Fresh berry fruit salad with ginger and skyr

Fruit preparation tips

To prepare a truly impressive fruit salad, quality and attention to detail are key. Berries are soft and need gentle handling. Wash them under cold water just before adding to the salad to keep their shape and freshness. To avoid them becoming mushy, be sure to pat them dry with a soft cloth or towel.

Clean cutting methods will also enhance the look of the salad and bring out the best in each fruit's texture and flavour. When working with oranges, be sure to remove all skin and pith to avoid bitterness. Dice apples into even, sharp cubes for a satisfying crunch and visual appeal. You can also try toasting the almonds to bring out their flavour and add warmth to the dish. Lightly brown them in a skillet over medium heat, then chop once cooled for a crunchy contrast to the soft fruits.

Assemble with aesthetic and flavour in mind

Show off your berry fruit salad’s vibrant colours by serving in a clear glass dish. Right before your guests arrive, add the chopped almonds, blueberries and fresh lemon balm leaves for texture and a fresh aroma. If lemon balm is not available, you can use mint. This will not only offer a pop of vibrant green, it will also boost the salad's freshness, offering a cool contrast to the sweet and tangy fruits. For a more rustic presentation, try serving individually in mason jars, layering the fruit salad and skyr cream.

Get the skyr cream topping just right

Achieving the perfect skyr cream topping is all about balancing texture and flavour. Begin by selecting high-quality skyr, known for its creamy consistency and rich, tangy taste. Whisk the skyr thoroughly until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. To enhance the flavour, incorporate a drizzle of honey, adjusting the sweetness to your preference, and add a touch of vanilla extract for depth.

The key is to fold the ingredients gently to maintain the skyr’s light and airy texture. For an extra layer of complexity, consider grating a bit of fresh ginger into the mix, which will complement the berry fruit salad's vibrant notes beautifully. Chill the topping in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavours to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.

Reinvent your berry fruit salad leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste or grow mushy in the fridge! Put them to good use by blending them into a smoothie or using it as a zesty topping for your next bowl of quinoa porridge. Layer it with some granola and create a trifle (check out our blueberry trifle recipe for inspiration) or add a scoop of creamy mango nice cream for a cool and refreshing upgrade. You can also bake the remaining fruit into a crumble or pie for a delicious warm snack.

Chill for ultimate refreshment

For the best snacking experience, serve the fruit salad cold, straight from the fridge. Chill the fruits for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to keep them crisp and refreshing.

What types of juice can I use for the dressing?

Orange juice is an ideal choice for the dressing, as it's part of the recipe so prevents wastage, plus it pairs well with the salad's flavours. If you'd like to try something different, lime or lemon juice can add a fresh twist. For a berry-inspired dressing, you could choose cranberry, blueberry, pomegranate, or raspberry juice. These juices blend nicely with the fruit and let you adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you want a sweeter dressing, try adding a little honey.

Can I make the berry fruit salad ahead of time?

It's ideal to put together the berry fruit salad on the day you'll eat it for the best flavour. If you need to get a head start, you can chop and refrigerate the fruits up to 12 hours before serving. Just before you're ready to enjoy your snack, add the dressing and any extra touches like garnishes. This way, you'll keep the fruit looking bright and tasting crisp, just like it was freshly made.

Proper berry storage for peak freshness

Select the ripest and firmest berries and fruits to ensure your berry fruit salad has the best flavour. Line a storage container with paper towels to absorb extra moisture and keep the berries juicy before you put them in the fridge. Place strawberries in a single layer to prevent bruising. For small berries like raspberries and blueberries, put them back in their original containers with a layer of paper towels underneath and on top. This method helps keep the berries fresh for 3-4 days. Buy the berries a day before you need them for the freshest taste. Add the dressing to the fruits just before serving to keep the textures perfect.

Incorporate nuts and fresh herbs for added depth

Add an extra layer of crunch and fragrance to your berry fruit salad with a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Freshly chopped lemon balm or mint can boost the salad's freshness, offering a cool contrast to the sweet and tangy fruits. Use just enough herbs to enhance, not overpower, the salad's taste.

Try your hand at fruit carving

Transform your fruit salad into a visual masterpiece by exploring the art of fruit carving and arrangement. Start by selecting an array of colourful, fresh fruits. Our recipe already includes kiwis, apples, and blueberries, but feel free to add more variation like strawberries, pineapple, or mangoes. Use small cookie cutters to create fun shapes or a sharp knife for more intricate designs, such as flowers or stars. Arrange the fruit pieces thoughtfully on a platter, playing with colour contrasts and patterns to make the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Not only will this elevate the presentation, but it also adds an element of fun and creativity to your culinary repertoire, impressing guests and making any occasion feel special.