Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe

A refreshing and customizable frozen treat, perfect for hot days or a light dessert.

Ingredients:

• Base Fruits (Choose 2-3):
  • 2 cups diced watermelon
  • 2 cups diced cantaloupe
  • 2 cups diced honeydew melon
  • 2 cups grapes (seedless, halved)
  • 2 cups diced pineapple
  • 2 cups diced mango
• Berry Mix (Choose 1-2):
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 cup blackberries
• Citrus (Optional):
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
• Sweetener (Optional, adjust to taste):
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
  • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
• Optional Add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup of yogurt (vanilla or fruit flavored)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thoroughly dry all the fruit. Dice the larger fruits (melons, pineapple, mango) into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes and slice the strawberries.
2. Combine the Fruits: In a large bowl, gently combine all the chosen fruits.
3. Add Citrus and Sweetener (Optional): If desired, drizzle lemon or lime juice over the fruit to prevent browning and enhance flavor. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add honey, agave, or powdered sugar and toss gently.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: Now is the time to add any other ingredients such as coconut, mint, or yogurt.
5. Freeze:
   • Option 1 (Individual Servings): Spread the fruit mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about 2-3 hours, or until the fruit is mostly frozen but still slightly pliable. Then, transfer the frozen fruit to a freezer-safe container or bags. This allows for individual pieces to be easily removed.
   • Option 2 (Large Container): Place the fruit mixture into a large freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely frozen. If using this method, it may be necessary to allow the salad to thaw slightly before serving.
6. Serve: Serve the frozen fruit salad chilled. You can enjoy it as is, or let it thaw slightly for a softer texture.

Variations:

• Tropical Twist: Use pineapple, mango, kiwi, and shredded coconut.
• Berry Blast: Focus on a variety of berries, adding a touch of mint.
• Melon Medley: Combine watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew with a squeeze of lime.
• Yogurt Parfait Style: Layer the frozen fruit with yogurt and granola in parfait glasses.
• Fruit Pops: Place the fruit mix into popsicle molds and freeze.

Tips:

• Use ripe but firm fruit for the best texture.
• Avoid overfilling the freezer container, as the fruit will expand slightly when frozen.
• If the fruit is too hard to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
• Make sure all fruit is well dried before freezing, to prevent ice crystal formation.
• For a more dessert like flavor, add a small amount of vanilla extract.

Enjoy your refreshing frozen fruit salad!