Mary Berry’s Easy Lemon Cheesecake With Condensed Milk
June 26, 2024Mary Berry Fruit Salad with Apples and Walnuts
Mary Berry is known for her delightful recipes that blend simplicity with elegance. Mary Berry fruit salad with apples and walnuts is a testament to this, offering a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Here are step-by-step instructions highlighting the health benefits of its ingredients.
Ingredients and Preparation
Essential Ingredients
To prepare Mary Berry’s fruit salad with apples and walnuts, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 crisp apples (preferably Granny Smith or Gala)
- 1 cup of shelled walnuts
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of seedless grapes (red or green)
- 2 oranges
- 1 cup of fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Wash and Prepare the Fruits: Begin by thoroughly washing all the fruits. Peel the apples, oranges, and bananas. Core and slice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Segment the oranges, ensuring to remove any seeds. Slice the bananas and halve the grapes.
- Mix the Fruits: In a large bowl, combine the apples, bananas, grapes, and orange segments. Add the fresh berries to the mix.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice until well combined. This simple dressing adds a touch of sweetness and prevents the apples and bananas from browning.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the honey-lemon dressing over the fruits. Gently mix everything together so all the fruits are coated.
- Add the Walnuts: Chop the walnuts roughly and add them to the salad. Give the salad one last gentle mix to spread the nuts around.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the salad with fresh mint leaves for extra color and freshness. Serve right away or keep it in the fridge for up to an hour before serving.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Apples
- Benefits: Apples are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Good For: Digestion, boosting immunity, and heart health.
- Special Power: Pectin in apples helps control blood sugar.
Walnuts
- Benefits: Walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Good For: Brain health, reducing inflammation, and heart health.
- Special Power: They can improve brain function and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Bananas
- Benefits: Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
- Good For: Providing instant energy, aiding digestion, and maintaining normal blood pressure.
- Special Power: They help muscles work well and keep you hydrated.
Grapes
- Benefits: Grapes are packed with vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Good For: Heart health, supporting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
- Special Power: They help keep you hydrated and might prevent certain cancers.
Oranges
- Benefits: Oranges are high in vitamin C.
- Good For: Boosting the immune system and promoting skin health.
- Special Power: They help maintain heart health and reduce inflammation.
Berries
- Benefits: Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
- Good For: Brain health, improving digestion, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Special Power: They have anti-aging properties and promote overall well-being.
Tips for the Perfect Fruit Salad
- Choose Fresh and Ripe Fruits: Fresh and ripe fruits make your salad taste amazing. Pick the best quality fruits for the best flavor.
- Balance the Flavors: Mix sweet and tart fruits for a delightful taste. Combining apples, bananas, grapes, and berries gives a refreshing and satisfying blend.
- Add a Crunch: Adding walnuts not only boosts nutrition but also gives a nice crunchy texture to your salad.
- Use a Simple Dressing: A simple dressing of honey and lemon juice enhances the natural flavors of the fruits without overpowering them.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the fruit salad fresh. If making it ahead, add bananas right before serving to keep them from getting mushy.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s fruit salad with apples and walnuts is a tasty treat that blends fresh fruits with crunchy walnuts. It’s not only delicious but also full of essential nutrients that are great for your health. Whether you enjoy it as a light dessert, a snack, or a side dish, this fruit salad is bound to be a crowd-please.
FAQ:
How do you keep apples from turning brown in fruit salad? To prevent apples from turning brown in a fruit salad, toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water. The acidity in the lemon juice slows down the oxidation process that causes browning.
What are the best apples for fruit salad? The best apples for fruit salad are crisp and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala. These apples hold their texture well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
How do you cut apples for fruit salad? To cut apples for fruit salad, first, wash and peel them if desired. Core the apples and slice them into bite-sized pieces or thin wedges, depending on your preference.
How do you keep apples fresh in a salad? To keep apples fresh in a salad, coat them with a small amount of lemon juice or another acidic fruit juice. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.