Quick Fruit Salad

Quick Fruit Salad – A Colorful Lenten Delight

Who doesn't love a fresh fruit salad, packed with vitamins and energy? This simple and quick fruit salad recipe is perfect not only for fasting days but also as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. The fruits, flavors, and colors blend harmoniously, offering not just a feast for the taste buds but also a pleasing appearance for the eyes. Additionally, it's an excellent choice to add a touch of freshness to your daily diet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 red apples
- 1 green apple
- 1 banana
- 1 kiwi
- 1 large orange
- A few sour cherries from a jar (optional)
- Cherry juice (about 100 ml)

Preparing the Fruit Salad:

1. Washing and peeling the fruits: Start by washing all the fruits well under cold running water to remove any pesticides or impurities. Peel the red apple, banana, orange, and kiwi. I recommend leaving the skin on one red apple and one green apple, as the skin adds vibrant color and interesting texture to the salad.

2. Cutting the fruits: Cut the red apple and orange into cubes, the banana into rounds, and the kiwi into thin slices. You can choose to play with shapes, cutting the fruits into different sizes to create a more dynamic look.

3. Adding the cherries: If you chose to use sour cherries from a jar, drain them and add them to the fruit mix. They will not only add a delicious taste but also a touch of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the fruits.

4. Finalizing the salad: Place all the cut fruits in a large bowl and drizzle a little cherry juice over them. This will add a splash of flavor and help maintain the freshness of the fruits, preventing oxidation.

5. Serving: The fruit salad can be served immediately, but if you have time, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This way, the flavors will meld and the salad will become even more refreshing.

Helpful Suggestions and Variations:

- Add nuts or seeds: For an extra crunch and nutrients, you can sprinkle some nuts or sunflower seeds on top of the salad. This will turn the salad into a more substantial snack.

- Make it more exotic: Replace the kiwi with pineapple or mango for a tropical twist. These fruits will bring a sweet and juicy flavor.

- Natural sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, but make sure it fits your dietary preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:

This fruit salad is not only delicious but also extremely healthy. The fruits are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Additionally, the fiber in fruits contributes to healthy digestion. It's an excellent choice to keep you hydrated, especially on hot days.

Calories:

Approximately, one serving of this salad contains about 120 calories, making it an easy choice for a healthy snack or dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use seasonal fruits?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, so you can use any seasonal fruits you have on hand.

2. Is this salad suitable for children?
Yes! The fruit salad is an excellent choice for children, being full of vitamins and easy to eat.

3. Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Although it's recommended to serve it fresh, you can cut the fruits a few hours ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Add the cherry juice just before serving to prevent oxidation.

Delicious Combinations:

The fruit salad pairs perfectly with natural yogurt or a yogurt and honey sauce. You can also serve it alongside iced tea or freshly squeezed juice to create a complete meal.

So, don't hesitate to try this quick fruit salad recipe! It's a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of fruits and bring a touch of joy to each day. Enjoy!