Layered Fruit and Shrimp Salad

Fiji Fruit and Shrimp Salad Recipe with Watermelon, Blueberries, and Pecans

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Layered Fruit and Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with the savory flavors of shrimp and crawfish. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The combination of fruit and seafood in salads has been popular in many cultures for centuries. This particular recipe is a modern twist on traditional fruit and shrimp salads, incorporating a variety of fruits and a flavorful yogurt dressing.

Ingredients

2 cups each of watermelon balls, cantaloupe balls, honeydew balls, sliced peaches, sliced pears, quartered orange sections, sliced plums
1 cup each of fresh blueberries, fresh strawberries, cubed pineapple
2 dozen (21 – 25 count) boiled shrimp
2 cups crawfish tails
1 recipe of fruity yogurt dressing
0.5 cup of chopped pecans

How to prepare

In a large glass serving bowl, layer the fruit by alternating layers of different colors.
Once all the fruit has been layered, arrange the shrimp and crawfish in a decorative pattern around the edge of the bowl.
Top with fruity yogurt dressing and toss the mixture gently to blend the dressing into the fruit.
Sprinkle with pecans and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute different fruits such as mango, kiwi, or berries.
Use grilled chicken or tofu instead of shrimp and crawfish.
Add avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture.

- Boil the shrimp and crawfish just until they are cooked through to avoid overcooking.

- The fruity yogurt dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad, but you can also use a vinaigrette or citrus dressing if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the fruit and seafood in a glass bowl creates a beautiful presentation for this salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite fruits, nuts, and proteins.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the fruit and seafood ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing and pecans until just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium from the fruit.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp and crawfish) and nuts (pecans).

Summary

This salad is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Layered Fruit and Shrimp Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal. With a mix of sweet fruit, savory seafood, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margret. She had invited me over for lunch, and as we sat in her cozy kitchen catching up, she brought out a beautiful layered fruit and shrimp salad. I had never seen anything like it before - the vibrant colors of the fruit and the plump shrimp nestled between layers of lettuce and creamy dressing were a feast for the eyes.

Margret had learned to make this salad during her travels in the Caribbean, where she had picked up many delicious recipes. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise, the flavors exploding in my mouth. I begged Margret for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

I was determined to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen, and so began my quest to perfect the layered fruit and shrimp salad. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - fresh lettuce, ripe mangoes, juicy shrimp, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice and honey. As I carefully arranged the layers in a glass bowl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The first time I made the salad for my family, they were skeptical. Fruit and shrimp together in a salad? It sounded strange to them. But one bite was all it took to win them over. The sweetness of the fruit paired perfectly with the savory shrimp, and the creamy dressing tied everything together beautifully.

Over the years, I have made this salad for countless gatherings and special occasions. It has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress. Each time I make it, I think of Margret and the day she introduced me to this culinary gem.

As I sit here writing this, reminiscing about the journey I have taken with this recipe, I am filled with gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and nourish those I love. And this layered fruit and shrimp salad is a shining example of the joy that comes from sharing delicious food with others.

I hope that someday, someone will taste this salad and be inspired to embark on their own culinary adventure. Who knows where it might lead them? Perhaps they will travel to far-off lands, gathering recipes and memories along the way. Or maybe they will simply find joy in the act of creating something beautiful and delicious to share with their friends and family.

Whatever the case may be, I am grateful for the day I discovered this recipe and the joy it has brought into my life. Cooking is so much more than just following instructions - it is a way to connect with others, to create memories, and to savor the simple pleasures of life. And for that, I am truly thankful.