| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 225 | 7g | 6g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 5g | 3g | 0.03g |
I am thrilled to share one of my favorite recipes with you, the delicately balanced and refreshingly tropical Ximenia Fruit Salad. With a heritage steeped in Irish comfort food and New England seafood, you may wonder how this fruit medley finds itself nestled among my most cherished recipes. Allow me to explain.
Generations past provide a great many lessons if we pay attention, and in my family, that often equates to gastronomical education. With dishes like hearty stews and mouthwatering clam bakes punctuating my cooking repertoire, there has always been an island-sized space for the brighter, lighter fare, like our Ximenia Fruit Salad.
How This Recipe Won Over an Irish-Bostonian
My engagement to Laura, a woman with a brilliant smile and a fantastic palate for tropical flavors, was the turning point. When we discovered we were expecting our little bundle of joy, I became acutely aware of the importance of extensive nutritional ranges in our diet. And that’s when the Ximenia Fruit Salad recipe leaped dramatically into our family’s culinary spotlight.
A colorful blend of exotic fruits like Ximenia, mango, and pineapple is tempered by the familiar taste of apple and banana. This combination explodes with a wealth of natural sweetness that’s made even more delectable by the addition of honey and citrus juices. Finished with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, it’s like a Caribbean vacation in a bowl.
The Health Benefits of Ximenia Fruit
Ximenia, the star of our fruit salad, is a lesser-known fruit, but what it lacks in recognition, it makes up for in nutritional values. This small, wild fruit boasts high levels of vitamin C and is rich in essential fatty acids – perfect for boosting immunity and skin health. And when mixed with other vitamin-rich fruits in our salad, it creates a healthy dish that’s delicious and satisfying.
Our Ximenia Fruit Salad is reminiscent of the exotic and aromatic Ambrosia Fruit Salad, and similar to the layered goodness of a Fruit Custard. It complements a variety of dishes, from creamy pasta and hearty meat dishes to light, grilled seafood. Specifically, it pairs incredibly well with my Grandmother’s secret clam bake recipe – a surprising yet delightful match.
All in all, the Ximenia Fruit Salad is much more than a bowl of chopped fruits. It’s a journey of discovery, a celebration of flavors, and a tribute to a balanced lifestyle where healthy doesn’t mean boring.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Ximenia fruit, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 1 cup of diced mango
- 2 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 small red apple, diced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing all the fruits. Pit and chop the Ximenia fruit and place in a large bowl. Dice the pineapple, mango, and red apple, and slice the bananas. Add these to the bowl as well.
Step Two
In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing for the fruit salad. Combine the lemon juice, honey, and orange juice. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved into the juice mixture.
Step Three
Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped and sliced fruits. Toss the fruit gently to ensure they are all coated with the dressing. This will not only flavor the fruit, but also prevent the bananas and apples from browning.
Step Four
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle the shredded coconut over the salad. This will give a delightful crunch and a boost of tropical taste.
Step Five
If desired, garnish the salad with some mint leaves right before serving. They will add a pop of color and a refreshing taste to the salad.
Step Six
Enjoy your fresh and tangy Ximenia Fruit Salad!
