Tropical Fruit Salad

taste of the tropics...

It's the last day of April and the weather in Cincy is rainy and cold. I wish I was some where warmer and drier right now! Sadly, I don't have a vacation planned until the end of September and it's to no where tropical. This time last year I was gearing up for our family cruise to the Caribbean. In tribute to this warm memory (and in an effort to take my taste buds there) I've made this Tropical Fruit Salad.

This fruit salad is light and refreshing like so much of the tropics are and it's very different from those that I grew up eating. My mom makes a few different "Americanized" versions of fruit salad with things like apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, and usually Cool Whip! She also makes some gelatin fruit salads, not my favorite, but it's another type. One that we make and I really love is a Waldorf Salad, which is for special occasions. So, make your favorite fruit salad or try this tropical one tonight. Here's how to make it...

Ingredients - Serves 4-6
1 Mango
1/2 Pineapple
2 Kiwi Fruit
2-3 Sprigs Fresh Basil (~2 T)
1-2 Springs Fresh Mint (~1 T)
1 Lime, zest & juice
1 T Fresh Ginger, minced
2 T Blue Agave Nector
1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
Garnish: Black Chia Seeds

Directions
Peel and dice the mango, pineapple, and kiwi to similar size. Chop the herbs together. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk the lime zest, juice, ginger, agave, and cayenne pepper together. Add the fruit and herbs. Stir and let stand for 10 mins. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruit juices to release.

To serve: Divide the mixture among bowls or cups and sprinkle with the black chia seeds. Close your eyes and taste the tropics. Enjoy!