Description
A refreshing and colorful fruit salad featuring a medley of cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis, tossed with a zesty orange-vanilla dressing and garnished with fresh mint. Perfect for a light, healthy snack or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 pound cantaloupe, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 3 or 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the fruit: In a large bowl, combine the cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, ensuring all the fruits are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. This mixture will give a bright, sweet flavor to the salad.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the orange-vanilla dressing over the mixed fruit and gently toss everything together, carefully coating the fruit without bruising it.
- Add garnishes: Sprinkle the minced fresh mint leaves over the salad just before serving to add a refreshing herbal note and enhance aroma.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and serve it cold for maximum refreshment.
- Mint leaves are optional but add a lovely freshness opposite the sweet fruit.
- This salad is best consumed on the day it’s made for optimal freshness.
