Description
This Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a colorful and refreshing mix of tropical fruits, drizzled with a zesty lime dressing and topped with coconut flakes and fresh mint. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy snack, its a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the tropics.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup banana, sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: Start by gathering all the fresh fruits listed above. Make sure they are ripe and ready to eat for the best flavor.
- Wash the fruits: Rinse the strawberries, grapes, and kiwi under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Prepare the pineapple: If youre using a whole pineapple, cut off the top and bottom. Stand it upright and slice off the skin, making sure to remove the eyes (the brown spots). Cut the pineapple into quarters, remove the core, and then dice the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the mango: Cut the mango by slicing off the sides of the pit. Score the flesh in a grid pattern and scoop it out with a spoon. Dice the mango into small cubes.
- Hull and slice the strawberries: Remove the green tops from the strawberries using a paring knife. Slice them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Peel and slice the kiwi: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the kiwi. Cut the kiwi in half lengthwise, then slice each half into half-moons.
- Slice the bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds. To prevent browning, you can toss them in a little lime juice after slicing.
- Halve the grapes: Cut the grapes in half to make them easier to eat and to allow the flavors to meld better with the other fruits.
- Combine the fruits: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits: pineapple, mango, strawberries, kiwi, banana, and grapes. Be careful not to mash the fruits; you want to keep them intact for a beautiful presentation.
- Add coconut flakes: Sprinkle the coconut flakes over the mixed fruits. This adds a tropical flavor and a nice texture to the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice and honey (if using). The honey adds a touch of sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter salad.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the lime juice mixture over the fruit salad. Gently toss the salad again to ensure all the fruits are coated with the dressing. This will enhance the flavors and keep the fruits fresh.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad refreshing.
- Garnish before serving: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Transfer it to a serving bowl or individual cups. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy your Hawaiian fruit salad: Serve the salad chilled as a side dish, dessert, or a healthy snack. Its perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add other tropical fruits like papaya, passion fruit, or starfruit for more variety.
- Different Dressings: Experiment with other dressings such as orange juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Make It a Meal: Add protein like chopped nuts, yogurt, or cottage cheese to make it more filling.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but consume them quickly as bananas may brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes