Looking for a refreshing and healthy dessert option? Look no further than Paraguayan-Inspired Ensalada de Frutas, a classic fruit salad that is both colorful and delicious.
This versatile dish can be made with a variety of fruits, but this recipe calls for pineapple, melon, oranges, apples, and red seedless grapes, all cut into bite-sized pieces.
The fruit is then dressed in a sweet and tangy mixture of fresh orange juice, store-bought orange juice, sugar, and a hint of fresh lemon juice.
However, if desired, this dish can be made using all fresh orange juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor. The result is a flavorful and nutritious dessert perfect for warm weather or any time you want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying.
Not only is this fruit salad easy to make, but it is also a great way to use up any extra fruit you may have on hand. Feel free to swap out the suggested fruits for your favorites or whatever is in season.
So, whether you are looking for a healthy dessert or a snack to share with family and friends, ensalada de frutas is sure to be a hit. For more fruit recipes, check out these Winter Fruit Salad, Clerico, Berry Trifle, and Fruit Tart.
How to Make Ensalada de Frutas
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Wash all the fruits thoroughly and pat them dry. Next, peel, core, and cut 1 pineapple and 2 apples into ¾-inch cubes. You can use an apple core or a sharp knife to remove the core of the apples.
Then, clean 1 melon by slicing the exposed melon in half, either lengthwise or crosswise, and use a spoon to scoop the seeds from the center and discard the seeds. From there, cut it into ¾-inch cubes. Peel and cut 3 oranges into ¾-inch cubes as well.
Put all the fruit cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of red seedless grapes to the mixing bowl. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.
Add ½ cup of sugar to the mixing bowl; adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. Pour in 52 fl oz of good quality store-bought orange juice and 4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice into the mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon or lime into the mixing bowl. Gently mix all the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the fruit is evenly coated with the juice mixture.
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
Watch Recipe Video
Note: We used a combination of store-bought and freshly squeezed orange juice to balance convenience and fresh taste. However, if you prefer, you can use all fresh orange juice if desired.
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Recipe
Easy Ensalada de Frutas
Equipment
- Large Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple , cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 melon , cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 3 oranges , cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 2 apples , cut into ¾ inch cubes (use a sharp knife to cut the core). For this Ensalada de Frutas recipe, we decided to leave the apple unpeeled since our family doesn't mind the skin, and doing so adds extra texture and nutrients.
- 1 pound red seedless grapes , whole or cut in half
- 1.53- liter orange juice
- 4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup sugar , adjust to taste
- Juice from 1 lemon or lime
Instructions
- Wash all the fruits thoroughly and pat them dry. Next, peel, core, and cut 1 pineapple and 2 apples into ¾-inch cubes. You can use an apple corer or a sharp knife to remove the core of the apples. Then, clean 1 melon by slicing the exposed melon in half, either lengthwise or crosswise, and use a spoon to scoop the seeds from the center and discard the seeds. From there, cut it into ¾-inch cubes. Peel and cut 3 oranges into ¾-inch cubes as well.
- Put all the fruit cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of red seedless grapes to the mixing bowl. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.
- Add ½ cup of sugar to the mixing bowl; adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. Pour in 52 fl oz of good quality store-bought orange juice and 4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice into the mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon or lime into the mixing bowl. Gently mix all the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the fruit is evenly coated with the juice mixture.
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Note: We used a combination of store-bought and freshly squeezed orange juice to balance convenience and fresh taste. However, if you prefer, you can use all fresh orange juice if desired.
Watch how to make it
Notes
In a separate container, mix together the dressing ingredients (orange juice, sugar, and lemon or lime juice) until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When you are ready to serve the ensalada de frutas, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. You can also add any additional garnishes, like chopped mint leaves, at this point. By preparing the fruit salad ahead of time, you can save yourself some prep time and have a delicious and refreshing dish ready to go when you need it. How to Freeze While ensalada de frutas can be frozen, the texture of the fruits may change after being frozen and thawed, and the salad may become slightly mushy. Here's how to freeze ensalada de frutas: Prepare the ensalada de frutas as you normally would, cutting up the fruits into bite-sized pieces and mixing them in a large bowl.
In a separate container, mix together the dressing ingredients (orange juice, sugar, and lemon or lime juice) until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
Transfer the fruit salad to a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and place it in the freezer.
To thaw the fruit salad, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature, as this can cause the fruits to become mushy.
When you are ready to serve the fruit salad, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. You can also add any additional garnish mint leaves at this point. Keep in mind that ensalada de frutas may not retain its original texture and may not be as crisp and fresh as when it was first prepared. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it within 1 month of freezing it.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
