Fruit Salad Twist
By Emma Kitchen
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
Fresh mixed berries swapped. Pineapple cubes instead mango. Maple-lime syrup swap. Crisp, refreshing. Quick fridge chill. Bright flavors. No nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten. Easy fruit dessert. Simple prep, no cooking. Cold, sweet, tangy. Great summer. Versatile, adaptable to available fruits. Healthy raw sugar alternative.
Prep:
15 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
20 min
Servings:
8 servings
#vegan
#gluten-free
#healthy dessert
#easy recipe
Berries swapped in. Pineapple cubes replace mango chunks. Maple syrup and lime juice bring sweet-tart zing. Mint shredded finer now. Chill shorter, about 55 minutes tops. Fruit not swimming in juice. Quick dish, needing no cooking. Raw fruit spotlight. Perfect for warm days. Handy if fresh mango missing or out of season. Maple adds deeper sweetness without syrupy heaviness. Lime wakes flavors, makes fruit brighter. Mint cools, adds aroma punch. Simplicity and freshness. Every spoonful with varying texture, juicy and cool. Good for vegan, gluten-free, nut-free diets. Colorful, vibrant plate. Simple prep, healthy dessert or snack. Churning endless combos if desired. Swap fruits further if handy. No fuss.
Ingredients
- 350 ml (1 1⁄2 cups) strawberries fresh, hulls off, quartered
- 300 ml (1 1⁄4 cups) raspberries fresh
- 2 cups pineapple cubes fresh or canned
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves
About the ingredients
Strawberries and raspberries chosen for tartness and texture. Pineapple adds juicy sweetness with tropical citrus hints, mimicking mango’s role but lighter. Fresh better but canned okay drained well. Maple syrup replaces simple syrup for richer complexity and antioxidants, pairs better with lime. Lime juice crucial to balance sweetness, avoids flat blandness, adds refreshing note. Mint leaves chopped fine to release oils without overpowering fruit. Use fresh herbs to avoid bitterness. Quantities adjusted slightly to maintain overall volume and taste balance. Can tweak syrup amount to taste or fruit ripeness. Keep all fruits vibrant, avoid overly soft pieces to reduce mushiness after chilling.
Method
- Rinse all berries gently, Drain well.
- Mix pineapple cubes with quartered strawberries and raspberries in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, blend maple syrup and lime juice thoroughly.
- Pour syrup mixture over fruit. Toss lightly but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Sprinkle chopped mint across the top. Stir lightly again.
- Cover bowl. Refrigerate about 55 minutes. Not too long or berries get soggy.
- Serve cold. Optionally garnish with extra mint leaves.
Cooking tips
Handle berries gently to preserve shape. Rinse carefully, drain thoroughly to prevent excess liquid diluting flavors. Stir fruit with syrup mixture just enough to coat surfaces, avoid crushing berries which release extra juice and turn mushy. Maple syrup dissolves fully with lime juice, creating homogenous dressing. Mint added last to keep fresh aroma intact. Refrigerate no more than one hour so fruit keeps texture, flavor freshness intact. Serve chilled but not icy cold. Garnish if desired for visual pop and subtle scent. Can prep an hour ahead comfortably. Adapt times if using softer fruits or room temperature servings desired. Keep bowl covered to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Rinse berries gently with cool water. Drain them thoroughly. Too much excess water? It will water down flavors. Handle each berry with care. Mushy berries ruin the texture. Prevent crushing. Quick rinse. Avoid soaking too long.
- 💡 Maple syrup is better. It’s rich. Adds a depth of flavor. Lime juice balances sweetness. Adjust syrup based on fruit ripeness. Taste before serving. Prefer sweeter? Add more syrup. Lime is key. Brightness matters.
- 💡 Mint leaves? Chop finely. Releases oils. Balance aroma and taste. Use fresh. Dried mint? Not recommended. Fresh gives vibrancy. Mint brings freshness. Add last to keep scent alive. No overpowering mint flavor.
- 💡 Chill in the fridge. No longer than an hour. Prevent mushiness. Fruit should remain intact. Serve chilled but not too cold. Each bite should be refreshing though not icy. Look for crispness not softness.
- 💡 Chop fruits uniformly. Ensure even coating with syrup. Less mixing helps maintain structure. Avoid over-syruping, might get soggy. Can prep ahead but think timing. Keep covered to prevent fridge odor absorption.
Common questions
How to keep berries fresh?
Store them in the fridge. Use breathable containers. Avoid washing until ready to use. Quick handling can maintain freshness. Check for soft spots often.
Can I substitute fruits?
Yes. Mix and match seasonal fruits. Blueberries work well. Try kiwi or apples. Adjust syrup to balance sweetness. Keep texture in mind. Aim for vibrant colors.
What if salad gets watery?
Mix lightly to reduce excess juice. Use fresh fruits to control water content. Pineapple should be drained if canned. Juicier fruits require careful pairing.
Storage options for leftovers?
Keep in airtight container. Refrigerate but use quick. Eat within two days for best taste. Fresh fruits lose quality. Monitor for texture changes.
