Handwritten recipe card for GInger-Lemon Fruit Salad
by: salvagedrecipes

Ginger-Lemon Fruit Salad

Lemon Ginger Fruit Salad
Lemon-Ginger Fruit Salad is a refreshing vintage fruit salad that combines fresh fruit with a bright homemade citrus glaze infused with fresh ginger. Popular during the microwave cooking boom of the 1970s and 1980s, recipes like this showcased how quickly a fruit topping or glaze could be prepared using a microwave oven. The sweet-tart syrup lightly coats apples, pears, oranges, pineapple, apricots, cherries, and bananas, creating a colorful salad perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, brunches, and summer gatherings. The handwritten note suggests preparing the salad a day in advance so the flavors meld together, then adding maraschino cherries and bananas just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and vibrant.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 ½ tsp grated lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp fresh ginger root (grated )
  • 8 to 10 cups mixed fresh fruit:
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Apricots
  • Pineapple
  • Oranges
  • Firm bananas
  • Maraschino cherries (added before serving)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Lemon-Ginger Glaze

  • Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a 4-cup microwave-safe measuring cup.
  • Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
  • Add the grated lemon peel, lemon juice, and grated fresh ginger.

Step 2: Cook the Glaze

  • Microwave on HIGH for 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir once or twice during cooking.
  • Cook until the mixture becomes thick and translucent.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit

  • Cut the apples, pears, apricots, pineapple, and oranges into bite-sized pieces.
  • Place them in a large serving bowl.

Step 4: Combine

  • Pour the warm lemon-ginger glaze over the fruit.
  • Gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

  • Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least several hours.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  • Just before serving, fold in sliced firm bananas.
  • Garnish with maraschino cherries.
  • Serve chilled.

Tips

  • Substitute peaches or nectarines for apricots.
  • Add red or green grapes for extra color.
  • Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Use honey instead of part of the sugar for a different sweetness.
  • Add kiwi for a tropical twist.
  • Chill overnight for the best flavor.
  • Add bananas only before serving to prevent browning.
  • A pinch of cinnamon pairs nicely with the ginger.
  • Fresh mint makes an attractive garnish.
  • Serve alongside grilled meats or brunch dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 4gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword citrus glaze, fresh fruit, fruit salad, ginger, holiday side dish, Lemon, microwave recipe, potluck, summer salad, vintage recipe