Strawberry Fruit Salad with Three Dressings

Strawberry Fruit Salad with Three Dressings Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

This refreshing and colorful Strawberry Fruit Salad with Three Dressings is the perfect dish for a light and healthy meal. The combination of sweet strawberries, juicy melon, and tangy grapefruit is sure to please your taste buds. The three different dressings - Orange-mint, Strawberry-ginger, and Balsamic-pepper - add a unique twist to this classic fruit salad.

History

Fruit salads have been enjoyed for centuries, with different variations found in cultures around the world. This particular recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the freshness of melon and the tanginess of grapefruit, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of the three different dressings adds a modern twist to this traditional dish.

Ingredients

8 cups lightly packed spinach leaves
1 pt (473 ml) basket California strawberries, stemmed and halved
4 cups assorted melon chunks
1.5 cups orange and grapefruit segments
orange-mint, strawberry-ginger or balsamic-pepper dressing

Orange-mint dressing

1 container (8 oz (227 g)) plain non-fat yogurt
3 tbsp thawed orange juice concentrate
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp chopped mint

Strawberry-ginger dressing

1.5 cups California strawberries
1.5 – 2 tbsp honey
1.5 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
a pinch of salt

Balsamic-pepper dressing

1 container (8 oz (227 g)) non-fat strawberry yogurt
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
0.5 – 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

How to prepare

Line a platter or four individual plates with spinach.
Top with fruits, dividing equally.
Serve with your choice of dressing on the side.
Makes 4 servings.

Orange-mint dressing

In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, thawed orange juice concentrate, and sugar.
Mix in chopped mint.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Makes about 1 cup.

Strawberry-ginger dressing

In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries; transfer to a bowl.
Mix in honey, lime juice, grated ginger, and salt.
Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Makes about 1 cup.

Balsamic-pepper dressing

In a bowl, whisk together strawberry yogurt, balsamic vinegar, honey, and black pepper.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Makes about 1 cup.

Variations

Add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Mix in some fresh herbs like basil or mint for added flavor.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe and sweet strawberries for the best flavor.

- Feel free to mix and match different fruits based on your preferences.

- The dressings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Serve the fruit salad chilled for a refreshing treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Fruit Salad with Three Dressings as a side dish or a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to wash and dry the fruits thoroughly before cutting and assembling the salad.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the fruits into uniform pieces for a visually appealing presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a creamier dressing.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice in the Strawberry-ginger dressing if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- You can prepare the fruit salad up to a few hours in advance and assemble just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fruit salad on a large platter or individual plates for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the fruit salad with a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- The dressings can be stored separately and mixed in just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 25g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 120% DV

- Vitamin A: 80% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and honey.

Summary

This Strawberry Fruit Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for a light meal or snack.

Summary

This Strawberry Fruit Salad with Three Dressings is a delightful and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries, juicy melon, and tangy grapefruit, paired with the three unique dressings, creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light meal or a side dish for a delicious and nutritious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had volunteered to help out at a local fundraising event for the church. As I walked through the bustling food stalls, my eyes landed on a vibrant display of fresh strawberries, oranges, and kiwis. The colors were so inviting, and I couldn't resist stopping to take a closer look.

A kind elderly woman greeted me with a warm smile and offered me a sample of her strawberry fruit salad with three different dressings. The sweetness of the strawberries mixed with the tangy orange and the refreshing kiwi was like a symphony in my mouth. And the three dressings - a creamy honey yogurt, a zesty citrus vinaigrette, and a rich balsamic glaze - added layers of flavor that I had never experienced before.

I immediately asked the woman for the recipe, eager to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. She chuckled and said that it was a family secret passed down through generations, but she could write it down for me if I promised to cherish it. I eagerly agreed, and she handed me a weathered piece of paper with the handwritten instructions.

Over the years, I have made this strawberry fruit salad with three dressings countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, and it has become a staple at gatherings and potlucks. The flavors never fail to impress, and I am always met with requests for the recipe.

As I reflect back on that fateful day at the fundraising event, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her family secret with me. It has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And I am proud to pass it on to future generations, keeping the tradition alive and ensuring that this delicious strawberry fruit salad with three dressings will continue to bring joy and delight for years to come.