Have you ever dreamt of a dessert that is as refreshing as a summer breeze and as satisfying as a full meal? I’ve always likened Filipino Fruit Salad to a tropical paradise in a bowl, bursting with bright flavors and diverse textures. It’s a staple dessert in Filipino festivities, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
The beautiful thing about this dish is its versatility. You can mix and match fruits according to your preference, or what’s in season. It’s like painting a picture, where you’re free to use any colors you like to create your masterpiece. Are you ready to create your bowl of paradise?
The Origins of Filipino Fruit Salad
The Philippines, being a tropical country, is blessed with a vast array of fruits all year round. Because of this, Filipinos have created numerous ways to incorporate fruits into their meals. One of the most loved fruit-based dishes is the Filipino Fruit Salad, a dessert that has been passed down through generations.
Filipino Fruit Salad is a blend of canned fruits, fresh fruits, cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. It’s a dessert that showcases the Filipinos’ ingenious way of creating a delightful dish from simple and readily available ingredients. It’s a testament to the Filipinos’ resourcefulness and creativity.
The Components of Filipino Fruit Salad
At first glance, Filipino Fruit Salad might seem like just a random mix of fruits. But the reality is far from that. Each component has a purpose, contributing to the overall balance and harmony of the dish. The canned fruits add sweetness and variety, the fresh fruits provide texture and vibrancy, and the cheese brings a unique savory note, all bound together by the creamy condensed milk.
Moreover, this dish is not limited to fruits alone. Other ingredients like coconut gel, palm fruit, and even sweet corn can be added. It’s an adventure in every bite, with a myriad of flavors and textures to discover.
The Art of Preparing Filipino Fruit Salad
Building a Filipino Fruit Salad is like conducting a symphony. Each ingredient plays its part, coming together to create a harmonious dish. The key is mixing the ingredients gently but thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of fruit is coated in the creamy dressing.
Another vital aspect of this process is the chilling time. It’s important to allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 1 can (30 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 jar (12 oz) coconut gel, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, diced apple, and coconut gel.
- Add in the diced cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the cream mixture over the fruit, and stir gently until all the ingredients are coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
Tips for Filipino Fruit Salad
1. Feel free to experiment with other fruits and even add nuts or marshmallows for extra crunch and flavor. 2. Make sure to drain the canned fruits well to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. 3. For an extra creamy salad, use all-purpose cream instead of heavy cream.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Filipino Fruit Salad is not just a dessert, but a cultural experience. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite, where sweet, tangy, and creamy meet. It’s not your typical fruit salad, it’s a festive treat that will surely captivate your taste buds.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving