My family just loves fruit and what’s not to love? Fruits are delicious, healthy and nowadays readily available anywhere. This particular dish is a household favorite – mainly because you get a yummy variety of fruit in every lovely little bite. This recipe is just perfect for entertaining and can be made in advance. It’s great way to end any meal and get the kids (and adults) to eat more fruit.

This simple Indian Fruit Salad can be eaten all year round, but personally I enjoy it most in the spring & summer time. The variety of fresh fruit is at its highest peak during these months. There are no hard and fast rules here, just use your favorite fruits and definitely chose fruit that are in season and ripe but firm.

Fruits: bananas, apples, cherries, kiwis, nectarines, papaya, mango, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pears, plums, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries…


INDIAN FRUIT SALAD

Ingredients:

1 cup of pineapple cubes
1 medium peach, diced
4-5 strawberries, sliced
½ mango, cubed
1 cup of orange segments
1 cup seedless grapes (any color will do)
1 cup of melon balls (you can use a small dice if you prefer)
½ cup pomegranate seeds
juice of ½ lime
2-3 tbsp of orange juice
1 tbsp sugar or honey, to taste
½ cup coconut milk
pinch of cardamom powder
pinch of salt
¼ cup chopped toasted nuts for garnish (such as almonds, cashews, pistachios…)
mint leaves for garnish

METHOD:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime & orange juices together with the sugar (or honey). Add the coconut milk, cardamom powder & salt. Stir well and carefully add all of the fruit. Mix gently to combine all of the ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, chopped nuts and serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, ice cream, sorbet, gelato or kulfi.


VARIATIONS:

Try making this dish with grilled fruit for a different but equally delicious taste. To add a little zing to the dish, add a small pinch of red chili powder – you will be surprised at what a wonderful & delicious addition a little heat can bring to this dish!