Zesty Creamy Poppy Seed Fruit Medley
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Zesty Creamy Poppy Seed Fruit Medley, perfect for any occasion. This refreshing dessert combines a colorful variety of fresh fruits tossed in a luscious, creamy dressing that features a zesty kick from orange and lemon juice. The addition of poppy seeds not only adds a delightful crunch but also makes this dish visually appealing. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or simply enjoying it as a guilt-free treat, this salad is sure to impress everyone with its bright flavors and creamy texture.
4
Servings
75
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Fruit (your choice)
4 cups (washed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sugar
4 tablespoons (granulated)
Fresh Orange Zest
1 tablespoon (zested from a fresh orange)
Low-Fat Yogurt
3/4 cup (plain or flavored, preferably no added sugar)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
2 tablespoons (thawed)
Poppy Seeds
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and preparing your choice of fresh fruit, cutting them into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a food processor or blender, add the sugar, orange zest, yogurt, lemon juice, orange juice concentrate, and poppy seeds.
3
Blend the dressing ingredients on low until combined, pausing every few seconds to scrape down the sides, if necessary. This should take about 15-20 seconds.
4
Once the dressing is smooth and creamy, gently pour it over the mixture of fresh fruit in the bowl.
5
Toss the fruit and dressing together carefully, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated without mashing it.
6
Allow the salad to chilling for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving for the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled in individual bowls, garnished with additional poppy seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Creamy Poppy Seed Fruit Medley?
It is a vibrant dessert featuring a variety of fresh fruits tossed in a luscious, zesty dressing made with yogurt, citrus juices, and poppy seeds.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of granulated sugar, orange zest, low-fat yogurt, lemon juice, orange juice concentrate, and poppy seeds.
How many calories are in a serving of this fruit medley?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What kind of fruit should I use?
You can use any variety of fresh fruit you prefer; the recipe calls for 4 cups of washed and bite-sized pieces.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is a low-fat dessert option with only 1g of fat per serving.
Can I substitute the sugar?
While the recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, you could use a honey or a sugar substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
What equipment is needed to make the dressing?
A food processor or blender is recommended to ensure the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Is there any protein in this dish?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 2.5g of protein, largely thanks to the low-fat yogurt.
What is the role of poppy seeds in this recipe?
Poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the fruit medley.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor, as frozen fruit may become mushy once thawed in the dressing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (fruit, yogurt, juice, sugar, poppy seeds), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What type of yogurt is best for the dressing?
Low-fat plain or flavored yogurt works well; the recipe suggests choosing one with no added sugar if possible.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
The specific fiber content is not listed, but using a variety of fresh fruits will naturally provide dietary fiber.
What does orange juice concentrate add to the recipe?
The thawed orange juice concentrate provides a concentrated, zesty citrus punch to the creamy dressing.
How should I prepare the orange zest?
You should use a zester or fine grater to remove 1 tablespoon of zest from the outer peel of a fresh orange.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead, but it's best served the same day to keep the fruit crisp.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Absolutely, its refreshing citrus flavors and chilled serving temperature make it an ideal summer barbecue treat.
How much carbohydrate is in one serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the best way to toss the fruit and dressing?
You should toss them gently in a large bowl to ensure even coating without mashing the fruit pieces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used to make this fruit medley.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish individual bowls with additional poppy seeds or even extra orange zest for a better presentation.
Is this recipe high in sodium?
While the specific sodium count isn't provided, the ingredients are naturally low in sodium.
Can I use lemon zest instead of orange zest?
Yes, you can substitute lemon zest if you prefer a sharper citrus flavor, though orange zest is more traditional for this 'zesty' profile.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, children typically enjoy the sweet fruit and the creamy, familiar taste of yogurt-based dressings.
What happens if I blend the dressing for too long?
If you blend too long, the dressing might become too thin; 15-20 seconds is usually enough to achieve a creamy consistency.
Can I add nuts to this fruit salad?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice texture, though it will change the nutritional profile and calorie count.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The recipe uses low-fat yogurt, which may contain a small amount of cholesterol depending on the brand, though the specific amount is not listed.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
The concentrate provides a much stronger flavor without adding too much liquid; if using fresh juice, the dressing may be thinner.