Tropical Fruit Platter
This vibrant Tropical Fruit Platter is an effortless showstopper, featuring a colorful array of fresh, sweet, and tangy tropical fruits, perfect for easy entertaining or a healthy treat.
For 8 servings
Wash all fruits thoroughly under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Prepare the pineapple: Carefully peel the pineapple, remove the fibrous core, and cut the flesh into bite-sized spears or triangular chunks.
Prepare the mangoes: Peel the mangoes, carefully slice the flesh away from the large central pit, and cut into uniform cubes.
Prepare the kiwi and papaya: Peel the kiwis and slice them into attractive rounds. Peel the papaya, scoop out the black seeds, and slice the flesh into crescent shapes or cubes.
Prepare the dragon fruit: Carefully peel the dragon fruit (the skin is usually easy to remove) and cut it into visually appealing cubes or wedges.
Slice the carambola: Carefully slice the carambola (star fruit) crosswise into 1/4-inch thick star shapes. Halve the passion fruits.
Arrange the platter: On a large serving platter, begin by artfully arranging the larger fruit pieces like pineapple, mango, and papaya, creating a base layer.
Fill in and garnish: Distribute the kiwi, dragon fruit, and carambola slices amongst the larger fruits, using the star fruit as a visual centerpiece and to fill in any gaps. Place the halved passion fruits strategically for an exotic touch.
Final touches: Garnish the entire platter with fresh mint leaves for a pop of contrasting color and refreshing aroma. For an optional light dressing, whisk together the juice of half a lime and 2 tablespoons of honey, then lightly drizzle over the fruit just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose ripe fruits: Select fruits that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best flavor and sweetness.
- 2Vary cuts for visual appeal: Experiment with different cutting techniques (cubes, slices, wedges, spears) to add visual interest and texture to your platter.
- 3Keep it chilled: Prepare the platter just before serving or keep it refrigerated, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for no more than 1-2 hours to maintain freshness.
- 4Add a dip: Offer a side of Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey and vanilla extract, or a simple coconut cream dip, for an extra treat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Skewered Fruit
Cut fruits into uniform cubes and thread them onto small skewers for easy individual servings, perfect for parties.
Grilled Tropical FruitGrilled Tropical Fruit
Lightly grill some of the pineapple, mango, or papaya slices for a smoky, caramelized flavor that adds a unique dimension to the platter.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
For an adventurous twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of chili powder or Tajín seasoning over some of the fruit, especially mango or pineapple.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Tropical fruits are packed with essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which supports immune function and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
High in Fiber
The natural fiber content in these fruits aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Excellent Hydration
With their high water content, tropical fruits contribute significantly to daily hydration, essential for overall bodily functions and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
To prevent browning, especially for fruits like apples or bananas (though not in this recipe), a light squeeze of citrus juice (like lime or lemon) can help. For this platter, preparing it closer to serving time is best.
