A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This colorful medley combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruits with a tangy maple-lime dressing that elevates it beyond the ordinary. Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or a healthy dessert option.
The Magic of Color and Nutrition
This isn't just any fruit salad – it's a rainbow in a bowl. Each color represents different antioxidants and nutrients, making this dish as nutritious as it is visually stunning. The unique maple-lime dressing adds a sophisticated twist that brings all the flavors together perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Salad:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 mandarin oranges, segmented
- 2 mangoes, diced
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
For the Maple Lime Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your fruit. Wash everything thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces. The key is to make the pieces relatively uniform in size for easier eating and a more attractive presentation.
- In a large glass bowl, arrange the fruit in rainbow order: strawberries, oranges, mangoes, pineapple, kiwis, green grapes, blueberries, and red grapes. This creates a stunning visual effect that will wow your guests before they even take their first bite.
- For the dressing, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a small bowl until well combined. The vanilla adds depth while the salt enhances all the flavors.
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to combine. The dressing should lightly coat the fruit without pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Serving Tips
Serve immediately after dressing for the freshest taste and best texture. If you need to prepare ahead, arrange the fruit in your serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add the dressing just before serving.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the fruit selection based on what's in season. The key is maintaining a rainbow of colors while balancing sweet and tart flavors. Some great alternatives include:
- Red: watermelon, raspberries
- Orange: peaches, cantaloupe
- Yellow: yellow pear, star fruit
- Green: honeydew, green apple
- Blue/Purple: blackberries, plums
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The fruits may release some juice during storage, but the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
A Note on Selection
Choose fruits that are ripe but still firm. This ensures the best texture and prevents the salad from becoming too watery. When selecting your fruits, remember that fragrance is often the best indicator of ripeness, particularly for melons and tropical fruits.
This Rainbow Fruit Salad isn't just a dish – it's a celebration of nature's colors and flavors. Whether served at a summer barbecue or a winter brunch, it brings a welcome burst of brightness to any table. The maple-lime dressing adds just enough sophistication to make this simple dish feel special, while letting the natural sweetness of the fruit shine through.
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