| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: No cook | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 0.5g | 0g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 5g | 2g | 0.005g |
Let me kick off by introducing you to my adored Tambis Salad. This dish is a splendid fusion of vibrant, fresh fruits and Gujarati-inspired flavors, bringing together my two cultures in a bright and delicious way. Just one look at this fruit salad’s rainbow colors, featuring mouthwatering tambis, succulent strawberries, and zesty citrus, will brighten your day – not to mention the health benefits packed into each bite.
The Beauty of Fusion Cooking
Being someone who was raised on the Golden Coast and comes from a strong Gujarati lineage, I’ve always thought of food as a beautiful intersection of culture, creativity, and heritage. This Tambis Salad is an example of that belief. It marries the refreshing qualities of traditional American fruits with the vivid flavors of Gujrat – a homage to my blended cultural background. The vibrant, diverse colors and textures of this salad signify the unity in diversity that represents who I am.
Health-filled Colors
The bright combination of fruits not only pleases the eye but also floods the body with nutrients. This salad carries a tropical feel amidst its Californian roots with tambis, also known as wax apples or makopa. They are enriched with vitamins A and C, and are hydrating due to their high water content. (source) The citrusy punch from the oranges delivers a swift antioxidant dose, while the strawberries and blueberries packaged with flavonoids may help reduce inflammation and boost heart health.(source) The infusion of pineapple not only introduces a bold, tropical sweetness but also contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.#(source)
I love how this dish strikes a balance on the flavor profile with a pinch of salt and the introduction of lime juice and honey. The mint leaves, apart from delivering an enchanting breath of freshness, also have a bevy of health benefits, like aiding digestion and improving mental alertness.(source)
A Versatile Companion
This Tambis Salad is incredibly versatile. As a fruit-based dish, it shares similarities with summer fruit salads. It can also play a dual role – a dessert or a healthy snack. Pair it with Tamale Pie for a complete meal that sails from the vibrant Gujarat coast to the sunny beaches of California.
One of the greatest joys of writing and cooking has been sharing these pieces of my world with you. I hope this concoction of colorful fruits with an Indian twist brings joy and health to your table as it does to mine. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the wholesome goodness in every bite of the Tambis Salad!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of tambis (also known as makopa or wax apples), sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- Pinch of salt
Method
Step One
First, prepare your fruit. Rinse and slice the tambis, strawberries, pineapple, and peel the oranges. Segment the oranges and keep them aside for later use. Rinse the blueberries thoroughly and leave all the fruit to dry.
Step Two
Take a large salad bowl and combine all the prepared fruit – tambis, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple chunks, and segmented oranges. Toss gently to mix it up.
Step Three
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice and honey. Add a pinch of salt to help balance the sweetness. Adjust the quantities to taste if needed.
Step Four
Drizzle the honey and lime dressing over the mixed fruits in the salad bowl. Toss gently to coat all the fruits with the dressing.
Step Five
Roughly tear up the fresh mint leaves and sprinkle over the salad. Give it one final toss before serving. Your Refreshing Tambis Salad is ready to be enjoyed!
