Featured Recipe
Clementine Passion Fruit Salad
By Kate
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A tangy, fresh blend of citrus and tropical fruit. Clementines, passion fruit pulp combined with mango and pomegranate seeds. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup. Macerated briefly to meld flavors. Vibrant colors and textures. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free. Four to six servings.
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Prep:
25 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
25 min
Serves:
4 to 6 servings
vegan
raw
fruit
dessert
healthy
Introduction
Clementines and passion fruit. Bright and sharp. Not just clementines though. Mango enters the mix, sweet and silky. Pomegranate seeds crackle in every bite. Maple syrup replaces sugar, deeper, less sharp. Can almost feel sunshine. All raw, quick. Fruits do the work. No baking. Just mix and wait a bit. The wait lets juice mingle. About 20 minutes. Enough time to grab a glass of wine. Or not. Fruit desserts, but no fuss. Vegan friendly. No gluten. No dairy. No eggs. Crunchy seeds, sweet, tart. Refreshing. Simple ingredients, altered flavor. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Can double if needed. Bright colors pop against the plate. Makes a good ending to any meal. Or midday snack if you want. Fast, clean, fresh.
Ingredients
About the ingredients
Maple syrup adds a richer sweetness compared to granulated sugar. It dissolves easily and gives a slight caramel note. Using passion fruit pulp provides tartness and crunch from the seeds. Mango replaces pineapple to add creamy texture and tropical sweetness. Pomegranate seeds substitute grapes for a tart burst and extra color. Clementines have to be seedless or seeds picked out to keep it convenient. Peel all fruit carefully to avoid pith bitterness. The fruit variety chosen ensures a balance of tart, sweet, and texture. Can adjust sweetness depending on fruit ripeness. All ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets year-round. No nuts or dairy makes it allergy-friendly. Keep fruit fresh and cool before serving for best taste.
Method
Technique Tips
Mix maple syrup with passion fruit pulp first to help the syrup absorb the tart flavor. Add the fruit in layers, tossing gently so the slices don’t break. Letting the salad macerate for around 20 minutes softens the fruit slightly and releases juices. Stir just once or twice to keep fruit intact but evenly coated. No cooking needed, so prep quickly. Serve immediately after macerating for best texture, or refrigerate briefly if preferred chilled. Adjust resting time slightly if fruits are very firm or soft. Keep covered in fridge if holding for longer than 30 minutes. This salad works well as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish on warm days.
Chef's Notes
- 💡 Choosing ripe fruit is key. Look for plump clementines. Mango should have slight give. Passion fruit needs to be heavy. Juicy flavor comes from ripeness. Avoid overly soft fruit though. They can be mushy. Balance sweetness with tartness.
- 💡 Cut fruit carefully. Slice clementines in rounds. Mango in half-moons adds style. Pomegranate seeds add crunch. Keep the sizes consistent. It looks better that way. Toss fruits gently to avoid bruising them. Take your time.
- 💡 Letting salad rest matters. About 20 minutes is perfect. This allows flavors to combine. The fruits will soften slightly too. Use a non-reactive bowl for mixing. Metal can affect taste. Glass or plastic best. Keep it chilled.
- 💡 Serving suggestions vary. Enjoy it at room temperature or chilled. Great as a side dish for barbecues. Perfect light dessert after dinner. Colors will brighten any table. Use clear dishes for presentation. Let it shine and impress.
- 💡 Prep can be quick. Use pre-cut pomegranate if available. Save time. Maple syrup dissolves easily. Combine quickly with pulp. No cooking means fast results. Adjust sweetness to your taste though. Important for overall flavor.
Kitchen Wisdom
Can you swap fruits?
Yes, many options exist. Use other citrus like oranges. Add different tropical fruits too. Think about adjusting sweetness. Each fruit can change flavor.
How to store leftovers?
Cover in a bowl. Keep in refrigerator. Use within 24 hours. If it sits too long, fruit can break down. Juice may get overwhelmed. Fresh is better always.
Best way to serve it?
Use a beautiful dish. Bright colors pop. Makes a stunning presentation. Smaller cups work too for individual servings. Looks fancy with little effort. Chill before serving for best results.
What if fruits are too soft?
Reduce resting time. Less time to mingle. Choose firmer fruits next time too. Fresh is key. Remove overly ripe ones from mix.
