Fruit Salad Supreme: A Symphony of Summer’s Sweetest Gifts

There are certain dishes that, for me, are inextricably linked to the sun-drenched days of summer and the vibrant bounty of our gardens. Fruit Salad Supreme is one of those cherished creations. I remember as a child, my grandmother would gather the most iridescent berries and succulent melons from her own patch, their juices staining our fingers a delightful hue. This salad, more than just a mix of fruits, was an event, a celebration of peak ripeness and the simple joy of nature’s candy. It’s a dish that evokes that same sense of pure, unadulterated happiness, a refreshing escape that transports me back to those cherished moments of sunshine and sweetness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight marination)
• Servings: 40
• Yield: Large Bowl
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

This recipe is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing you to embrace the season’s best. The core provides a delightful base, and the optional additions offer a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures.

• 1 (4 lb) cantaloupe, cut into large bite-size pieces
• 1 (3 lb) pineapple, cut into large bite-size pieces
• 2 lbs green grapes, halved if large
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Optional Additions (for truly “Supreme” status):

• 3 cups blueberries
• 3 cups strawberries, halved
• 2 cups raspberries
• 1 cup mulberries
• 2 1/2 cups blackberries
• 2 cups red seedless grapes
• 2 cups green grapes (additional)
• 1/4 cup goji berry
• 1 cup watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup honeydew melon, cubed
• 1 cup rock melon (or any other melon), cubed
• 1 cup red currants
• 1 cup black currants
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup banana, sliced (add just before serving)
• 1/4 cup kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup peach, sliced or cubed
• 1/4 cup nectarine, sliced or cubed
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as a pre-mixed blend)
• 1/2 cup coconut, shredded or flaked
• 1 mango, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup tangerine or Clementine segments
• 1/2 cup cloudberries
• 2 plums, pitted and cubed

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small container with a tight-fitting lid (for the dressing)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

The magic of Fruit Salad Supreme truly unfolds with time. This recipe embraces the concept of a marinade, allowing the fruits to meld and deepen in flavor overnight.

1. Begin by preparing your foundational fruits. Carefully cut the cantaloupe and pineapple into generous, bite-size pieces. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even marination and a pleasant eating experience.
2. Place these prepared pieces of cantaloupe and pineapple into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the green grapes to the bowl. If your grapes are particularly large, it’s a good idea to halve them for easier consumption and better distribution.
4. Now is the time to incorporate any of the optional fruits you’ve chosen. Don’t be shy! The more variety, the more exciting the salad will be. Add them all to the bowl with the cantaloupe, pineapple, and grapes.
5. In a small container with a tightly fitting lid, combine the orange marmalade, fresh lemon juice, and fresh orange juice.
6. Secure the lid tightly and shake the container vigorously until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. This creates a vibrant, tangy dressing.
7. Pour this marmalade mixture evenly over all the fruit in the large bowl.
8. Gently toss the fruit to ensure all the pieces are coated with the dressing.
9. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Allow the fruit salad to marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, transforming a simple fruit salad into something truly “Supreme.”
10. Just before serving, you have another opportunity to add fresh, delicate fruits. Mix in the blueberries (or if you prefer, the strawberries), and any other fruits that you feel would benefit from being added at the last minute to maintain their pristine texture, such as raspberries or sliced bananas.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The Power of Overnight Marination: Do not skip the overnight marination step! This is what elevates this fruit salad. The acidity from the citrus juice and the sweetness of the marmalade will slightly break down the fruit, infusing it with flavor and creating a delightful syrupy glaze.
• Seasonality is Key: While the base fruits are excellent year-round, truly embrace the “Supreme” aspect by using fruits that are in season. Summer brings an abundance of berries, stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, and melons. In cooler months, consider citrus, apples, and pears.
• Uniformity in Cutting: While not strictly necessary for flavor, cutting the larger fruits into relatively uniform bite-size pieces makes the salad easier to eat and more visually appealing.
• Adding Delicate Fruits Last: Fruits like raspberries, blackberries, and sliced bananas are more delicate. Adding them just before serving helps them retain their shape and vibrancy, preventing them from becoming mushy.
• Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness of the marmalade and fruit can vary. Taste a small piece of fruit with the dressing before marinating, and if you desire more sweetness, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the dressing mixture. However, the natural sweetness of ripe fruit often suffices.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Fruit Salad Supreme is incredibly versatile. It shines as a refreshing side dish for brunches, barbecues, or picnics. For a lighter dessert, serve it chilled in individual bowls. It’s also a magnificent topping for pound cake, angel food cake, or a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. While the flavors will continue to meld, the texture of some fruits may soften over time. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness and texture. Do not freeze this fruit salad, as the texture of the fruit will be significantly compromised upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	58.9 kcal	—
Calories from Fat	3 kcal	—
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	10.3 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	15.2 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	13 g	51%
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the types and quantities of optional fruits used.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of Fruit Salad Supreme lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with other fruits that are in season or that you particularly enjoy.

• Tropical Twist: Incorporate cubed mango, papaya, and pineapple for a more tropical profile. Add shredded coconut for texture and flavor.
• Berry Bonanza: If berries are your passion, lean heavily into them. Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and even a handful of dried cranberries for a touch of tartness.
• Citrus Burst: Beyond lemon and orange juice, consider adding a splash of lime juice for an extra zing, or segments of grapefruit for a slightly bitter counterpoint.
• Stone Fruit Delight: In the summer, use a generous amount of peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots. Ensure they are ripe but still hold their shape when cut.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this fruit salad entirely ahead of time?
A: The base fruits and dressing should be prepared the night before. However, it’s best to add delicate fruits like berries and bananas just before serving to maintain their texture.

Q: How long will the fruit salad last once prepared?
A: For optimal freshness and texture, it’s recommended to consume the fruit salad within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What makes this fruit salad “Supreme”?
A: The “Supreme” comes from the overnight marination in a flavorful orange marmalade and citrus dressing, which allows the fruits to meld and deepen in flavor, creating a more complex and delicious salad.

Q: Can I use pre-cut fruit from the grocery store?
A: While pre-cut fruit can save time, fresh, whole fruits generally offer superior flavor and texture. If using pre-cut, ensure it’s as fresh as possible.

Q: My fruit salad seems a bit too tart. How can I adjust it?
A: The sweetness can be adjusted by adding a little honey or maple syrup to the dressing mixture before marinating, or by incorporating sweeter fruits like ripe mangoes or extra grapes.

A Final Taste of Sunshine

Fruit Salad Supreme is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the vibrant essence of fresh, peak-season produce. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest preparations yield the most extraordinary results. Whether you serve it as a bright accompaniment to a hearty meal or as a light, refreshing dessert, this salad is sure to bring a smile to your face and a burst of sunshine to your palate. Gather your favorite fruits, let the flavors mingle overnight, and prepare to be delighted by this truly supreme creation. Enjoy every last, jewel-toned bite!