Looking for a light and delightful treat? This fruit salad with marshmallows is a perfect choice! It’s not just a salad; it’s a burst of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Ideal for summer picnics or as a quick snack, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to whip up.
This fruit salad combines a variety of fresh fruits with the sweet and fluffy texture of marshmallows. It’s a simple recipe that provides a refreshing balance of sweetness and tang, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
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The Allure of Fresh Fruits
Fruit salads offer a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of seasonal produce.
When you combine vibrant strawberries, juicy grapes, and tangy pineapple, the result is an eye-catching medley that invites you to dig in.
Each fruit brings its unique flavor, contributing to a refreshing experience.
A Fun Addition of Marshmallows
Introducing mini marshmallows into this mix adds a playful and fluffy texture.
Their sweetness complements the tang of the fruits, making each bite a sweet surprise.
This creative twist appeals to both children and adults, transforming the traditional fruit salad into something special.
The Importance of Presentation
Serving the salad in a clear glass bowl enhances the visual appeal, showcasing the array of colors.
The bright reds, greens, and yellows create a cheerful display that’s hard to resist.
A sprinkle of lemon zest on top not only elevates the look but also adds a subtle zing to the flavor.
Preparation is straightforward and quick.
Start by washing and cutting the fruits into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they remain fresh and crisp.
Combining the fruits with marshmallows in a large bowl allows for easy mixing and thorough blending of flavors.
Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is key.
This waiting period allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
Chilled fruit salad is a refreshing treat, especially on warm days.
This fruit salad isn’t just a side dish; it can serve multiple purposes.
Whether as a light dessert after a meal or a refreshing snack during the day, it fits seamlessly into any occasion.
With its low-calorie count, it’s also a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings without the heaviness.
A Light and Tasty Fruit Salad
This fruit salad features juicy pieces of seasonal fruits mixed with fluffy mini marshmallows, creating a refreshing and sweet dish. With plenty of flavor and under 250 calories, it’s a guilt-free snack that satisfies your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Wash and cut the strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and banana into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared fruits and mini marshmallows.
- Add Sweetness: Drizzle honey (if using) and lemon juice over the fruit mixture to enhance the flavors and prevent browning of the bananas.
- Toss: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Chill: Allow the fruit salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the fruit salad as a light dessert or a refreshing snack!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
Diet Suitability
Here is a table listing which diets this recipe is suitable for, along with explanations and necessary adjustments:
| Diet | Explanation / Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Suitable as it contains no meat, poultry, or fish. Ensure the marshmallows used do not contain gelatin derived from animals. Look for vegetarian marshmallows made with agar or another plant-based alternative. |
| Vegan | Not suitable as written due to marshmallows (which often contain gelatin) and honey. Use vegan marshmallows and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. |
| Gluten-Free | Suitable, as all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, check marshmallow packaging to ensure no gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination. |
| Dairy-Free | Naturally dairy-free, making it a good option for those avoiding lactose or dairy. No adjustments needed. |
| Low-Calorie | Suitable, as it’s under 250 calories per serving. To reduce calories further, omit honey or use fewer marshmallows. |
| Paleo | Not suitable due to marshmallows and honey. Remove marshmallows and replace honey with a paleo-friendly sweetener like raw coconut nectar. |
| Keto | Not suitable as it is high in carbohydrates due to fruits and marshmallows. To modify, use lower-carb fruits (such as berries) and a keto-friendly sweetener instead of honey. Remove marshmallows. |
| Whole30 | Not suitable due to marshmallows and honey. Remove both and use only fresh fruit with no added sweeteners. |
| Diabetic-Friendly | Not ideal due to high sugar content from fruits and marshmallows. Adjust by reducing or omitting high-sugar fruits (like bananas and pineapple) and eliminating marshmallows. |
| Nut-Free | Naturally nut-free, making it safe for those with nut allergies. No adjustments needed. |
