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.
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