Escape to the tropics with this vibrant fruit salad, bursting with exotic flavors and natural sweetness. Juicy pineapple, luscious dragon fruit, and tart pomegranate seeds create a refreshing blend, enhanced with a hint of lime and fresh thyme. Perfect for a light dessert, breakfast, or a healthy midday treat!
This refreshing fruit salad is a feast for the senses! A delightful combination of tropical and seasonal fruits, it highlights the bold flavors of passionfruit, citrus, and berries while keeping things naturally sweet and simple. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone snack, it’s a surefire way to brighten any table.
Health Benefits of This Fruit Salad
This exotic fruit salad is not just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that benefit your body in multiple ways:
🔹 Pomegranate: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, supports heart health and boosts immunity.
🔹 Strawberries: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that promote skin health and aid digestion.
🔹 Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion and reduces inflammation.
🔹 Dragon Fruit: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and prebiotics that support gut health.
🔹 Clementines: High in vitamin C, potassium, and hydration-boosting properties.
🔹 Granadilla (Passionfruit): Great for digestion, rich in fiber, and supports restful sleep due to its calming compounds.
🔹 Lime Juice: Enhances flavor while providing vitamin C and aiding digestion.
🔹 Fresh Thyme: Offers antimicrobial properties and subtle herbal notes for a unique twist.
Tropical Paradise Fruit Salad with Pomegranate & Strawberries
Ingredients
- 2 star fruits thinly sliced
- 1 punnet strawberries hulled and sliced (removing the green stem, known as the calyx, from the strawberry.)
- 1 pomegranate seeds removed
- 1 ripe pineapple peeled, cored and cut into chunks
- 2 dragon fruits halved and scooped out
- 3 clementines halved
- 1 granadilla (passionfruit) pulp scooped out
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
- fresh thyme for garnish
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional for added sweetness
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts almonds, pistachios, or cashews
Instructions
Prepare the fruit:
- Rinse all the fruit under cold running water and pat dry.
- Star fruit: Thinly slice into star-shaped pieces.
- Strawberries: Remove the stems and slice.
- Pomegranate: Extract the seeds and set them aside.
- Pineapple: Peel, core, and cut into chunks. Blend half of the pineapple into a smooth purée.
- Granadilla (passionfruit): Halve the fruit and scoop out the pulp. Stir into the pineapple purée.
- Dragon fruit: Slice in half and scoop out the flesh. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Clementines: Cut in halves or separate into segments.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large serving bowl, combine the prepared fruits.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the fruit and gently toss to mix and optional honey or maple syrup.
- Gently toss everything together to mix the flavours.
Add Texture & Flavour Enhancements
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts over the top for added crunch.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or mint for a refreshing herbal note.
Serve:
- The pineapple-passionfruit purée can be served separately in a jug or mixed into the salad for added juiciness.
- Garnish with fresh thyme for a fragrant finishing touch.
Serving Ideas
- For a creamy twist: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt.
- For a tropical drink: Mix the pineapple-passionfruit purée into coconut water or sparkling water.
- For a frozen treat: Blend leftovers and freeze into fruit pops or fruit ice cubes.
- For a dessert upgrade: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or mango sorbet.
Ways to Make Your Fruit Salad More Interesting
- Add a Crunch Factor 🥥🥜
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts (almonds, cashews, or pistachios) for a delightful contrast in texture
- Add a handful of granola for extra crunch and fiber.
Enhance with a Drizzle of Natural Sweetness 🍯
- Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup if you prefer a touch of extra sweetness.
- Try agave nectar or coconut nectar for a tropical twist.
Introduce a Creamy Element 🥥🍦
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for added protein and probiotics.
- op with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or mango sorbet for a decadent dessert.
Infuse More Flavour 🌿🌺
- Add fresh mint leaves or basil for a cooling herbal note.
- A splash of orange blossom water or rose water can elevate the aroma and taste.
Make It Sparkling 🍾
- Serve with a side of sparkling water infused with lime or passionfruit.
- For a party version, pair with a light prosecco or champagne for a tropical fruit cocktail.
Freeze for a Chilled Delight ❄️
- Turn the fruit salad into frozen fruit pops by blending and freezing in molds.
- Mix with a bit of coconut water and freeze into fruit ice cubes for a refreshing drink enhancer.