Can I use frozen fruits for this tropical fruit salad?

Fresh fruits are definitely best for this salad as they provide the optimal texture and flavor. However, if certain tropical fruits aren't available, you can use thawed frozen fruits like mango or pineapple in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to prevent excess liquid in your salad, and add them after the salad has been dressed.

How do I pick a ripe dragon fruit?

Look for dragon fruit with bright, evenly colored skin that gives slightly when pressed, similar to a ripe avocado. Avoid fruits with many brown blotches or that feel too soft. If yours is underripe, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of days until it yields slightly to gentle pressure.

Can I make this fruit salad ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the dressing and cut the fruits up to 4 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and dress the salad about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld while maintaining the best texture. Save the mint garnish until just before presenting.

What's a good substitute if I can't find some of these tropical fruits?

Don't worry if you can't find every fruit listed! This salad is very flexible. Substitute papaya for mango, any citrus segments for tangerines, or even use peaches or nectarines in summer. The key is maintaining a colorful mix with different textures. Even without dragon fruit, which can be harder to find, you'll still have a beautiful, delicious salad.

Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe

Name: Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice; ¼ cup honey, or agave; 10 strawberries, sliced; 2 tangerines, peeled and separated; 2 kiwis, peeled and cut in half, then sliced; 2 mangos, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; ½ pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups once cut); Fresh mint, optional garnish

Description

A refreshing tropical fruit salad made with a mix of vibrant fruits and a simple citrus-honey dressing, perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dressing

- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey, or agave

For the Fruit Salad

10 strawberries, sliced
2 tangerines, peeled and separated
2 kiwis, peeled and cut in half, then sliced
2 mangos, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups once cut)
Fresh mint, optional garnish

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Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, and honey until the honey dissolves completely.
Mix the Fruit: In a separate large bowl, toss together the strawberries, tangerines, kiwis, mangos, dragon fruit, and pineapple.
Combine and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid, saran wrap, or foil and chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, garnish the fruit salad with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Lime Juice: You can swap the lime juice for lemon juice, for a milder citrus flavor.
Honey: If you do not have honey, agave is a good substitute. Simple syrup works too.
Ripe Fruit: Use fruit that is ripe but not overly soft, as overly soft fruit could turn mushy quickly.
Chill Time: Chilling enhances the flavors and creates a fresh and flavorful salad.
Tajin: Add a sprinkle of Tajin on top for a delicious flavor twist.
Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 140
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg