| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 15g | 2g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 5g | 2g | 0.07g |
There’s a particular reverence I hold for recipes that unite the vibrancy of California’s local produce with a simple, refreshing flavor profile. One recipe that sits high on my list of such dishes is the Kukas Salad with Lemon Dressing. The loveliness of this salad lies not just in its mouth-watering colors, but also in its delicious dance of sweet fruits and tangy lemon dressing that reverberates with every bite.
A Symphony of Fresh Produce
Bursting with fresh kiwi, ripe bananas, sweet melon, juicy strawberries, and succulent mangoes, this salad is a celebration of nature’s best offerings. It’s a recipe that resembles fruit tarts or a fruit salad with a lemony twist, with a vibrant energy that is perfectly suited to California’s sun-drenched outdoor brunches and casual dinner parties.
Health Benefits of the Kukas Salad
This Kukas Salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it’s also nourishing for the body. Each element of the salad contributes to its health benefits; kiwis are packed with vitamins C and E, bananas provide ample amounts of potassium, mangoes are rich in vitamin A, while melon and strawberries bring in a host of antioxidants. The fresh lime juice gives a dose of vitamin C, and the homemade lemon dressing, sweetened with honey and balanced with olive oil, provides a healthy dose of heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, often associated with reducing risk of heart disease.
A Recipe That Compliments Many
Radiating lightness and health, the Kukas Salad with Lemon Dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs well with diverse cuisines. Enjoy it as an appetizer before a hearty main course, or serve it as a refreshing side to a spicy curry. Alternatively, this salad shines when served along with a classic American BBQ or a grilled chicken with a spicy peach glaze. The options for combining this salad with other dishes are endless, making it a staple for any culinary repertoire.
The ultimate ode to the natural beauty of fresh produce, the Kukas Salad with Lemon Dressing exudes the genuine love and care put into every ingredient. It embodies the health-conscious spirit of the West Coast with an irresistible pull towards the comforting essence of classic American favorites.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of diced green kiwi
- 2 cups of diced ripe bananas
- 2 cups of diced melon (cantaloupe or honeydew)
- 2 cups of diced strawberries
- 2 cups of diced mangoes
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- For Lemon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
Method
Step One
Begin by carefully dicing all of your fresh fruit- the green kiwi, ripe bananas, melon, strawberries and mangoes each into 2 cup portions.
Step Two
Add all your diced fruit into a large mixing bowl. Then, pour the 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice over the fruit. Gently mix until the fruit is well combined and evenly coated with the lime juice. The lime juice will add a hint of tartness and also help to keep the fruit fresh.
Step Three
Now, let’s prepare the lemon dressing. In a separate bowl, add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. To this, add 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the honey dissolves into the lemon juice and the salt is well distributed.
Step Four
While whisking the mixture continuously, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. You will notice the dressing begin to emulsify as the oil combines with the lemon juice and honey. Continue to whisk until you get a smooth and well-blended dressing.
Step Five
Finally, pour the lemon dressing over the fruit in your mixing bowl. Toss well to ensure all the fruit is coated with the dressing. Once done, your Kukas Salad with Lemon Dressing is ready to be served! Enjoy!
