Customize it with your favorite fruits and try this Indian fruit salad to satisfy your sweet cravings. Fruit chaat brings back childhood memories for me. I had a bowl of this sweet-spicy snack every day after school.
Fruit chaat is also a popular street-food item, especially in Delhi. You’ll find a vendor at most strip malls and outside college campuses. Let’s check out this easy 10-minute recipe to make this chaat at home.
What is Fruit Chaat?
Fruit chaat is an Indian-spiced fruit salad that is seasoned with a unique spice blend called chaat masala and fresh citrus juice. It’s a popular evening snack in Indian homes. What is chaat masala? A spicy-tangy blend made by combining dry mango powder (amchur), black salt (kala namak), roasted cumin powder, pomegranate seed powder (anardana), red chili powder (cayenne) Let’s take a look at what we need to put this chaat together.
Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions
Which fruits to pick? Pick fruits that are not too juicy (example: watermelon) as they water down the salad. Go for seasonal fruits for the best ripe flavor that naturally enhances the taste of this Indian fruit salad. I typically pick a balance of sweet and tart fruits. Fruits: Apple, pear, banana, and mango are my go-to fruits for this salad. Depending on the season, I also add strawberries, oranges (or mandarine), and nectarine (or peach). Other fruits that go well include guava, papaya, cantaloupe, grapes, and blueberries. Salt: Himalayan salt (pink salt), or Kala namak (black salt) bring out the best flavor in fruits. If you can’t get either, substitute with sea salt instead. Cumin powder: I prefer using roasted cumin powder for its sweet-smoky taste that balances the sweet juicy fruits. If you can’t find it, add in an extra ¼ teaspoon of chaat masala. Red Chili Powder (Optional): This is totally your personal preference. I love adding a pinch of red chili powder or cayenne for a little kick but feel free to skip it. Lemon: Fresh lemon juice marries all these flavors with the fruits. Lime juice is the next best substitute. I wouldn’t recommend using bottled juices here. Scroll to the recipe card for a detailed list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Fruit Chaat
All it takes is 10 minutes to make this delicious snack. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step photos and instructions: Start by peeling mango, banana, and orange. For expert tips on easily peeling a mango, refer to this post: How to Cut & Peel a Mango. You can leave the peels of apple and pear intact. Step 1: Cut the fruits into bite-size pieces and assemble them in a large serving bowl. Keep the size somewhat similar for evening seasoning. Step 2: Add all the spices, chopped mint leaves, and freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime) and gently toss everything to combine. Adjust taste to your liking and enjoy!
How to Serve
Finish your fruit salad with some finely chopped mint and enjoy. It’s the ultimate combination of beauty and taste! Optionally, top with a tablespoon of pomegranate seeds.
How to Store
After seasoning, fruit chaat can be refrigerated for 8-10 hours. The salt and lemon begin to break down the fibers in the fruits, which is why it does not stay well long after seasoning. If you’re planning on serving it later, cut the citrus, and strawberries ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cut banana, apple, and pears and toss with seasoning.
Popular Variations
Tropical Fruit Chaat: Make it tropical themes and add mango, papaya, pineapple, guava, kiwi, and other preferred fruit combinations. Fruit Chaat with Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a popular addition to add protein to this salad.
Recipe Tips & Notes
Freshness: Fruits like bananas, apples, and pears are best cut when ready to serve since they start browning after cutting due to oxidization. You can cut and assemble other fruits 2-3 hours ahead of time. Cutting Size: For best results, cut all fruit into bite-size pieces for even seasoning. Fruit choices: You can customize this recipe by picking your favorite fruits. Use this recipe as a guide for seasoning. Season: Toss the fruits with seasoning just before they are ready to serve, otherwise the fruits will begin to soften and break down.
Healthy Salad Recipes Like This
📖 Recipe
