Fruit Chaat Recipe (Indian Fruit Salad)

The fruits used can vary depending on personal preference and availability but commonly include fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, pomegranates, and oranges. The spices and seasonings used in making this Indian fruit salad include chaat masala (a tangy spice blend), black salt, roasted cumin powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. These ingredients give the chaat a savory and tangy flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the fruits.

Fruit chaat is usually served chilled and can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack or a light dessert. It is a popular dish during festive occasions, as well as a street food option. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the vibrant colors and textures of the fruits, make this fruit salad a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Fruits: I have used apple, pear, banana, mandarine, grapes, and pomegranate.

Spices: I am using chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and crushed pepper. You can substitute pepper with red chili powder. If you are making it for Navratri fasting, use sendha namak (pink salt).

Lemon juice: This not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also prevents the fruits from browning.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Cut all the fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Also, chop the mint leaves and add them. Squeeze lemon juice on top.

Step 2: Mix the lemon juice well making sure the fruits are coated.

Step 3: Add the spice powders - chaat masala, black salt, pepper powder, and roasted jeera powder.

Step 4: Mix well making sure the spices coat the fruits.

Useful tips

Choose ripe yet firm fruits: Select fruits that are ripe but still firm to ensure the chaat has the right texture. Overly ripe or mushy fruits may affect the overall consistency and presentation.

Cut fruits uniformly: Aim to cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces to ensure an even distribution of spices.

Toss with lemon juice: Before adding the seasonings, gently toss the fruits with lemon or lime juice. This will stop them from browning.

Bananas: If you plan to make the fruit salad ahead of time, avoid adding bananas as they can get mushy if stored for a long time. Make and assemble the fruit chaat and add chopped bananas just before serving.

Chill the fruits: For a refreshing fruit chaat, refrigerate the fruits before preparing and serving.

Mix gently: While tossing the fruits and spices together, be gentle to avoid crushing or mushing the fruits. Lightly toss to evenly coat the fruits without damaging their texture.

Canned fruits: While fresh fruits work best for fruit chaat, you can still make this dish using canned fruits. In that case, rinse them well before using them to get rid of the sugar syrup.