How to make Fruit Salad
Having a party? Just want a healthy, refreshing, summer snack? Either way, fruit salads (when made right) are delicious! There are different versions of Fruit Salads. That really is just what type of fruit you put into it. First off , what's your favorite kind of fruit? Well, mine are Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Oranges, Pinapples, Grapes, Georgia Peaches (I stress that because they are juicy and sweet) Those may or may not be your favorites, but we will use those and feel free to replace with the fruit of your choice. Oh, and keep in mind you can ALWAYS make it creative...see below.
Be creative when you are thinking of making a fruit salad. Use not only your favorite fruits, but make it colorful as well, and remember to find out what your guests favorite fruits are also. Let's get started.
Once you have decided on which fruits you are going to use, make sure you wash them. **Peel if needed**Let's say you have decided on Watermelon, Apples, Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Grapes, and Kiwi.
Now, would you like to use a regular bowl, individual bowls, or use the Watermelon? A regualr bowl is great as well as individual ones. If you use the Watermelon you can carve it (pictured above) any way you like. There are books you can buy in the store that can give you directions on how to carve your Watermelon as you wish. If you decided to go with individual bowls, you can get creative with those as well. You can use Martini glasses to give them a different and chic look. You can also use wine Goblets or Champagne flutes to add and elegant touch. You can always use Oranges. Cut them about an inch from the top, use a knife and cut out the center leaving the shell or peel of the orange, then fill it with prepared fruit salad.
If you are buying most of your fruit already cut and peeled or in cans, when you drain the juice from the can place it in a bowl to use for later. Also, add about a 4 TBSP, 1/4, or 1/2 cup of lemon juice depending on the amount of fruit you have, to prevent browning or turning of FRESH fruit.
Now, to start with the Watermelon. If you are using your melon as a decorative salad bowl, make sure you cut it as you like. You can use a melon baller or knife. A melon baller can be found at your local store. Its kind of like an ice cream scoop, and that is exactly how you scoop the melon, just like you were scooping ice cream. Place all chopped/cut/balled watermelon into large bowl and set aside.
Apples, if you would to peel them, great. Peel and cut Apple into long semi-thin slices. If not cut into semi thin slices. You can also cube them if you like. If you decide on any of these make sure that you core the Apple first! Once finished place in bowl with watermelon. Grapes, are simple simply wash and place into bowl with Apples and Watermelon.
Cantaloupe, slicing up a Cantaloupe is a little different as when you cut it in half there are thousands of little seeds. Grab a tablespoon and scoop them out. You can save them, let them dry out and then next year plant them for your very own Cantaloupe patch. If not scoop them out in to the garbage. You can use the melon baller as well on this or you can cut also.Place into bowl with Grapes, Apples and watermelon.
Strawberries, Are very easy to get ready. You can leave them whole or slice them. Wash very well before doing anything else. Once washed, pull off the stem, toss it out. Slice into halves, or quarters, whichever way you would prefer. Place into bowl with Watermelon, Grapes, Apples and Cantaloupe.
Kiwi,A very delicate fruit. Its a little fuzzy. Gently peel, then slice. When done peeling, throw into bowl with Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Stawberries, grapes, and Apples.
Add lemon juice. Stir together. If you do not want to add lemon juice, you can add Strawberry yogurt or plain yogurt, stir together with fruit, OR you can serve over vanilla or neopolitan ice cream. To be honest, if I am making a fruit salad or fruit tray, well then, I am making dip! Very simple. 1 block of cream cheese, and 1 large jar of Marshmallow whip (NOT MARSHMALLOWS MELTED! IT WILL NOT TURN OUT RIGHT!)
Make sure you use marshmallow whip! Let cream cheese get to room temperature (let sit for about an hour to an hour and a half). Place in bowl stir cream cheese till smooth to allow no clumps. Once smooth, add marshmallow whip slowly, make sure you have no lumps. If you would like, a little more cream cheese will add to taste. If you would like to make more, just double the recipe. It's absolutely delicious! Set in a bowl for people to dip their fruit in. Enjoy!
good idea