Description
This Favorite Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant mix of fresh fruits and crisp lettuces, perfectly complemented by a tangy homemade dressing made from citrus juices, vinegar, and a blend of spices. Quick and easy to prepare, it serves as a delightful side dish or light meal, ideal for warm weather or anytime you crave a healthy, flavorful salad.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 to 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salad
- 8 cups torn iceberg lettuce
- 6 cups torn Bibb lettuce
- 3 cups orange sections
- 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a saucepan, combine grapefruit, orange, and pineapple juices with the cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, cooking and stirring continuously for 2 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Dressing Ingredients: Once cooled, add white vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, sugar, prepared mustard, salt, paprika, and ground nutmeg to the juice mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss together the torn iceberg and Bibb lettuces along with the orange sections, fresh pineapple chunks, and sliced strawberries to distribute the fruits and greens evenly.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the dressing completely before adding the vinegar and other ingredients to preserve the flavors.
- Adjust the sugar amount based on your preference for sweetness.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds.
- This salad is best served fresh, as the fruit can release juice over time and wilt the lettuce.
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best natural flavors.
