Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad with Cottage Cheese
This delightful summer fruit salad is a tribute to my dad's adventurous spirit in the kitchen. While he may have initially created it with traditional sour cream and sugar, I've adapted it to be a healthier yet equally delicious option. Featuring a colorful blend of seasonal fruits, creamy cottage cheese, and a hint of yogurt, this salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients. Whether served at brunch, a picnic, or as a light dessert, it will surely impress and satisfy fruit lovers of all ages. The unique combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a joy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fat-free cottage cheese
16 ounces (none)
Nonfat plain yogurt
2-3 tablespoons (none)
Sugar substitute
1 tablespoon (more to taste)
Seedless grapes
12 large (halved)
Strawberries
12 medium (halved)
Kiwi
1 medium (peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks)
Banana
1 large (cut into bite-sized chunks (slice last to maintain color))
Cantaloupe
1/2 medium (seeded and cut into bite-sized chunks)
Walnuts
12 (coarsely chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare all the fruit first to ensure maximum freshness.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the nonfat plain yogurt, fat-free cottage cheese, and sugar substitute. Stir well until smooth and uniform in consistency.
3
Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
4
Add the halved grapes, strawberries, kiwi, banana, and cantaloupe into the bowl with the yogurt and cottage cheese mixture.
5
Gently toss the fruit and dressing together to coat without breaking down the fruit pieces. Be delicate!
6
Finally, sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
7
Cover and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8
Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing dish at your next gathering!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad with Cottage Cheese.
Who inspired this tropical fruit salad?
This recipe is a tribute to the adventurous spirit of the author's father.
How does this version differ from the original family recipe?
The original used sour cream and sugar, while this version is a healthier adaptation using cottage cheese and yogurt.
What are the primary dairy components?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of fat-free cottage cheese and 2-3 tablespoons of nonfat plain yogurt.
What sweetener is used in the dressing?
The salad uses one tablespoon of sugar substitute, or more to taste.
Which fruits are included in this salad?
The salad features grapes, strawberries, kiwi, banana, and cantaloupe.
How should the grapes be prepared?
The recipe calls for 12 large seedless grapes to be halved.
What is the preparation for the strawberries?
Use 12 medium strawberries and halve them.
How should the kiwi be cut?
One medium kiwi should be peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks.
What is the best way to prepare the cantaloupe?
Use half a medium cantaloupe, seeded and cut into bite-sized chunks.
When should I slice the banana?
The banana should be sliced last to maintain its color.
Why are salt and pepper added to the fruit salad?
They are used to season the mixture lightly and enhance the natural flavors of the fruit.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
12 coarsely chopped walnuts are sprinkled on top for crunch.
How do you make the dressing?
Combine the yogurt, cottage cheese, and sugar substitute in a bowl and stir until smooth and uniform.
How should the fruit and dressing be combined?
Gently toss them together to coat the fruit without breaking the pieces.
Does the salad need to be chilled?
Yes, it should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is the chilling period important?
It allows the flavors of the fruit and dressing to meld together beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for those avoiding added sugar?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'no added sugar' recipe because it uses a sugar substitute.
What are some suggested serving occasions?
It is perfect for brunch, a picnic, or as a light dessert.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as nutritious and packed with seasonal fruits and fat-free dairy.
Can I make a vegan version of this salad?
The recipe includes a 'vegan option' tag, which implies using plant-based dairy alternatives.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare all the fruit to ensure maximum freshness.
How should the walnuts be added?
The walnuts should be sprinkled on top as the final step before chilling.
Is this a good summertime dish?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a summertime dish and is served chilled.
What texture can I expect from this salad?
It has a unique combination of creamy dressing, juicy fruit, and crunchy walnuts.
What size should the fruit chunks be?
The kiwi, banana, and cantaloupe should all be cut into bite-sized chunks.
Is the dressing consistency important?
Yes, it should be stirred until it is smooth and uniform in consistency.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
Yes, the sugar substitute can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What type of yogurt should I use?
The recipe specifies using nonfat plain yogurt.