The Very Best Fruit Salad

Everybody needs a killer Fruit Salad, and this one is my favorite! The Very Best Fruit Salad is not just a mix of fruits; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and colors that can elevate any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or bringing a dish to a potluck, this fruit salad stands out with its unique glaze and carefully selected fruit combinations that enhance the natural sweetness and tartness. Get ready for compliments!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fruits and the sweet-tart glaze brings out the best in each ingredient.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this delightful salad in about 30 minutes.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings.
• Healthy and Refreshing: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, it’s a guilt-free treat.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The vibrant colors make this salad visually appealing on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create The Very Best Fruit Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large serving bowl
• Microplane grater
• Serrated knife
• Paring knife
• Peeler
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large serving bowl: This allows you to mix all ingredients easily without spills.
• Microplane grater: Perfect for zesting citrus fruits finely, adding great flavor without bitterness.
• Serrated knife: Ideal for cutting soft fruits like strawberries and grapes cleanly without squishing them.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 pineapple (chopped smaller than usual)
• 2 cups purple grapes (halved)
• 2 cups green grapes (halved)
• 1 pound strawberries (hulled and quartered)
• 5 kiwi (peeled and quartered)
• 2 large mangos (or 4 small mangos, chopped)
• 10 ounces blueberries
• 6 ounces raspberries (optional)
• 2 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges (drained)
• Fresh mint (to garnish, optional)

How to Make The Very Best Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

In a large pretty serving bowl, add the glaze ingredients:
1. Combine 1/3 cup apricot preserves,
2. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar,
3. Mix in 1 teaspoon lemon zest,
4. Pour in 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Use a microplane grater to zest your lemon for the best results. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 2: Chop the Pineapple

Start chopping the fruit in the order listed:
1. Take one pineapple and chop into smaller pieces than you normally would.
2. Add it to the bowl with the glaze.

Step 3: Halve Grapes

1. Use a serrated knife to halve about 2 cups of purple grapes.
2. Repeat with about 2 cups of green grapes.
3. Add both types of grapes to the bowl.

Step 4: Prepare Strawberries

1. Hull one pound of strawberries.
2. Slice each strawberry into quarters before adding them to the salad.

Step 5: Chop Kiwi

1. Chop off both ends of five kiwis.
2. Use a peeler or paring knife to remove the skin.
3. Slice each kiwi in half, then slice those halves into quarters.
4. Be careful not to chop smaller than this or your kiwi may disintegrate!

Step 6: Chop Mangos

1. For two large mangos, stand them upright on your cutting board.
2. Slice down close to the pit on both sides.
3. Score each mango half with a knife without cutting through the peel.
4. Flip so the fruit juts out and slice off from the peel before adding them to the bowl.

Step 7: Add Blueberries and Raspberries

Add ten ounces of blueberries along with six ounces of raspberries (if using) into the bowl.

Step 8: Incorporate Mandarin Oranges

Open two cans of mandarin oranges, drain them completely, then gently stir them into your fruit salad.

Step 9: Serve Your Fruit Salad

Serve immediately! Garnish with fresh mint if desired. Remember that fruit salad tastes best fresh; store any leftovers covered in the fridge for later enjoyment!

How to Serve The Very Best Fruit Salad

Serving The Very Best Fruit Salad is all about presentation and pairing. This colorful dish not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your fruit salad experience.

Individual Bowls

• Serve in small bowls for a personalized touch. Add a sprig of mint on top for a pop of color.

Family-Style Serving

• Place the fruit salad in a large bowl at the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves!

Skewered Fruit Salad

• For a fun twist, thread fruit pieces onto skewers for easy eating. Great for picnics or kids’ parties!

With Yogurt

• Serve with a side of yogurt for dipping. The creaminess complements the fruity flavors nicely.

Over Pancakes or Waffles

• Use the fruit salad as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It adds freshness and natural sweetness.

How to Perfect The Very Best Fruit Salad

To truly master The Very Best Fruit Salad, consider these helpful tips. Each step will enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.

• Choose Fresh Fruits: Opt for seasonal fruits to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Cut Uniformly: Try to cut all fruits into similar sizes for an appealing look and even flavor distribution.
• Add Citrus Juice: A splash of lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a zesty brightness.
• Layer Flavors: Consider adding herbs like basil or mint to introduce unique flavor notes.
• Chill Before Serving: Let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
• Mind Your Timing: Serve immediately after mixing to maintain freshness; leftovers can lose their taste quickly.

Best Side Dishes for The Very Best Fruit Salad

Pairing side dishes with The Very Best Fruit Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options that work well together.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make a great protein addition.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a nutritious complement.
3. Vegetable Platter: Fresh vegetable sticks served with hummus provide crunch and contrast.
4. Cheese Board: A variety of cheeses paired with crackers pairs wonderfully with sweet fruit.
5. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed with vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the fruit.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans add heartiness to your meal.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until tender bring an earthy element that pairs beautifully.
8. Simple Green Salad: A basic green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh and crisp counterpoint to the rich flavors of the fruit salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Very Best Fruit Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Overripe Fruit: Overripe fruit can make your salad mushy. Choose fresh, firm fruits for the best texture.
• Not Cutting Fruit Uniformly: Inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven flavors and textures. Aim for similar sizes to ensure every bite is delicious.
• Skipping the Glaze: The glaze enhances the flavor of the fruit. Don’t skip it; it brings out the sweet-tart notes that make this salad shine.
• Adding Too Much Sugar: Too much sweetness can overpower the freshness of the fruit. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe for a balanced taste.
• Making It Too Early: Preparing fruit salad too far in advance can cause it to lose flavor and freshness. Serve it as close to eating time as possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Very Best Fruit Salad

• Freezing is not recommended, as fruit texture changes after thawing.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing individual fruits separately.

Reheating The Very Best Fruit Salad

• Oven: Do not reheat in the oven; serve cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will alter the texture of the fruit.
• Stovetop: Reheating is not necessary; serve chilled for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Very Best Fruit Salad.

How can I customize The Very Best Fruit Salad?

You can customize this salad by adding seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries. Adjusting based on what’s fresh will enhance flavors.

Can I use frozen fruit in The Very Best Fruit Salad?

Fresh fruit is best, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain well before adding to avoid excess moisture.

What fruits work best in The Very Best Fruit Salad?

Besides those listed, you can also try apples, pears, or citrus fruits like oranges for added zest and variety.

How do I prevent browning in my fruit salad?

To keep cut fruits like apples and bananas from browning, toss them with a bit of lemon juice before mixing into your salad.

Final Thoughts

The Very Best Fruit Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for any gathering or potluck. Its versatility allows you to mix and match fruits based on your preferences and seasonal availability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations and enjoy this refreshing treat!

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The Very Best Fruit Salad

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The Very Best Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of fruits with a delightful sweet-tart glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this salad combines an array of colorful fruits including pineapple, strawberries, grapes, and mangoes, creating a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress. With its burst of flavors and easy preparation, this fruit salad is a hit at BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings. It’s not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy treat you can feel good about serving.

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

Ingredients

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• 1/3 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 pineapple (chopped)
• 2 cups purple grapes (halved)
• 2 cups green grapes (halved)
• 1 pound strawberries (hulled and quartered)
• 5 kiwi (peeled and quartered)
• 2 large mangos (chopped)
• 10 ounces blueberries
• 6 ounces raspberries (optional)
• 2 cans mandarin oranges (drained)
• Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together apricot preserves, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Chop the pineapple into smaller pieces and add to the bowl.
3. Halve purple and green grapes; add to the mixture.
4. Hull and quarter strawberries; add them next.
5. Peel kiwi, chop into quarters, and incorporate them into the salad.
6. Chop mangos and add to the bowl along with blueberries and raspberries if using.
7. Stir in drained mandarin oranges gently.
8. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg