I gotta let you in on a secret here. It's kind of embarrassing. I don't want to say it too loud, so you're gonna have to come real close so I can whisper it, ok?
Ready?
Are you listening?
Here goes...
I don't like fruit.
Okay, I'm running away now cause you probably think I'm a crazy person and totally weird, considering I'm a health nut.
I guess it's not that I don't like fruit. It's just really not my favorite. Give me veggies any day, and I'm all over it!
Here's the list of fruits that I won't eat all by themselves, and some not at all:
* Bananas - absolutely NOT. Blegh!
* Honeydew Melon
* Cantaloupe
* Watermelon - unless it's really sweet and flavorful, which is rare
* Pears
* Blueberries
* Mangoes
* Cherries - gross!
Apples, oranges, peaches, strawberries, and fresh pineapple are all on my "safe" list, and I eat them all often. But if it weren't for smoothies where I can mix it all up into something delicious, I wouldn't get nearly enough fruits in my every-day.
So when I decided to make a fruit salad, I was sure I had lost my mind. Why would I make something that does nothing for my tastebuds??
The truth?
YOU!
You like fruit because you're not a weirdo like me!
But wait, you want another secret?? (besides the fact that the next picture is GORGEOUS... oh wait, that's no secret! sorrynotsorry, I'm just really in love with that pic)
Okay, so back to the secret.
I LOVE this fruit salad!!! Seriously. I couldn't stop eating it (well, minus the bananas because no.. i can't)! Me, the fruit weirdo. I ate it for breakfast. I had it later that day for a snack. And then I had it the next morning with my oatmeal. I never thought I'd be so in love with a fruit salad. But I admit that I totally am.
So there you have it. This salad can totally convert people. Think about how much you'll love it because you're already a fruit lover!
Ingredients
- 1 8- ounce can pineapple tidbits , drained, reserving the liquid for the dressing
- 2 large apples , chopped
- 1 cup red grapes (halved if they're large)
- 2 bananas , sliced
- 1 kiwi fruit , peeled and sliced
- 4-6 large strawberries , chopped
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup mandarin orange segments (from about 2 mandarin oranges)
For Dressing:
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
- ½ cup plain dairy-free yogurt
Instructions
- Drain the canned pineapple, reserving the juice for the dressing. Set pineapple aside.
- To prepare dressing, in a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, coconut oil, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and cool completely. When cooled, stir in Greek yogurt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- For salad: In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, apple, grapes, banana, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, and orange. Toss together well with the dressing right before serving.
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a picture, upload it to Instagram and tag me (@happyfoodholly) and use the hashtag #inspiredbyholly
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Allison says
I AM WITH YOU! I don't really like fruit but I am getting better. Berries are my go to... their texture just suits me well. Here's another hint, I don't like veggies. Really only like iceberg lettuce and tomatoes. But I am trying to get better! WIll be trying this fruit salad. Thanks!
Lydia @ Suitcase Foodist says
I am with you on the bananas. I can't bring myself to eat a fruit salad if there are bananas in it.
Bobbi Bradford says
I am totally shocked!!, Holly. Very hard to believe you would not like fruit. As for bananas they are my daily staple, and the BEST Smoothie thickener around! Actually, bananas are NOT a usual fruit used in "salads", because they go brown and mushy. Usually, only crisp, firm fruits are used.. One could also use a sauce mixed into the fruit to make an Ambrosia dessert. You can also top your morning Greek yogurt with your fruit salad too. Try using mango or some of the other tropical fruits too, as they are very sweet too and go well in salads. Seedless grapes in salads are one of my favorites (nice & sweet). Try freezing grapes in the Summer, then pop them in your mouth! -- refreshing, cold and delicious! Anyway, enjoy your new journey into the world of fruit, but I too, can "bulldoze" myself through a plain romaine lettuce salad! Yum!