There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of fresh fruit salad, especially when it’s bursting with tropical flavors and a hint of spice. That’s exactly what you get with this Spiced Fruit Salad recipe – a refreshing and healthy blend of strawberries, peaches, cantaloupe, and pineapple. But what sets this salad apart is the addition of a cinnamon stick and rum extract, which gives it a unique, spiced twist. This dish perfectly embodies the spirit of a tropical vacation, making it the ideal diet food for those looking to enjoy something tasty without the guilt. I absolutely love how the sweetness of the fruits melds with the warmth of the spices, creating a flavor profile that is both exciting and comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for when you’re craving something light and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. canned pineapple chunks (reserve 1/3 c. juice)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp. rum extract
- 3/4 c. sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 c. canned sliced peaches
- 1/2 c. cantaloupe balls
Cooking Method
- In saucepan over medium heat, heat pineapple juice and cinnamon stick to boiling.
- Reduce heat.
- Cover and cook about 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick.
- Add rum extract.
- In medium bowl, mix strawberries, peaches, cantaloupe and pineapple.
- Pour pineapple juice over fruit and toss.
- Refrigerate.
- Makes 4 (1/2 cup) servings.
- Refreshing diet food.
Calorie: 100
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Spiced Fruit Salad: A Tropical Tango in My Kitchen
Let’s talk about the time I decided to turn my kitchen into a tropical fruit paradise. No, I’m not talking about the time I tried to grow a palm tree in my pot rack (that’s a story for another day) but rather, the day I decided to conjure up a Spiced Fruit Salad with canned pineapple, fresh strawberries, peaches, and cantaloupe.
The Pineapple Prelude
To start off this fruity fiesta, I grabbed 1/2 cup of canned pineapple chunks and reserved 1/3 cup of the juice. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Canned pineapple? But isn’t fresh better?” Well, dear reader, on a normal day, I would agree with you. But remember, this is not your everyday fruit salad. This is a Spiced Fruit Salad. And as it turns out, the syrupy juice in a can of pineapple chunks is the perfect base for our spiced concoction.
The Cinnamon Symphony
Next, I dared to bring a cinnamon stick to the party, which may sound strange in a fruit salad context, but trust me. Into a saucepan it went with the pineapple juice, and I cranked up the heat until it was boiling. I let it all simmer for about 5 minutes, enough time for the cinnamon to sing its spicy song to the pineapple juice. Then, out went the cinnamon stick, leaving behind a beautifully spiced juice. The kitchen was starting to smell like a tropical Christmas.
Rumming Up the Wrong Tree
The recipe calls for 1/2 tsp. of rum extract next, and I thought, “Why not? Let’s get this party started!” Fun fact: rum extract is alcohol-free, so don’t worry, this fruit salad won’t get you tipsy. But it does add a subtle, sweet depth of flavor that will make your tastebuds dance.
A Medley of Melon, Berries, and Peaches
Now, onto the main event – the fruits. In went 3/4 cup of sliced fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup of canned sliced peaches, and 1/2 cup of cute little cantaloupe balls. They mixed together like a bright, colorful confetti, ready to celebrate in my bowl.
The Final Toss and Chill
Pouring the pineapple juice over the fruit, I gave it a good toss. It was like a fruity fireworks display in my kitchen! Then, into the fridge it went for a chill. Now, the waiting game. But as they say, good things come to those who wait, right?
The Diet-Friendly Dessert
Voila! With just a few simple steps, I had created a refreshing diet food that made 4 (1/2 cup) servings. Each bite was a tropical explosion of flavors, a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. And the best part? It made my kitchen smell like a tropical paradise.
So, there you have it – my Spiced Fruit Salad journey, sans palm trees, but full of tropical flavors. And remember, if anyone asks, it’s not just a fruit salad. It’s a Spiced Fruit Salad. Emphasis on the ‘spiced’.
