Fruit Chaat, Indian Fruit Salad
This is a bright, colorful, and refreshing fruit chaat (snack) that can also be used as a fruit salad. My siblings and I looked forward to the fruit chaat, served regularly as part of our lunch. It was a delicious way of eating a great variety of fresh, seasonal fruit. This by itself will brighten up any meal, and it tastes great at any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges skin removed and sliced in ½ inch each segment
- 1 apple peeled and cubed into ½ inch pieces
- 1 firm banana sliced into approximately ¼ inch rounds
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup English or Asian cucumber cubed into ¼ inch pieces
- 1 green chili finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Dressing
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger juice
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin seeds powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the fruit and cucumber with the green chili and cilantro. Toss and set aside.
- Mix all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl, making sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the dressing over the fruit when ready to serve.
Notes
Tips
I have used many different varieties of fruits in this chaat dish; however, I always keep the oranges and bananas, as they add a lot of color and texture to the dish.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips for Making the Perfect Fruit Chaat:
Fruit Chaat is a delightful appetizer that satisfies cravings for both freshness and flavor. This gluten-free and vegan snack is a vibrant medley of assorted fruits, skillfully combined with zesty spices and tangy sauces. Bursting with nutrients, it’s a healthy alternative to traditional snacks.
Whether served as a light meal starter or a refreshing side dish, Fruit Chaat promises a tantalizing blend of sweet, sour, and savory tastes, making it a favorite among those craving a delightful fusion of flavors.
Choose a Variety of Fruits: Opt for a colorful assortment of fruits to create a visually appealing Fruit Chaat. Mix and match fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, mangoes, and grapes for a diverse flavor profile. One can go for a winter or a summer based recipe depending upon the season.
Keep it Fresh: These are quick and easy recipes, Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best taste and texture. Avoid overripe fruits, as they may become mushy and affect the overall presentation of the chaat.
Balance the Flavors: Strike a balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Adjust the amount of Fruit Chaat Masala, lemon juice, and green chili according to your taste preferences.
Add Crunch: Incorporate crunchy elements like cucumber or roasted nuts to add texture and contrast to the Fruit Chaat. This adds an extra dimension to every bite.
Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, chill the Fruit Chaat in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. The cool temperature enhances the flavors and makes it even more enjoyable, especially on hot days.
Suggestions and Variations:
Experiment with Spices: Get creative with your Fruit Chaat Masala by adding other spices like chaat masala, amchur (dry mango powder), or even a pinch of garam masala for a unique flavor twist.
Include Fresh Herbs: Enhance the aroma and freshness of your Fruit Chaat by adding chopped mint leaves or coriander (cilantro) to the mix. These herbs add a burst of flavor and elevate the dish to the next level.
Try Different Dressings: While the traditional dressing includes lemon juice and spices, you can experiment with other dressings like yogurt-based sauces or tangy tamarind chutney for a variation in taste.
Add a Sweet Touch: For those with a sweet tooth, drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the Fruit Chaat to enhance the sweetness of the fruits. This adds a delightful richness to the dish.
Fruit Fiesta: A simply elegant fruit salad paired with sweet yoghurt and tangy honey- lemon-mint dressing makes it a refreshing treat on its own.
Fruit Smoothie: This great smoothie consists of cantaloupes, strawberries, and yogurt with a touch of ginger giving a nice and tangy taste. Try this recipe for the perfect almost-summer drink.
Fruit Cream: Fruit Cream is a colorful chilled dessert made with fruits and cream. This is a perfect dessert for hot summer days.
Fruit and Cracker Dessert: A quick and easy two minute recipe consisting of fruits and crackers.
Benefits of Fruit Chaat:
Nutrient-Rich: Fruit Chaat is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from a variety of fruits, making it a nutritious choice for snacking.
Hydration: Fruits like cucumber and watermelon are high in water content, making Fruit Chaat a hydrating option, especially during hot weather.
Digestive Aid: The spices used in Fruit Chaat, such as cumin and black salt, aid in digestion and promote gut health, making it a digestive-friendly snack. Being gluten free these dishes are healthy low fat, low cholesterols
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I prepare Fruit Chaat in advance?
A: Yes, you can chop the fruits and prepare the dressing in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the fruits.
Q: Is Fruit Chaat suitable for weight watchers?
A: Absolutely! Fruit Chaat is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an ideal choice for those watching their weight. Just be mindful of portion sizes and avoid adding excessive sweeteners or high-calorie toppings.
Q: Can I make Fruit Chaat without any spices?
A: While spices like Fruit Chaat Masala add a unique flavor to the dish, you can certainly adjust the spice level or omit them altogether according to your taste preferences. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find what works best for you.
Fruit Chaat is a versatile and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. Whether you’re craving something sweet, tangy, or spicy, this refreshing recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your favorite fruits, unleash your creativity, and indulge in the goodness of Fruit Chaat today!
Bonita
September 6, 2016 at 8:48 amThis rocks!!
AFTAB ANSARI
June 29, 2015 at 2:30 amALL RECIPE ARE NICE AND EASY TO LEARN
Rajrajeshwari Agarwal
March 27, 2015 at 10:59 amNamaste Manjulaji, your recipes are great! I especially enjoy the way you explain the process in detail. Keep making these wonderful dishes.
Bonita
September 6, 2016 at 8:47 amNamaste, Thank you for doing this it is fun and really easy to understand. I’m going to get so fat cooking now but it will be worth it. You’re the best!!!
deepa
October 21, 2013 at 1:42 ami have to prepare fruit chaat for a harvest festival.
can fruit chaat be prepared and kept for 7-8 hours.
Iqra
July 29, 2012 at 10:52 pmassalm o alikum manjula aunty mujhe aap Ki sab recipes buhat achi lagti khas cold coffee aur pada please Urdu Mein bata dein plz plz plz.
Reni
July 3, 2012 at 11:34 pmHello Manjula,
i love dry fruits so much! Would this recipe works with dry fruits too?
Nirmala
November 11, 2011 at 5:28 pmYour Pani puri recipe was excellent. Having failed once trying to make at home, we had almost given up. We are also going to try your fruit chat. Thank you.
Kamini
August 10, 2011 at 6:23 pmManjulaji, please let me know if I can put mango in fruit chaat. Also, when I put lemon juice on bananas, how long will the bananas stay fresh without turning black?
Thanks a lot.
ragini
July 29, 2011 at 5:46 amwow manjula di how do u think of such a recipies they r so delicious
nuzhat
July 16, 2011 at 5:46 pmhelo how r u i try some recipes .its so delishious thanks a lots of you.
rangasri
July 16, 2011 at 10:10 amwow ya how did u feel off those oranges
kei
June 16, 2011 at 4:15 pmNAMASUTE Madam Manjula~☆
I love your website.
I tried this recipe, very very delicious, wonderful !
It put up my cook’s photo on my webblog.
Thank you very much Manjula’s kitchin.
Lakshmi
April 11, 2011 at 5:54 pmHi Aunty,
I have the same question, how do u peel oranges like this?
Thanks!!
Sanyukta
April 7, 2011 at 12:43 pmTruly drool worthy..yummy yum..looks so tempting…
Sanyukta
http://creativesanyukta.blogspot.com/
unknown
April 6, 2011 at 12:06 pmBless you Manjulaji 🙂
madhu
April 6, 2011 at 1:27 amnamaste aunty
thanx for helping us …ur reccipes are very good…..i ljkr this fruit chat specially ..its something light &healthy….. i want u ask you for2 recipes plz mail me or put on ur site
veg kolhapuri
gelphrezi
i have tated in a resturent plz help how to cook it
thanx alot
god bless u
Anna
April 5, 2011 at 10:48 amLove your recipes, very tasty.
But I have a concern about combining sweet and sour fruits together. Example banana and oranges. I know it is very popular way to combine, but since you are concerned about health ( I remember one video or comment you said about not eating garlic), I thought to let you know.
Jaya
April 5, 2011 at 6:15 pmAnna, can you better explain your concern about the fruit combination so the rest of us understand? Thanks, Jaya
Kamala
April 4, 2011 at 6:11 amTried this recipe. Tasted very good. Will make it everyday.Thanks for the recipe
Archana
April 3, 2011 at 8:58 amI love this a lot.
Sindhu
April 2, 2011 at 2:08 pmNamaste Aunty,
How did you peel these oranges like this? I tried but it did not come out in cubes as yours 🙁 Any tips?
Regards
-Sindhu