A refreshing fruit salad that captures the essence of a Hawaiian summer with a delightful mix of tropical flavors and a luscious coconut dressing.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 cup mango, peeled and diced
1 cup grapes, halved
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Fruits: Start by thoroughly washing all your fruits under cold running water. Peel and dice the pineapple into bite-sized chunks, slice the bananas into rounds, hull the strawberries, peel and slice the kiwi into half-moons, and peel and dice the mango into small cubes. Halve the grapes. Aim for bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Mix the Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits. Toss them carefully to avoid mashing softer fruits like bananas and strawberries. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix them evenly.
Make the Coconut Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lime juice until well blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tartness if necessary.
Combine: Drizzle the coconut dressing over the mixed fruits and gently toss until all the pieces are coated. Be careful not to break the fruit pieces.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with fresh mint leaves and toasted coconut if desired.
