Pineapple, Mango and Blueberry Fruit Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime

This is the perfect time of year to break out all your favorite fruit salad recipes.  I have so many versions of fruit salad I don’t think I could ever blog them all. 

You might be thinking a fruit salad is just that, a fruit salad.  But not according to the Bennett crew.  Ranger Craig could consume his weight in blueberries, Tink, my oldest gal never met a pineapple she didn’t like, and Suzie Q, my youngest, will eat pints of fresh raspberries until she turns pink, which she’d love as that is most certainly her favorite color.  So, I decided to blog one of my most requested fruit salads but also include several different versions that just might suit your fancy.

Tropical fruits, stone fruits, berries, citrus, ginger and fresh herbs blend beautifully into delicious and taste bud tingling side dishes or entrée’s.  Mango and papaya are especially delicious over fresh greens that have been tossed with a light basic vinaigrette and then topped with grilled meats or fish. 

If I’m serving one of my fruit salads for adults only brunch or evening barbeque, sometimes I’ll spike the fruit with a bit of white wine or French brandy and serve it up in beautiful wine or martini glasses.  This makes a fun and festive appetizer for dinner or brunch guests (and gets the party rolling!).

Pineapple, Mango and Blueberry Fruit Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime

Ingredients

1 pineapple, diced into bite sized pieces

2 mangos, diced

1 pint fresh summer blueberries

2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint

1 lime zested and juiced

Toasted coconut for garnish (optional)

Directions

Mix together the fruit, mint and lime juice and zest.  Let the fruit sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes prior to serving. If the fruit salad needs a little extra sweetness add a few tablespoons of honey and toss.

Asian Fruit Salad with Fresh Ginger, Lime and Honey

Ingredients

1-2 Asian pears, diced

2 mangos, diced

2 kiwi, sliced

1 papaya, diced

1-2 pints fresh raspberries

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 large lime juiced and zested

2 tablespoons honey

Fresh mint for garnish

Directions

Mix together the grated ginger, lime juice, zest and honey.  In a large bowl, gently toss together the pear, mango, kiwi, papaya and raspberries with the lime, ginger and honey mixture.  Garnish with fresh chopped mint or cilantro.

Summer Fruit Salad with Fresh Lime and Toasted Coconut

Ingredients

1 pineapple, diced

2 mangos, diced

1 quart strawberries, sliced

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 pint fresh raspberries

2 cups fresh red grapes

Optional: sliced fresh kiwi, star fruit, citrus, or papaya

1 cup toasted coconut

2 limes juiced and zested

Directions

In a large bowl gently toss all ingredients together.  Serve in one large glass bowl or large wine or martini glasses. 

Just for fun:  If serving these fruit salads to adults, spike the salad with about 1/4 – 1/2  cup white wine or your favorite aperitif such as a lovely French Brandy or Sherry.  Serve in martini glasses and toast to summer!