As the scorching Indian summer sun beats down upon us, it's time to find ways to stay cool and refreshed. One of the best ways to do so is by indulging in delicious and nutritious fruit-based salads. These salads not only help you beat the heat but also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep you energised throughout the day. In this article, we will explore some delightful fruit salad recipes that are perfect for the Indian palate and easy to prepare at home.
Mango and Mint Salad
Mango, the king of fruits, is a summer favourite in India. This mango and mint salad is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavours that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mangoes, mint leaves, cucumber, red onion, and green chilli (if using).
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and serve chilled.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
This refreshing watermelon and feta salad is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours. The addition of feta cheese adds a unique twist to this classic Indian summer fruit.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, basil leaves, red onion, and olives (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled.
Mixed Fruit Chaat Salad
This mixed fruit chaat salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours that are quintessentially Indian. It's a perfect way to enjoy a variety of fruits in one delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed fruits (such as apple, banana, grapes, pineapple, and pomegranate)
- 1/2 cup boiled and cubed potatoes
- 1/4 cup tamarind chutney
- 1/4 cup green chutney
- 1/4 cup yoghurt, whisked
- 1/4 cup sev (crunchy chickpea noodles)
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Chaat masala, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed fruits and boiled potatoes.
- Add the tamarind chutney, green chutney, and whisked yoghurt to the fruit mixture. Toss gently to combine.
- Season with chaat masala, salt, and black pepper.
- Garnish with sev and fresh coriander leaves. Serve chilled.
Papaya and Coconut Salad
This tropical papaya and coconut salad is a delightful way to enjoy the flavours of the Indian coastline. The combination of sweet papaya and crunchy coconut is sure to transport you to a beachside paradise.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ripe papaya, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh coconut, grated or thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the papaya, coconut, mint leaves, roasted peanuts, and red onion.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and serve chilled.
Citrus and Pomegranate Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
This vibrant citrus and pomegranate salad is a delightful burst of flavours and colours that will brighten up your summer days The honey-lime dressing adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to this refreshing salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fennel, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, arrange the orange and grapefruit slices, overlapping them slightly.
- Scatter the pomegranate arils, mint leaves, red onion, and fennel (if using) over the citrus slices.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve chilled.
These fruit-based salads are not only delicious and refreshing but also packed with essential nutrients to keep you healthy during the hot Indian summer months. So, go ahead and try these delightful recipes at home and enjoy a cool and nutritious treat. Stay hydrated, stay healthy, and beat the heat with these scrumptious fruit salads!