A fruit salad with cheese is a fun, refreshing twist! The sweetness of the fruit pairs so nicely with the richness of the cheese, making it a great side dish or snack. Here’s a simple recipe to create a delicious fruit and cheese salad:
Fruit Salad with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
- 1 apple, diced (any variety you prefer)
- 1/2 cup cubed mild cheese (such as mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for a tangy twist)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruit:
- Wash and prepare all the fruit. Slice the strawberries, dice the pineapple, halve the grapes, and chop the apple. Try to cut the pieces into bite-sized chunks for easy eating.
- Cube the cheese:
- Cut your cheese into small cubes or crumble the cheese if you’re using feta or blue cheese.
- Combine the fruit and cheese:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the fruit and cheese cubes. If you’re using both mild cheese and a tangy cheese (like blue cheese), be sure to mix them evenly so each bite has a good balance of both flavors.
- Optional sweetness:
- If you like a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the fruit mixture and toss gently to combine. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice will add a nice bright flavor and help keep the fruit fresh.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added freshness and a pop of color.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish, or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer it cold.
Variations:
- Cheese options: You can use other cheeses like Brie, ricotta, or even cream cheese, depending on your preference. A creamy cheese works well with fruit!
- Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for a crunchy texture or drizzle with a balsamic glaze for added flavor depth.
- Dried fruits: You can also add a handful of dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a chewy contrast.
This fruit and cheese salad is a great combination of sweet, savory, and creamy, and the variety of textures make it so satisfying. Enjoy! Would you add any other fruits or flavors to this mix?