit adds a tangy and slightly acidic note, along with a vibrant green color. Choose kiwis that are slightly soft to the touch.
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled and chopped: Bananas contribute a creamy sweetness and a soft texture. Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and digestibility.
- 1 cup blueberries: Blueberries provide a burst of juicy sweetness and are packed with antioxidants. Opt for fresh, plump blueberries for the best flavor.
- 1 cup red grapes, halved: Red grapes add a satisfying crunch and a sweet-tart flavor. Seedless varieties are recommended for convenience.
For the Lime Coconut Basil Dressing:
- 1/3 cup full-fat canned coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk is crucial for a rich and creamy dressing. Chill the can beforehand, then use only the thick cream from the top.
- 3 Tbsp Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing, while also providing a boost of protein. Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
- 6 leaves basil, finely chopped: Fresh basil imparts a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the coconut and lime. Ensure the basil is finely chopped to release its aroma.
- 1 lime, zested: Lime zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lime, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey: Maple syrup or honey sweetens the dressing and balances the acidity of the lime. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit: Begin by washing all the fruits thoroughly. Core and chop the Fuji apple into bite-sized pieces. Peel and chop the navel orange, ensuring all the white pith is removed to avoid bitterness. Peel and chop the kiwifruit and banana. Halve the red grapes.
Step 2: Combine the Fruit: In a large serving bowl, gently combine the chopped apple, orange, kiwifruit, banana, blueberries, and halved grapes. Make sure to distribute the fruits evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Milk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the full-fat canned coconut milk, Greek yogurt, finely chopped basil, and lime zest. Ensure the ingredients are well combined for a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 4: Dress the Salad: Pour the coconut milk dressing over the fruit mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the bananas.
Step 5: Sweeten and Serve: Drizzle the maple syrup or honey over the fruit salad. Toss lightly to distribute the sweetener. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill for a refreshing treat later. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of lime zest for an added touch of elegance.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor Complexity: 4/5 (Balanced and Refreshing)
- Nutritional Value: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Visual Appeal: 5/5 (Vibrant and Colorful)
Serving Suggestions:
This Zesty Fruit Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve as a light and healthy breakfast option or as part of a brunch spread.
- Snack: Enjoy as a refreshing and nutritious afternoon snack.
- Dessert: Serve as a light and guilt-free dessert after a meal.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Bring to potlucks, picnics, or other gatherings as a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping: Use as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or granola.
Tips:
- Chill the Coconut Milk: Chill the can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using. This will help the cream separate from the watery liquid, ensuring a thicker and creamier dressing.
- Use Ripe Fruit: Choose ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture. Slightly soft kiwis and ripe bananas will add sweetness and creaminess to the salad.
- Prevent Banana Browning: To prevent the banana slices from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your preference. Taste the dressing before adding it to the fruit salad and adjust as needed.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition, sprinkle the salad with chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) or seeds (such as chia seeds or flax seeds) before serving.
- Make Ahead: While best served immediately, this fruit salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the fruit may release some liquid, so drain any excess liquid before serving.
- Customize with Other Fruits: Feel free to customize the fruit salad with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, mangoes, or pineapple.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 25mg
Conclusion:
This Zesty Fruit Salad with Coconut Milk Dressing is a delightful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and nutritional benefits make it a standout recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, a refreshing snack, or a light dessert, this fruit salad is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of fresh fruits and the tangy coconut milk dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your favorite fruits, whip up the simple dressing, and enjoy this tropical-inspired treat!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?
A: While you can use light coconut milk, the dressing won’t be as creamy and rich. Full-fat coconut milk provides the best texture and flavor for the dressing, as the thick cream from the top of the can is essential for achieving the desired consistency.
Q2: Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this fruit salad ahead of time, but it’s best served immediately for the freshest flavor. If you need to make it in advance, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the fruit may release some liquid as it sits, so drain any excess liquid before serving. Tossing the bananas with a little lemon juice can help prevent browning.
Q3: Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
A: Absolutely! You can easily substitute honey for maple syrup in the dressing. Both sweeteners work well and provide a similar level of sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preference, tasting the dressing before adding it to the fruit salad.
Q4: What other fruits can I add to this salad?
A: This fruit salad is highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite fruits! Some great additions include strawberries, raspberries, mangoes, pineapple, melon, and peaches. Just make sure to adjust the quantities of the other fruits accordingly to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
Q5: Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
A: This recipe can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based yogurt alternative in the dressing. Ensure the yogurt is plain and unsweetened. With this simple substitution, the entire recipe becomes vegan-friendly and suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
