Admittedly, not the prettiest containers. But they are definitely cookout ready!
This is one of those recipes that I originally had no intention of blogging. I mean, what is there to say about making fruit salad? Chop up some fruit and maybe mix a quick dip. Easy. However, tonight marks the second Thursday in a row that I’ve found myself in the kitchen making this. I took it to a cookout at work last week, where the combination of sweet fruit and tart dip got rave reviews. A couple coworkers asked for the recipe and a couple others asked me to make it again for a Mother’s Day breakfast we’re having tomorrow. Since I’m hosting & catering my sister’s bridal shower in July, in addition to all of the usual Summer cookouts and picnics, I can see myself repeating, and playing with, this recipe a lot in the coming months.
Fruit Salad & Key Lime Dip
Makes approximately 12 servings
For the salad
1 pineapple
1 papaya
1 pint of strawberries
4 kiwifruits
For the dip
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. heavy whipping cream, cold
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 Key Lime, juiced & zested
Directions
1. Prepare the fruit. Peel, core and cube pineapple. Cut papaya in half, remove seeds, and chop into cubes. Peel kiwifruits and cut into small cubes. Remove tops from strawberries and cut into quarters. Mix all fruit together in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Make the dip. Using a stand mixer, combine powdered sugar and cream cheese on medium speed. Once ingredients are combined, add whipping cream and sugar. Increase speed to high. Beat until cream is slightly firm, about 4 minutes. Add lime juice and zest. Enjoy!
My thoughts & suggestions
- I know there are people who add sugar to fruit salad. I don’t understand this, since fruit is so sweet on its own. However, I do like to let the fruit sit for at least a few hours, if not overnight, before serving. This allows the flavors to combine and the natural sweetness to come out.
- Using this recipe, the dip tastes a lot like key lime pie filling. I considered adding vanilla, but didn’t think it needed any. I probably will try adding that in the future. I’d also like to play with other citrus fruits. I think that oranges would be especially refreshing in the summer.
