Summer fruit salad

Summer Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Ice Cream and Nuts

On hot summer days, when the sun shines brightly and the heat envelops us, a fresh fruit salad is just what we need to cool down and revitalize ourselves. This simple and quick summer fruit salad recipe will not only delight your taste buds, but it is also an explosion of color and health. I will present you with a recipe that combines the natural sweetness of fruits with a touch of sophistication, thanks to the nut ice cream. So, grab a bowl and let’s get started!

Total preparation time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4

Main ingredients:
- 1 medium cantaloupe
- 3 ripe peaches
- 3 summer pears
- 1 bunch of table grapes
- 1 jar of cherry compote (approximately 400 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 ml bourbon (or another alcoholic beverage of your choice)
- Whipped cream ice cream with nuts (or any other favorite ice cream)

The history of fruit salad is fascinating, being a dish served in various cultures over time. It is a simple way to take advantage of the summer harvest, bringing together a variety of fresh fruits, full of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, each ingredient plays an important role in maintaining health, as fruits are an excellent source of hydration and nutrients.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the fruits: Start by washing all the fruits under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities. After washing, use a sharp knife to peel the cantaloupe. Cut it into equal-sized cubes that are easy to eat.

2. Peeling the peaches: Peaches can be peeled if you prefer a smoother texture. Cut them into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference.

3. Preparing the pears: Like the peaches, the pears should be peeled. Cut them into quarters and remove the seeds.

4. Grapes: For the grapes, remove the bunch and wash them well. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a deeper bowl, add all the cut fruits, cherry compote (with juice), vanilla sugar, and bourbon. Gently mix, being careful not to crush the fruits.

6. Refrigerating: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill for about 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to combine and intensify, resulting in a delicious fruit salad.

7. Serving: After 2 hours of chilling, take the fruit salad out of the fridge and prepare your servings. Each bowl can be served with a generous scoop of whipped cream ice cream on top. If you don’t have whipped cream ice cream on hand, you can opt for any other preferred ice cream, such as vanilla or fruit.

Practical tips:
- Choose seasonal fruits, as they will taste the best and be more affordable.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as mango, kiwi, or pineapple, depending on your preferences.
- If you don’t want to use alcohol, you can replace the bourbon with orange juice or sparkling water for a refreshing variation.
- Make sure the fruits are well-ripened to achieve a salad with a pleasant texture and intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, but it is recommended to thaw them before mixing to avoid excess water in the salad.
- Can I prepare the salad a day in advance? It is better to make it a few hours before serving to maintain the freshness of the fruits.
- How can I make the salad crunchier? You can add some toasted nuts or almonds for an extra texture and nutrition.

Nutritional values (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 150-200 (depending on the type of ice cream used)
- Fats: 5-10 g (depending on the ice cream)
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Proteins: 2-3 g

Possible variations:
- Replace the cherry compote with peach or pineapple compote.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a more tangy flavor and to prevent fruit oxidation.
- Instead of whipped cream ice cream with nuts, you can opt for yogurt ice cream, which is healthier and offers a creamy texture.

This summer fruit salad is not just a delicious dessert, but also a healthy option for hot days! You can enjoy it alongside a glass of lemonade or iced tea, turning any meal into a summer feast. It can also be a perfect choice for parties or picnics, bringing joy and color to the tables of friends and family. So, don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity and enjoy every bite!