California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad
California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad Recipe - A Delicious and Healthy Option
Introduction
This refreshing California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of ripe avocado, juicy papaya, and crunchy jicama creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests.
History
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of California, where fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant year-round. The use of avocado and papaya in this salad reflects the state's rich agricultural heritage and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of crushed unsweetened pineapple with juice
- 0.25 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 ripe medium california avocado, seeded, peeled and diced
- 0.5 large papaya, seeded, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of diced peeled jícama
- mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple with its juice and cranberries. Let it stand for 15 to 30 minutes to slightly soften the berries.
- Add honey and gently stir in avocado, papaya, and jicama.
- Cover and chill briefly, or serve at room temperature.
- Serve as a dip with assorted crackers, mini rice cakes, graham crackers, or sesame cracker bread.
- Garnish with mint, if desired.
Variations
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or citrus vinaigrette for added flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe avocado and papaya for the best flavor and texture.
- To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it in a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite fruits or nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy snack.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply chop, mix, and chill before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If papaya is not available, you can substitute with mango or pineapple. Jicama can be replaced with cucumber or celery for a similar crunch.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this fruit salad in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut for a fun and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This fruit salad pairs well with grilled shrimp skewers, fish tacos, or a quinoa salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze, as the texture of the avocado and papaya may become mushy when thawed.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 200
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 15g
Fats
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
Protein: 2g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 60% DV
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Potassium: 15% DV
Alergens
This recipe is free of common allergens such as gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy.
Summary
This California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is a great option for a light and refreshing snack or side dish.
Summary
This California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a light snack, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her beautiful garden. As we sat under the shade of a towering avocado tree, she suddenly got up and disappeared into her kitchen. Curious, I followed her inside, where she began rummaging through her collection of cookbooks.
After a few minutes of searching, Maria triumphantly pulled out a worn and weathered cookbook from the 1960s. She excitedly flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for - the recipe for the most delicious fruit salad I had ever tasted.
As Maria read out the ingredients and instructions, my mouth began to water. The combination of juicy papaya, creamy avocado, and tangy lime dressing sounded like a match made in heaven. I couldn't wait to try it for myself.
Maria guided me through the steps, showing me how to carefully dice the ripe papaya and avocado into bite-sized pieces. She then mixed them together in a large bowl and drizzled them with a zesty lime dressing made from freshly squeezed lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
I eagerly took a bite of the fruit salad, and it was everything I had imagined and more. The creamy avocado paired perfectly with the sweet papaya, while the tangy lime dressing added a refreshing kick. It was a flavor explosion in every mouthful.
From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for every family gathering, potluck, and dinner party, and it never failed to impress. It was a dish that always brought a smile to people's faces and left them asking for the recipe.
Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in some fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness and swapping out the honey for a touch of agave nectar. I've also experimented with different variations, adding in ingredients like diced mango, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
But no matter how I choose to mix it up, the core of the recipe remains the same - ripe California avocados and sweet papayas, tossed together in a zesty lime dressing. It's a dish that never fails to transport me back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's garden, where I first fell in love with the flavors of California.
Now, whenever I make this fruit salad, I always think of Maria and the special bond we share over our love of cooking and sharing delicious recipes. And I know that wherever she is, she's smiling down on me, proud to see how her simple recipe has become a beloved tradition in my own kitchen.
So the next time you're looking for a fresh and flavorful dish to brighten up your day, why not give my California Avocado and Papaya Fruit Salad a try? I promise you won't be disappointed.
Categories
| American Recipes | Dried Cranberry Recipes | Fruit Salad Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Jícama Recipes | Papaya Recipes | Pineapple Recipes |