Avocado Fruit Salad Recipe from Cameroon with Lemon, Peanuts, and Sugar

Avocado Fruit Salad

Avocado Fruit Salad Recipe from Cameroon with Lemon, Peanuts, and Sugar
Region / culture: Cameroon | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Avocado Fruit Salad
Avocado Fruit Salad

Avocado Fruit Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the crunch of roasted peanuts and the sweetness of honey. This simple yet delicious salad is perfect for a healthy snack, a side dish, or even a light meal. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among many.

History

The Avocado Fruit Salad recipe has its roots in the fusion of various culinary traditions. Avocados have been a staple in the diets of Central and South American cultures for thousands of years. The addition of peanuts, which are native to South America but were spread around the world, and the use of honey as a natural sweetener, have all contributed to the creation of this modern dish that celebrates the global love for avocados.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Peel and remove the seeds from the avocado, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the avocado pieces in a glass bowl. Add the lemon juice and some sugar water, then gently stir.
  3. Cover the avocado salad and let it stand for half an hour before serving. Alternatively, refrigerate it for one hour.
  4. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top and serve immediately.

Variations

  • For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding diced mango or strawberries for extra sweetness, or mix in some cucumber for additional crunch. For a nut-free version, replace the peanuts with pumpkin seeds.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best taste and texture for your Avocado Fruit Salad, use ripe avocados that are just soft enough to eat. Adding lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent the avocados from browning. For an extra touch of sweetness, adjust the amount of honey according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Avocado Fruit Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or a quinoa salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Avocado Fruit Salad is in the gentle mixing of ingredients to avoid mashing the avocado pieces. Keeping the avocados chunky ensures a pleasant texture in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar make great alternatives. Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor. For those allergic to peanuts, consider using almonds or cashews as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be made an hour ahead of time. To prevent browning, ensure the avocado pieces are well coated with lemon juice and store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Avocado Fruit Salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant green of the avocados. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few whole peanuts for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine complements the creaminess of the avocados and the sweetness of the honey.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Avocado Fruit Salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not reheat well due to the delicate nature of avocados. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Avocado Fruit Salad contains approximately 200 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice that fits well into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This Avocado Fruit Salad is relatively low in carbohydrates. The primary source of carbs comes from the natural sugars in the honey and the small amount present in avocados and lemon juice. A serving of this salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Avocados are well-known for their healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. A serving of this salad provides around 15 grams of fat, the majority of which are these healthy fats.

Proteins

While not high in protein, this salad does offer a modest amount from the avocados and peanuts. Each serving contains about 4 grams of protein, making it a light option that can be paired with a protein-rich dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocado Fruit Salad is an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients support overall health, from skin and eye health to immune function and heart health.

Alergens

The primary allergen present in this dish is peanuts. Individuals with a peanut allergy should omit this ingredient or substitute it with a non-allergenic option like sunflower seeds.

Summary

Overall, Avocado Fruit Salad is a nutritious dish that provides healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates. It's a heart-healthy option that's also delicious and easy to make.

Summary

Avocado Fruit Salad is a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the sweetness of honey and the crunch of roasted peanuts. It's a nutritious option that's easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether served as a side dish or a light main, it's sure to be a hit at any table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day, and my friend Margaret had invited me over for a picnic in her backyard. As I walked through the gate, the scent of grilled meat and fresh fruit filled the air. I could hear the laughter of children playing in the distance, and the sound of a gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, her blonde curls bouncing in the sunlight. She led me over to a checkered picnic blanket spread out under a large oak tree, where a colorful spread of food awaited us. There were sandwiches, chips, watermelon slices, and a bowl of what looked like a vibrant green salad.

As I took my seat on the blanket, Margaret handed me a plate and a fork. "Try some of this avocado fruit salad," she said, pointing to the bowl. "It's my grandmother's recipe, and it's absolutely delicious."

I scooped up a generous portion of the salad and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the creamy avocado, the juicy strawberries, the tangy pineapple, and the crisp apple. It was a perfect blend of sweet and savory, refreshing and satisfying.

"Wow, this is amazing," I exclaimed, reaching for another bite. "I've never tasted anything like it before."

Margaret smiled proudly. "I'm glad you like it. It's one of my favorite dishes to make for summer gatherings. Would you like me to share the recipe with you?"

I nodded eagerly, and Margaret proceeded to tell me how her grandmother had learned to make the avocado fruit salad from a friend many years ago. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, with each family member adding their own twist to it.

I listened intently as Margaret recited the ingredients and instructions, jotting down notes in my recipe book. I couldn't wait to try making the salad myself and sharing it with my own family and friends.

When I returned home that evening, I immediately set to work in the kitchen. I gathered the ripe avocados, strawberries, pineapple, and apple, along with some fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. As I chopped and mixed the ingredients together, the familiar scents of summer filled the air.

When the salad was ready, I spooned it into a large bowl and garnished it with a sprig of mint. The vibrant colors of the fruits glistened in the sunlight streaming through the window, making the salad look even more appetizing.

I couldn't resist taking a taste test, and as soon as I did, memories of Margaret's picnic came rushing back. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered - creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once. I knew that this avocado fruit salad would become a staple in my own repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I continued to make the avocado fruit salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I would always smile and say, "It's a family recipe passed down through the generations."

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own grandchildren, sharing the story of how I learned to make it from Margaret and how it had become a beloved dish in our family. I watched as my grandchildren's faces lit up with delight upon tasting the salad, just as mine had all those years ago.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the memories of a lifetime of cooking and sharing recipes, I feel grateful for the simple pleasures that food can bring. The avocado fruit salad continues to be a symbol of friendship, tradition, and love - a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with the ones we care about.

And as I take another bite of the salad, savoring the familiar flavors and textures, I can't help but smile at the thought of the next generation carrying on the tradition of making this beloved dish. For in the end, it is not just a recipe - it is a story, a connection, a legacy that lives on through the people who love and cherish it.

Categories

| Avocado Recipes | Cameroonian Desserts | Cameroonian Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients