Zesty Citrus Mixed Fruit and Veggie Medley
This vibrant Zesty Citrus Mixed Fruit and Veggie Medley brings together the sweetness of fresh fruits with the crunch of crisp vegetables, creating a refreshing salad that's perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavor, this salad features apples, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all elevated by the zesty notes of orange and lime. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, making this dish not only a delightful dessert but also a fantastic side for light meals. Share this colorful salad at your next gathering and watch it disappear!
4
Servings
60
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple
1 (skin on, diced)
cantaloupe
1 cup (diced)
English cucumber
1/2 (skin on, diced)
bell peppers
2 (diced)
orange
1 (zested and flesh cut up, skin discarded)
lime
1 (zested and juiced, skin discarded)
cinnamon
to taste (for garnish)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing all the fruits and vegetables. Prepare the apple, cantaloupe, cucumber, and bell peppers by cutting them into small, uniform dice for an attractive presentation.
2
Next, zest the orange and lime. Carefully slice off the skin of the orange and chop the flesh into small pieces, discarding the peel once you've extracted the zest.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, cantaloupe, cucumber, bell peppers, and orange flesh.
4
Add the orange zest and lime zest to the bowl, along with the freshly squeezed lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5
Gently stir the mixture to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid bruising the fruits and vegetables.
6
Transfer the colorful mixed salad to a serving bowl. Just before serving, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top and garnish with additional orange zest or fresh basil strips for an extra burst of flavor.
7
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Fat
16.5g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Citrus Mixed Fruit and Veggie Medley?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines sweet fruits like apples and cantaloupe with crunchy vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, all tossed in a citrusy dressing.
Is this recipe considered vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and is tagged as vegan.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary fruit ingredients?
The primary fruits include apple, cantaloupe, and orange.
What vegetables are used in this medley?
The recipe uses English cucumber and bell peppers.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
Should I peel the apple for this recipe?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the skin on the apple for texture and nutrients, then dicing it.
What type of cucumber is best for this salad?
The recipe specifically calls for an English cucumber with the skin left on.
How do I prepare the orange?
You should zest the orange first, then remove the skin and chop the flesh into small pieces.
Does this recipe use lime?
Yes, it uses both the zest and the juice of one lime.
What spice is used as a garnish?
A dash of cinnamon is sprinkled on top just before serving to add warmth to the dish.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
This is a low-fat dish containing only 0.5g of fat per serving.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is there any protein in this fruit and veggie medley?
Each serving provides about 0.75g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate and sugar levels?
One serving contains 16.5g of carbohydrates and 9g of sugar.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
There is 1.75g of fiber per serving.
How should I cut the fruits and vegetables?
They should be cut into small, uniform dice for an attractive and professional presentation.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is a simple, zesty mixture of orange zest, lime zest, and lime juice seasoned with salt and pepper.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
Yes, fresh basil strips are recommended as an optional garnish for an extra burst of flavor.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients: apple, cantaloupe, cucumber, bell peppers, orange, lime, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
What is the best way to stir the salad?
Gently stir the mixture to ensure all ingredients are incorporated without bruising the delicate fruits.
Is this dish better as a side or a dessert?
While categorized as a dessert, its combination of fruit and vegetables makes it a fantastic side for light meals.
What makes this salad a 'summer recipe'?
Its refreshing nature, use of seasonal produce like cantaloupe and cucumber, and citrus notes make it ideal for warm weather.
Are the bell peppers cooked?
No, the bell peppers are used raw and diced to provide a fresh crunch.
What is the preparation time like?
It is tagged as a 'quick salad,' primarily involving washing, dicing, and mixing.
Should I include the citrus peels in the salad?
No, you should use only the zest and juice; the skins/peels should be discarded.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to taste to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
Can I use any color of bell pepper?
The recipe calls for 2 bell peppers; using different colors can make the medley more visually vibrant.
What is the texture of this salad?
It offers a mix of soft, juicy textures from the cantaloupe and orange combined with a crisp crunch from the apples, cucumbers, and peppers.
Is the cinnamon essential?
It is used 'to taste' as a garnish, but it is highly recommended to add warmth and depth to the citrus flavors.