Dragon Fruit Salad
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Bursting with vibrant colors, tropical flavors, and incredible health benefits, this tropical dragon fruit salad recipe will become your new favorite.
Whether hosting a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or simply craving a refreshing side dish in the hot weather, this delicious blend of sweet strawberries, citrusy pineapples, and fresh chunks of dragon fruit will hit the spot.
Try this unique summer fruit salad for Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and July 4th.
Dragon Fruit Salad Ingredients:
- 1 can, 20 oz, pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries, washed, tops removed, and cut into quarters
- 2 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into 1/2″ chunks
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to make Dragon Fruit Salad
Fresh strawberries are a must. I grab about a pound, give them a good wash, remove the tops, and cut them into quarters.
Second, you’ll need a can of pineapple chunks. I usually go for the 20-ounce size, and of course, you’ll want to drain them well.
Now, here’s where it gets exciting: dragon fruit. I’m a huge fan of dragon fruit, especially the pink variety, which is the only kind I have actually seen around here at the stores. It not only adds a stunning color to the dish but also packs some health benefits.
You’ll need two pink dragon fruits, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks.
I also like to add two tablespoons of chia seeds for a bit of crunch and extra nutrition. Then, to bring it all together, I mix in two tablespoons of honey for a touch of sweetness and two tablespoons of lemon juice to brighten everything up.
Putting it together is a breeze. Just toss the pineapple, strawberries, dragon fruit, chia seeds, honey, and lemon juice into a bowl and mix everything well. You can serve it right away, but if you’re prepping ahead, cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready.
Before serving: Give it a good stir to ensure the flavors are well combined and any settled juices are mixed in.
I love making this dish because it reminds me of summer picnics and barbecues with friends and family.
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors and fresh fruit always goes amazing with lots of summer dinners like hamburgers, cucumber sandwiches, and chicken club sandwiches. As a bonus, because dragon fruit is less common, your guests will be excited to see something different.
—->Substitute chia seeds for nuts! Try it with macadamia nuts, which keep the crunch in a tropical fruit salad. If you are worried about allergies, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
What is dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant pink color, unique appearance on the inside and outside, and refreshing taste. It comes from several different cactus species native to Central America, but it’s now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Dragon fruit is not the same as passion fruit.
What other fruit goes well with dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit pairs beautifully with a variety of other fruits. If you want to add more to your fruit salad recipe, here are some suggested fruits that should go well when combined: Mango, pineapple, kiwi fruit, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, papaya, citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit), watermelon, and pomegranate seeds.
Go here to learn how to cut the dragon fruit and answers about the nutritional benefits of eating this tropical fruit!
Dragon Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 20 oz. pineapple chunks drained
- 1 lb fresh strawberries washed, tops removed and cut into quarters
- 2 dragon fruit peeled and cut into 1/2″ chunks
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit: Drain the pineapple chunks. Wash and remove the tops from the strawberries, then cut them into quarters. Peel the dragon fruit and cut it into 1/2-inch chunks.
- Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, cut strawberries, and chunks of dragon fruit. Sprinkle the chia seeds over the fruit. Drizzle the honey and add the lemon juice.
- Combine Everything: Using a spatula, gently mix everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
- You can serve fruit salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy. If storing until later, give it a good stir before serving to make sure all the flavors are well mixed and any juice that has settled is mixed in.
Notes
Storing Your Tropical Fruit Salad
To keep your fruit salad fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips:- Refrigerate Immediately: Once you’ve made the fruit salad, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it as soon as possible.
- Use a Glass or Plastic Container: Store the salad in a glass or BPA-free plastic container to keep it fresh. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the acidity in the fruit.
- Stir Before Serving: If you’ve refrigerated the salad, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any juices and ensure the flavors are well mixed.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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