Hainan fruit salad
Hǎinán Shuǐguǒ Shālā showcases Hainan's incredible tropical fruit bounty. Fresh mango, pineapple, papaya, dragon fruit, and coconut are combined with a light lime-chili dressing. This refreshing dish is popular at beachside restaurants and represents the island's tropical lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango (cubed)
- 1 cup pineapple (cubed)
- 1 papaya (cubed)
- 1 dragon fruit (cubed)
- 1/2 coconut (meat shaved)
- Dressing: 2 tbsp lime juice
- Dressing: 1 tsp chili flakes or fresh chili
- Dressing: 1 tbsp honey
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Wash and process the fruits thoroughly
- 2. Add water to the pot and bring to a boil, add Hainan fruit salad and blanch until cooked, then add cold water
- 3. Drain the Hainanese fruit salad and put it into a large bowl
- 4. Add minced garlic, coriander and other garnishes and seasonings
- 5. Add soy sauce, salt, sugar and other seasonings and mix well
- 6. Plate and serve
Cultural Notes
Hainan is China's tropical fruit paradise, producing mangoes, coconuts, pineapples, papayas, and dragon fruit year-round. While this fruit salad has modern influences, the tradition of combining fruits with lime and chili has Southeast Asian roots, reflecting Hainan's geographic position. It is a refreshing end to any Hainanese meal, especially during the hot summer months.