Fruit Recipes

A smoothie bowl  topped with an assortment of grains, nuts, and fruits

As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But why stop at just one fruit when there’s a whole world of sweet and delicious options out there? From juicy strawberries to crisp pears, from tangy lemons to creamy avocados, we’re blessed with a bounty of fruit that can be transformed into mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad, a hearty winter stew, or a decadent dessert, these fruit recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and brighten up your plate. So why not get creative and explore all the tasty possibilities of nature’s sweetest gifts?

Smoothie Recipes

Smoothies are the perfect way to start your day or to enjoy as a refreshing snack. To make any of these delicious smoothie recipes, simply add the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. You can customize the sweetness and thickness of the smoothie by adjusting the amount of honey or choosing to use frozen fruit instead of fresh. Feel free to get creative and add in your favorite seasonal fruits or superfoods for an extra nutritional boost!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Strawberries in a basket
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
  1. Add the frozen strawberries and banana to a blender.
  2. Pour in the almond milk and honey.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tip: For a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana instead of fresh banana.

Tropical Smoothie
Pineapple sliced in half on a wooden board
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 a ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions:
  1. Add the frozen pineapple, chopped mango, and banana to a blender.
  2. Scoop in the Greek yogurt and pour in the coconut milk.
  3. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tip: You can also add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost in protein.

Green Smoothie
Green smoothie inside a measuring cup
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup kale leaves
  • 1/2 a ripe avocado
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
Instructions:
  1. Add the baby spinach and kale leaves to a blender.
  2. Cut the avocado in half and scoop out the flesh into the blender.
  3. Then add in the ripe banana and almond milk.
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tip: You can also add in a tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra boost in fiber.

Salad Recipes

Salads are a perfect way to incorporate healthy and nutritious ingredients into your meals. They can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a side to a hearty dinner. Whether you prefer leafy greens, fresh vegetables, or a mixture of both, there’s a salad recipe for everyone. Get ready to expand your salad repertoire with these inventive and easy-to-make salad recipes.

Fresh Berry Salad:
Spinach, strawberries, blackberries on a white ceramic plate
Ingredients:
  • Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and kale)
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Feta cheese
  • Pecans
  • Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
  1. Rinse and dry the mixed greens and add them to a salad bowl.
  2. Top the mixed greens with sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
  3. Crumble feta cheese and sprinkle it over the fruit.
  4. Toast pecans in the oven and add them to the salad.
  5. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together.

Tips:

-Add grilled chicken or roasted shrimp for a protein boost.

-Swap pecans for sliced almonds or walnuts.

-Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy flavor.

Avocado and Mango Salad:
Spinach, slices of avocado, and mango inside two bowls
Ingredients:
  • Mixed greens (spinach and arugula)
  • Avocado
  • Mango
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Lime vinaigrette
Instructions:
  1. Rinse and dry the mixed greens and add them to a salad bowl.
  2. Slice avocado and mango into cubes and top the mixed greens.
  3. Finely chop red onion and add it to the salad.
  4. Roughly chop cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over the salad.
  5. Drizzle lime vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together.

Tips:

– Add grilled chicken or pulled pork for a protein boost.

– Swap mango for pineapple or papaya for a tropical twist.

– Toast some pepitas and sprinkle them over the salad for a crunchy texture.

PomegranatE and Quinoa Salad:
Pomegranate, spinach and slices of radish on a white plate
Ingredients:
  • Quinoa
  • Radish
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Goat cheese
  • Arugula/spinach
  • Lemon vinaigrette
Instructions:
  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
  2. Cur radish into thin slices.
  3. Rinse and dry the greens and add it to a salad bowl.
  4. Add cooked quinoa to the arugula.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese, sliced radish, and pomegranate seeds over the salad.
  6. Drizzle lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together.

Tips:

– Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor.

– Substitute goat cheese with feta for a saltier taste.

– Use kale instead of arugula for a heartier texture.

Dessert Recipes

If you have a sweet tooth and love fruit, these dessert recipes are perfect for you! Whether you’re making a dessert for a party or just want a sweet treat for yourself, these fruit desserts are sure to impress.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Pink colored cake with cream and strawberry slices for filling and toppings
Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add in the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your hands or a pastry cutter until the consistency resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In another small mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
  4. Add the milk/egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir together until combined.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds.
  6. Pat the dough into a 1/2 inch thick circle and use a biscuit cutter to cut out 6 biscuits.
  7. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  8. While the biscuits are baking, mix the strawberries and granulated sugar together in a bowl and let it sit at room temperature until ready to use.
  9. Once the biscuits are baked, let them cool for 5 minutes before assembling the shortcakes.
  10. Slice each biscuit in half and layer with strawberries and whipped cream.
  11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

– Add a splash of vanilla extract to the biscuit dough for extra flavor.

– Use a fork to gently mash some of the strawberries for a more saucy texture.

– Drizzle some honey over the whipped cream for a touch of sweetness.

Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake Recipe
Two hands holding fresh blueberries
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add in the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until everything is well combined.
  6. Fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and blueberries.
  7. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

– Use frozen blueberries instead of fresh if you don’t have any fresh ones on hand.

– Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

– Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Mango and Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe
Sticky rice and slices of mango on a white ceramic dish
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of short-grain rice
  • 400 ml of coconut milk
  • 400 ml of whole milk
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 2 ripe mangoes
  • 1 tbsp of shredded coconut
Instructions:
  1. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and sugar.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and the pudding is thick and creamy, stirring occasionally (about 25-30 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Spoon the pudding into four serving bowls.
  5. Cut the mangoes into small pieces and add a spoonful of mango to each bowl.
  6. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of each bowl and serve. Enjoy!

Fruit Snacks

When hunger strikes in between meals, grab a fruit snack that’s not only delicious but healthy too. Here are three easy-to-make fruit snack recipes that are perfect for any time of the day.

Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
Clear containers with yogurt and strawberries
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1/4 cup granola
Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. Layer the sliced strawberries, yogurt mixture, and granola in a small jar or bowl, repeating until all ingredients are used up.
  3. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.

Tips:

– Substitute the strawberries for your favorite fruit like blueberries or raspberries.

– Use flavored yogurt for an extra burst of flavor.

Apple Nachos
Apples on a wooden surface
Ingredients:
  • 2 medium apples, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
  1. Arrange the sliced apples on a plate or platter.
  2. Drizzle the almond butter and honey over the apples.
  3. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and mini chocolate chips.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips:

– Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or any other nut butter of your choice.

– Use chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture.

Banana Sushi
Person slicing bananas on a chopping board
Ingredients:
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons granola
  • 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
  1. Peel the banana and spread almond butter evenly over it.
  2. Sprinkle granola and mini chocolate chips on top of the almond butter.
  3. Roll the banana in plastic wrap and freeze for at least an hour.
  4. Unwrap the banana and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips:

– Use different toppings like sliced strawberries or coconut flakes.

– Create a peanut butter and jelly version by spreading peanut butter and your favorite jam over the banana before adding toppings.

Fruit is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor, texture, and nutrition to any dish. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a decadent dessert, there’s a fruit recipe out there waiting for you to try. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the sweet rewards of nature’s bounty.