Fruit salad was the first dessert I ever prepared on my own. I can still picture myself as a kid, all excited about chopping up fruits and mixing them with whipped cream. Oh, and let me tell you about that whipped cream fiasco! Half of it ended up decorating the kitchen walls because, well, who knew you had to keep the mixer in the bowl? Certainly not little me!
My sister and I had this tradition of whipping up (pun intended) this fruity concoction whenever Mom was away. It was our way of saying “Welcome home!” and, let’s be honest, a sweet treat for us too. I had a bit of a heavy hand with the sugar in the cream – the sweeter, the better, right?
The other day I organised a barbecue and for dessert, I served fruits, alongside an apricot tart. Looking at all the leftover strawberries, blackberries blueberries, and apricots – I decided to make a Romanian summer fruit salad. The beauty of it is, there’s no strict recipe. You just toss in whatever fruits you love, add some whipped cream, and if you’re feeling a bit cheeky and it’s an adults-only affair, a splash of something boozy. It’s like summer in a bowl!
Ingredients for the Romanian Summer Fruit Salad Recipe
For this delicious summer fruit salad, you will need a variety of fresh and ripe fruits including strawberries, oranges, blueberries, plums, apricots, grapes, and blackberries. These fruits should be washed, hulled, pitted, and cut into bite-sized chunks as necessary. Just use which fruits you like best, in whatever quantity you like.
Additionally, you will need 150 ml of whipping cream, which will be sweetened with 1 tablespoon of sugar and whipped until stiff. If you are serving this salad to adults only, you can include 50 ml of liqueur or rum, though this is optional. You can also decorate with mint leaves.
How to Make the Romanian Summer Fruit Salad
Start by preparing all the fruits. Cut the strawberries, plums, apricots, and oranges into bite-sized chunks. Halve the grapes and ensure all fruits are thoroughly washed. Combine all the prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl. If you’re using liqueur or rum, pour it over the mixed fruits and gently toss to combine.
Next, whip the cream. In a separate bowl, whisk the whipping cream with the tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the fruit mixture, ensuring all the fruits are evenly coated without being crushed.
Once mixed, cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. When ready to serve, spoon the salad into bowls or glasses, and top with an extra dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh fruits for garnish.
Notes and Tips:
- This salad is best served chilled. Prepare it a few hours in advance to allow the flavours to blend well.
- If you prefer an alcohol-free version, simply omit the liqueur or rum. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing.
Romanian Summer Fruit Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- strawberries
- blackberries
- blueberries
- oranges
- plums
- apricots
- grapes
- 150 ml whipping cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 50 ml liqueur or rum
Instructions
- Cut the fruits into bite-size chunks.
- Mix together.
- Add the liquor or rum (if you are using it).
- Whip the whipping cream with the sugar until stiff.
- Fold the whipped cream into the fruit salad.
- Leave the salad in the fridge for a couple of hours, before serving.
- Serve with more whipped cream on top, sprinkles, and fresh fruits.
FAQ:
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal fruits you prefer. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet.
How long can I store the fruit salad?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make this Romanian fruit salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative to replace the whipping cream.
What type of liqueur works best?
Fruit liqueurs like orange, peach, or berry liqueur work well. Rum also adds a nice flavour. I used peach and pomelo liqueur.
For other Romanian fruit desserts, check out my recommendations below:
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