Introduction
This vibrant and tangy fruit salad combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple, peaches, and mandarin oranges with a zesty citrus glaze, creating a refreshing dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for any season, especially summer gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy side for family dinners, this fruit salad offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Its long-standing presence in family recipes underscores its popularity and versatility. The tangy glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits, providing a delightful contrast that excites the palate, making it an irresistible treat for kids and adults alike. Featured on Love With Recipes, this recipe emphasizes wholesome ingredients, minimal preparation, and maximum flavor, embodying the essence of a healthy, low-cholesterol, low-protein dish suitable for all dietary preferences.
Time
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Saucepan (medium-sized)
- Measuring spoons
- Juice squeezer or citrus reamer
- Microplane or fine grater for zesting
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Refrigerator for chilling
- Serving bowl or platter
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Peeler (optional, for peeling peaches and pears if desired)
Tags
Healthy, Fruit Salad, Tropical, Low Cholesterol, Low Protein, Refreshing, Summer Recipe, Family Favorite, Easy, Quick
Serving Size
Serves approximately 8 people, with about 1 cup per serving. Adjust quantities proportionally for larger or smaller gatherings.
Difficulty Level
Easy — suitable for beginners and busy cooks, requiring minimal culinary skills but delivering maximum flavor and freshness.
Allergen Information
- Contains: Citrus (orange, mandarin), pineapple, peaches, banana, pear.
- Free from: Common allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten (unless cross-contaminated).
Dietary Preference
Vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, low-cholesterol, gluten-free, naturally dairy-free, suitable for a plant-based diet.
Course
Side dish, Snack, Refreshing dessert, Appetizer
Cuisine
Tropical, Healthy, Family-style
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh pineapple | 1 chunk (about 2 cups diced) | Fresh, ripe pineapple is preferred for optimal sweetness and flavor. |
| Banana | 1 large | Choose ripe bananas for natural sweetness; add last to prevent browning. |
| Canned mandarin oranges | 1 can (about 11 oz) | Drain excess syrup for a less watery salad. |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons | Adjust to taste; can substitute with honey or agave syrup for vegan version. |
| Fresh oranges (juice of) | 3 oranges | Juice and zest to enhance citrus flavor. |
| Cornstarch | 3/4 tablespoon | For thickening the glaze; optional thickening agent. |
| Fresh lemon | 1 | For juice and zest; adds tanginess. |
| Fresh orange | 1 | For additional zest and juice. |
| Peaches | 3 medium | Ripe peaches, peeled if desired, cut into 1-inch chunks. |
| Pear | 1 medium | Choose a ripe, firm pear, cut into chunks. |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Begin by washing all fresh fruits thoroughly under cold running water. Proper cleaning is essential to remove any residual pesticides, dirt, or bacteria. For peaches and pears, if you prefer, you can peel them using a vegetable peeler, especially if their skins are thick or waxed. However, leaving the skins on adds fiber and nutrients to the salad.
Cut the peaches and pears into uniform 1-inch chunks using a sharp chef’s knife. Uniform pieces ensure even flavor distribution and an attractive presentation. Place the chunks into a large mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate to keep them chilled. Chilling the fruit helps maintain their firm texture and prevents browning during the preparation of the glaze.
Drain the canned mandarin oranges thoroughly, reserving the juice if you plan to incorporate it into the glaze or dressing. Drain excess liquid to avoid diluting the glaze and to maintain the salad’s consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Whisk them together to ensure they are evenly blended. The sugar provides sweetness, while the cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the glaze a luscious, syrupy consistency.
Add the freshly squeezed orange juice, which can be extracted using a citrus reamer or juicer, and the lemon juice. The citrus juices are the backbone of the glaze, adding a bright tang that balances the sweetness.
Set the saucepan over medium heat. Constantly stir the mixture with a whisk or spoon to prevent the cornstarch from clumping or sticking to the bottom. Cook the mixture until it reaches a boil and becomes thick and clear, about 5-7 minutes. This process allows the cornstarch to activate fully, creating a glossy, velvety coating that will cling beautifully to the fruit.
Step 3: Add Citrus Zest and Flavor
While the glaze is cooking, grate the lemon and orange zest using a microplane or fine grater. Be careful to only grate the colorful outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath.
Stir the citrus zest into the thickened glaze. This step infuses the glaze with intense citrus aroma and flavor, elevating the overall freshness of the salad.
Step 4: Chill the Glaze
Once the glaze is ready, transfer it to a heatproof bowl or container and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps it thicken further and enhances the flavor as the citrus notes meld with the sweetness.
Step 5: Combine Fruits and Glaze
When both the fruit and glaze are thoroughly chilled, it’s time to assemble the salad. Gently toss the prepared peaches, pears, and mandarin oranges in a large mixing bowl. Pour the chilled glaze over the fruits and carefully toss to coat evenly.
Add the banana chunks last to prevent browning. Gently fold them into the salad, ensuring they do not get mashed or overly broken. The banana’s soft texture adds creaminess and a natural sweetness that complements the tangy glaze.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the fruit salad to a beautiful serving dish or individual bowls. For an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with fresh mint leaves. The mint not only adds aroma but also enhances the overall presentation.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld further. Remember to serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
Preparation Tips
- Fruit selection: Always select ripe, fragrant fruits for optimal flavor. Slightly under-ripe fruits may be tart or lack sweetness.
- Peeling peaches and pears: Peeling is optional but recommended if the skins are thick or waxed. Rinse fruits thoroughly after peeling.
- Prevent browning: To prevent bananas from browning, add them last and toss gently. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice over them before adding.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the glaze before combining with fruits and adjust sugar levels if needed. For a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon or orange zest.
- Make ahead: The entire salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, but add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value* (based on a 2000 kcal diet) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350.2 kcal | Approximately 17.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0.5% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 8.8 mg | 0.4% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 89 g | 29.7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 24.8% |
| Sugar | 70.9 g | 141.8% |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual nutritional needs may vary.
Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe fruits: The key to a flavorful salad is using ripe, fragrant fruits. Overripe fruits may become mushy, so choose wisely.
- Balance sweetness and tang: Adjust the sugar and citrus levels according to your preference to achieve the perfect tangy-sweet balance.
- Layer flavors: Incorporate fresh mint, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for added texture and aroma.
- Make the glaze in advance: Preparing the glaze a day ahead allows the flavors to develop further; just re-chill before mixing with fruits.
- Presentation: Serve in glass bowls or transparent containers to showcase the colorful layers of fruit and glaze.
Add-ons and Variations
- Fresh berries: Add strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for extra color and antioxidants.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped toasted almonds, walnuts, or macadamias for crunch.
- Herbs: Fresh basil, mint, or a hint of cilantro can elevate the flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, or agave for a natural sweetening alternative.
Side Dishes
- Grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal
- Light yogurt or cottage cheese on the side
- Freshly baked bread or croissants
- Other tropical salads like mango salsa or papaya slaw
Improvements and Customizations
- Adding alcohol: For an adult version, incorporate a splash of rum or Grand Marnier into the glaze.
- Vegan modifications: Substitute honey with agave or maple syrup, and ensure canned fruits are in natural juice, not syrup.
- Texture variation: Mix in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or granola just before serving for added crunch.
Save and Store
To store leftovers, transfer the fruit salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep the banana pieces separate and add them just before serving to prevent browning. Cover tightly to retain freshness and prevent absorption of other fridge odors. For best results, consume within the recommended time to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glazed fruit mixture and refrigerate up to 2 hours in advance. Add bananas just before serving to prevent browning and mushiness.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Absolutely. Feel free to include fruits like kiwi, mango, strawberries, or grapes to customize your salad. Adjust the glaze accordingly if adding more or different fruits.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics?
This recipe contains added sugar, which may not be suitable for diabetics. To make it diabetic-friendly, reduce the sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, and limit high-sugar fruits.
How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice over banana chunks before mixing into the salad. Add bananas last to minimize exposure to air.
Conclusion
This tangy fruit salad stands out as a delightful celebration of fresh, tropical flavors layered with a bright citrus glaze. Its simplicity, combined with optional add-ons and customizable features, makes it a perfect choice for healthy eating, family gatherings, or casual entertaining. By following Love With Recipes’ detailed steps and tips, you can create a stunning, nutritious dish that appeals to all ages and dietary needs. Its light, refreshing profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to grilled dishes, picnic spreads, or as a standalone dessert. The combination of sweet, tangy, and aromatic elements ensures this recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
References
- Nutrition data adapted from USDA Food Database
- Basic citrus glaze techniques adapted from “The Art of Cooking” by Julia Child