Fruit salad

Tropical Fruit Salad with Nuts and Raspberries

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a fresh, colorful, and flavorful fruit salad? This tropical fruit salad recipe is not only a visual delight but also an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. By combining fresh fruits with crunchy nuts and a splash of rum extract, this salad becomes a quick dessert, perfect for any occasion.

The history of fruit salads is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions from around the world. These fruit combinations have been cherished over time not only for their taste but also for their health benefits. Being a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet.

Ingredients:
- 1 can of mixed tropical fruit
- 1 apple
- 1 banana
- 2 oranges
- 50 g nuts (preferably pecans or walnuts)
- 50 g raisins
- 1-2 tablespoons rum extract
- Syrup from the fruit can
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- 200 g whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Washing and preparing the fruits: Start by washing all the fresh fruits. Peel the apple and banana, cutting the apple into cubes. Slice the banana into rounds, and peel and segment the oranges. Make sure the fruits are at room temperature to retain their optimal flavor.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the apple cubes, banana rounds, and orange segments. Add the mixed tropical fruit along with its syrup to enhance the flavor.

3. Adding the nuts and raisins: Chop the nuts into smaller pieces, leaving some slightly larger for added texture in the salad. Add the nuts and raisins to the bowl with the fruits. The nuts provide a crunchy note, while the raisins add a touch of sweetness.

4. Flavoring the salad: Drizzle the rum extract over the fruit mixture and add the syrup from the can, being careful not to add too much to avoid making the salad soggy. Gently mix everything to avoid breaking the fruit pieces.

5. Chilling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

6. Serving: When serving, you can add whipped cream on top of the salad for a creamy touch. Garnish with fresh raspberries for a pop of color and fresh taste.

Helpful tips:
- Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as kiwi or pineapple, to give your salad an exotic twist.
- For a vegan option, you can substitute the whipped cream with a plant-based alternative, like whipped coconut cream.
- Make sure the nuts are lightly toasted to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

Nutritional benefits:
This fruit salad is packed with vitamins (A, C, B6), minerals (potassium, magnesium), and antioxidants, while being low in calories, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert without compromising their health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, fruit salad is very versatile. You can add strawberries, peaches, or any other favorite fruit.
- How can I store the salad? It’s best to consume the salad on the same day, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Is it suitable for allergies? Always check the ingredients to avoid allergens, especially nuts and raisins.

In conclusion, this tropical fruit salad with nuts and raspberries not only delights the eyes but also the taste buds, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy dessert. Whether you serve it at a party, a picnic, or as a personal treat, it is sure to bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. Enjoy!