Spiced Fruit Salad ππ
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (chill time)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Description
Easy, tasty, and low-fat healthy, this Spiced Fruit Salad recipe is perfect for various occasions like brunches, showers, picnics, and potlucks. It offers a delightful departure from the standard “fruit cup” often served at wedding receptions and holiday dinners. Versatile enough to serve as a dessert or snack, it’s also kid-pleasing (although avoid serving to children under 1 due to the honey ingredient, which can be omitted if necessary). This make-ahead, no-cook dish is courtesy of Southern Living.
Ingredients
- 1 can mandarin oranges
- 2 apples
- 1 cup raisins
- 2/3 cup pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
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Clean, Drain, and Chop Fruits: Begin by cleaning the mandarin oranges, apples, and raisins. Drain the canned mandarin oranges and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Core and chop the apples into similar-sized pieces. Combine the chopped fruits and raisins in a large mixing bowl.
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Prepare Spiced Syrup: In a separate bowl, combine the lemon juice, honey, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved and the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the spiced syrup over the mixed fruits and raisins in the large bowl. Ensure all the fruits are evenly coated with the syrup.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a deliciously refreshing fruit salad.
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Serve: Once thoroughly chilled, remove the fruit salad from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of fruity flavors!
Recipe Notes
- If preferred, you can use canned apricots as a substitute for the mandarin oranges and omit the prunes altogether. This modification adds a slightly different flavor profile while still maintaining the essence of the dish.
- For larger gatherings, simply double the recipe to ensure there’s enough Spiced Fruit Salad to go around.
- Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on personal preferences or seasonal availability. Adding other fruits like grapes, pineapple chunks, or diced pears can add more variety and color to the salad.
With its vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this Spiced Fruit Salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served as a refreshing dessert or a healthy snack, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits while indulging in a guilt-free treat. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delicious fruit salad and watch it disappear in no time!
