| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 3g | 2g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 7g | 2g | 0.01g |
There’s just something incredibly magical about our Acerola Fruit Salad recipe that brings me immense joy. Perhaps it’s the enchanting medley of vibrant, exotic fruits, or perhaps it’s the subtle nod to my Bostonian roots – the coastal love for everything fresh and invigorating.
A Mosaic of Flavors
Though my culinary world largely revolves around classic New England seafood and hardy Irish comfort food, the Acerola Fruit Salad draws me back every time with its invigorating combo of flavors and textures. Akin to the classic mixed salad, but with a tropical twist, it’s a delectable soiree of acerola cherries, strawberries, bananas, mango, and pineapple. The cherry on top, quite literally, are the coconut shavings and the drizzle of honey that add a dance of sweetness to the tangy fruits.
Generous Health Benefits
Not only does this salad boast a carnival of flavors, but it also packs an impressive punch of health benefits. Acerola cherries are one of the richest sources of vitamin C, significantly more than even an orange! Paired with the high fiber content from the bananas and strawberries, and the array of vitamins from the mango and pineapple, it’s essentially a multivitamin in a bowl.
Plus, the addition of orange and lime juice provides a heart-healthy citrus boost that’s perfect for those looking for a delicious yet healthy dessert alternative.
A Family Tradition with a Fresh Twist
This dish effortlessly ties in to cherished family memories. My Laura and I love to prepare this for our little one. It always reminds us of the tropical fruit salads we used to whip up during family beach outings back in Boston – a fresh twist to an old tradition, you could say!
In terms of pairing suggestions, this Acerola Fruit Salad pairs delectably well with a vibrant Spicy Shrimp & Avocado Salad or alongside a classic BBQ Chicken dish; a perfect marriage between savory and sweet.
In conclusion, loving this recipe isn’t just about the rainbow of fruits and the explosion of flavors. It’s more about the warmth, the vitality, the freshness it brings to our table. It’s a dish that celebrates health, togetherness, and a little bit of personal history. That’s why I absolutely love this Acerola Fruit Salad recipe, and why I’m excited for you to fall in love with it too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of acerola cherries, pitted
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
- 1 cup of sliced bananas
- 1 cup of diced mango
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup of coconut shavings
- 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start off by prepping all your fruits. This includes pitting the acerola cherries, slicing the strawberries and bananas, and dicing the mango and pineapple. Set the fruit aside in a large salad bowl.
Step Two
Next, prepare your salad dressing. In a small bowl, mix together your freshly squeezed orange and lime juices. Stir in your honey until it fully dissolves in the juice mixture.
Step Three
Pour your citrus-honey dressing over your prepped fruit in the large salad bowl. Using a large spoon, gently mix everything together until all the fruit is coated in the dressing. This will help to boost their natural flavors and keep them fresh.
Step Four
Once you’ve mixed your fruit salad together, you can put it in the fridge to chill. This will help to blend the flavors and make the salad even more refreshing. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, as the salad will still be delicious at room temperature.
Step Five
Just before serving, sprinkle the coconut shavings over the fruit salad for a bit of added textures and flavors. Finally, garnish your fruit salad with the fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing aftertaste.
Step Six
Enjoy your acerola fruit salad as a healthy and refreshing dessert, breakfast or snack. It’s a versatile dish that will bring a burst of tropical flavors to any meal!
