This tropical fruit salad, made with fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, bananas and grated coconut is the best tasting fruit salad… EVER!!
Tropical Fruit Salad
Tropical Fruit SaladWhen I need a healthy dessert to bring to a party, fruit salad is my go-to. I always use what’s in season or available, but my favorite is usually this tropical fruit salad made with fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, bananas and grated coconut. In the autumn months, I love this grape fruit salad, and for a nostalgic salad, I love making this fruit ambrosia.
Fruit salad always makes me think of my Dad, when I was younger he made a great big bowl of fresh fruit salad just about every night. It’s the perfect dessert because it’s all natural, made with nothing but fruit – it doesn’t get cleaner than that! In my past life I must have lived on a tropical island somewhere; the climate, blue oceans, palm trees, and sweet tropical fruit are my idea of a perfect world. Thank goodness we can get papayas, mangoes, coconut and pineapples here in the states.
Make Ahead
This tropical fruit salad makes a great big bowl, big enough to feed a crowd so it’s perfect to bring to a picnic, potluck or to serve at a backyard BBQ. This is easy enough for anyone to make – if you can use a knife, you can make this salad. The bananas are added just before serving so they don’t turn brown.
Variations:
If you can get your hands on other tropical fruits, try adding fresh guanabana (sour sop), guava or passion fruit.
Is fruit salad a healthy snack?
Fruit salad is super healthy, naturally low-fat, low-sodium, gluten-free, vegan and paleo friendly. Yes, there is sugar in fruit, but it’s natural and unprocessed, and loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber. Unless you have to watch your sugar for health reason, the USDA suggests you eat about 1-1/2 to 2 cups of fruit a day.
More Summer Salad Recipes:
- Summer Tomato Salad
- Ahi Tuna Watermelon Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Spinach
- Berry Salad with Almond Crusted Goat Cheese
- Prosciutto, Mozzarella and Fig Salad with Arugula
Tropical Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large papaya, peeled and diced 3/4-inch cubes (5 cups)
- 2 mangoes, peeled and diced 3/4-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)
- 1 large fresh pineapple, peeled and diced reserving the juice 3/4-inch cubes (4 cups)
- 2 large bananas, peeled and diced 3/4-inch cubes (2 cups)
- 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the papaya, mangoes, and pineapple in a large bowl and add the juice from the pineapple.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
- Just before serving, add the bananas and garnish with fresh coconut.
