This dish brings me back to the hot days of summer when my kids were little. My husband was overseas with the military, so I probably didn’t cook as many large meals. And with the heat that summer, I’d tell the kids we’d be having what I called “cold plates” for dinner. I would slice some fruit, roll up pieces of cheese and add luncheon meat, to make it look fancy. They weren’t always onboard, but it was a great option versus heating up the kitchen.
Any fruit salad is a welcome treat on hot days, but this one is particularly light and crisp. I fortify it with toasted pecans for added nutrition and texture. The pecans can be toasted on the stovetop to avoid using the oven when it’s hot outside. Or you may even enjoy prepackaged sugar-coated pecans.
Simple Summery Fruit Salad is crunchy, sweet, and tart. And the toasted pecans also add richness. Hot summer nights, road trips, and picnics are the perfect occasion to serve this fruit salad.
Enjoy food made fresh!
Simple Summery Fruit Salad with Toasted Pecans ¾ cup pecan halves 2 bananas, peeled 1½ cups seedless green grapes 1 large honey crisp or cosmic crisp apple ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice 1 teaspoon orange zest Place pecan halves in a skillet. Toast over medium heat on the stovetop for 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely and stirring often to ensure they do not brown too quickly and burn. Set aside to cool.
Slice bananas into ¼-inch slices. Cut each grape into halves. Core and dice the apple into ½-inch pieces, with skin intact. Place all prepared fruit onto a platter, or a serving bowl. Add cooled pecans and gently toss to combine.
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, and orange zest to create the dressing.
Pour dressing over the fruit and pecans. Gently toss to coat. Serve chilled or room temperature.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Angelina LaRue, author of “The Whole Enchilada: Fresh and Nutritious Southwestern Cuisine,” grew up at White River Lake, lives in Idalou and writes a weekly food column for local newspapers.
