| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 5g | 0g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 4g | 2g | 0g |
If there’s one embodiment of simplicity and wholesome farm freshness that transcends the boundaries of my customary Midwestern comfort food, it’s the Nance Fruit Salad. This vibrant concoction, blessed with a rainbow of fruits and subtle drizzle of honey, is a delightful homage to nature’s bounty and a resounding validation of the farm-to-table ethos I hold dear.
Revelling in Nature’s Palette
As a child growing up in the heartland of Nebraska, I’d often pluck apples and oranges fresh off the trees in our backyard to satisfy my afternoon hunger pangs. The Nance Fruit Salad brings back those cherished memories, incorporating these fruits along with others like strawberries, grapes, and of course, the tangy Nance fruits that lend this dish its distinct flavor profile. No wonder my heart beats a wee bit faster every time I prepare (or consume!) this berry-licious salad.
There’s More Than Just Taste to it
Aside from being incandescently delicious, the Nance Fruit Salad is also extremely kind to waistlines and health-conscious diners. These rainbow-hued medley brims with an abundance of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibers facilitating digestive health, boosting immunity and nourishing your body from within. Topping it off with a smattering of walnuts introduces Omega-3 fatty acids into the mix, further bolstering heart health.
While kept optional, I personally enjoy the hint of freshness added by the mint leaves, not only aesthetically but also for their digestive benefits. The dressing of honey and lemon juice, besides lending a harmonious mix of sweetness and citrusy tang, comes with their own troop of health benefits. It’s like every ingredient in this salad comes together in a symphony of health and deliciousness! You can view the health benefits of honey here for a quick peek into why it’s a preferred choice for me.
The Nance Fruit Salad, while wholesome and fulfilling on its own, complements a variety of savory dishes beautifully. Think grilled chicken breasts, Cornish game hens, or a platter of farm-fresh greens. It brings a refreshing, tasteful contrast to hearty pasta dishes or casseroles, much like the ones I often cook up for my church potluck events.
So here’s to harnessing the potency of nature, served fresh in a bowl, one bite at a time. Enjoy the colors, the tastes, the textures and above all, the unwavering commitment to freshness and wellbeing whether you’re preparing the Nance Fruit Salad for a quiet afternoon snack or as a showstopper at the family brunch.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Nance fruits
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1 large orange, diced
- 1 pint of strawberries, halved
- 1 cup of seedless grapes, halved
- 1 large banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping all your fruits. This includes rinsing off the Nance fruits, strawberries, and grapes under cold running water. Subsequently, dice your apple and orange, ensuring to remove the core and seeds respectively. Halve your strawberries and seedless grapes, and slice your banana. If you’ve chosen to include walnuts in your salad, chop them at this stage.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine your prepared fruits and chopped walnuts. Stir them together gently to avoid bruising the fruits, while ensuring they’re well mixed.
Step Three
In a small bowl, mix together the honey and the juice of one lemon. Stir until they’re well combined to make your dressing.
Step Four
Pour the honey and lemon dressing over the fruit and nuts in your large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. This will not only add flavor, but also help to prevent the fruits, particularly the apples and bananas, from browning.
Step Five
Once your salad is well mixed, it can be served immediately. If you wish, garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing kick. Alternatively, you can refrigerate your Nance fruit salad to serve chilled later. Enjoy your delicious, healthy, colorful Nance fruit salad!
