Moroccan Fruit Salad with Orange Blossom Water
Bright Moroccan fruit salad with orange blossom water, seasonal fruit, and toasted walnuts. Tips for make-ahead, swaps, and vegan options.
I grew with this recipe as you can change it depending on what fruit is in season
Submitted by: Asma Chabbi from Miami, Fl
Yield: 4 to 6 people
- Use seasonal fruit and adjust sugar to taste; citrus adds a natural sauce and boosts sweetness.
- Orange blossom water gives the classic floral note; add delicate fruit like fresh figs last.
- Make ahead 1 to 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Store covered and serve chilled with toasted walnuts.
Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I make this salad ahead?
You can let it sit 1 to 2 hours or chill it overnight. The fruit will release more juice over time. For best texture, eat within 24 hours. If you plan a longer hold, add sensitive fruits like bananas and fresh figs just before serving.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes. Swap in seasonal fruit like peaches, pears, apples, grapes, or pomegranate seeds. Use citrus to create the sauce and avoid overly watery fruits like watermelon unless you want more liquid.
Why add fresh figs at the end?
Fresh figs are fragile and can turn mushy if stirred early. Add them just before chilling or serving so they keep shape. Dried figs should be mixed in earlier so they soften and absorb flavors.
How much sugar should I use and are there alternatives?
Start with 2 to 3 tablespoons and adjust by how ripe the fruit is. Alternatives include maple syrup, agave, or honey. For a vegan salad, use beet sugar, evaporated cane juice, or maple/agave instead of honey.
What is orange blossom water and can I substitute it?
Orange blossom water is a floral distillate used in North African cooking. If you do not have it, use a small splash of rose water, or replace with a teaspoon of orange zest plus a little extra orange juice. Use substitutes sparingly.
How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Add bananas right before serving to avoid browning. You can also toss banana pieces in a little citrus juice, like orange or lemon juice, which slows oxidation.
Can I make this salad nut free or allergy friendly?
Yes. Omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or use toasted coconut flakes for crunch. Always check for cross contamination if you serve someone with severe allergies.
Can I freeze the salad or any of its parts?
Freezing the mixed salad is not recommended because the fruit will become mushy when thawed. If you need to freeze, consider freezing single fruits or a cooked compote instead and combine fresh pieces when serving.
How long can I make this salad ahead?
You can let it sit 1 to 2 hours or chill it overnight. The fruit will release more juice over time. For best texture, eat within 24 hours. If you plan a longer hold, add sensitive fruits like bananas and fresh figs just before serving.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes. Swap in seasonal fruit like peaches, pears, apples, grapes, or pomegranate seeds. Use citrus to create the sauce and avoid overly watery fruits like watermelon unless you want more liquid.
Why add fresh figs at the end?
Fresh figs are fragile and can turn mushy if stirred early. Add them just before chilling or serving so they keep shape. Dried figs should be mixed in earlier so they soften and absorb flavors.
How much sugar should I use and are there alternatives?
Start with 2 to 3 tablespoons and adjust by how ripe the fruit is. Alternatives include maple syrup, agave, or honey. For a vegan salad, use beet sugar, evaporated cane juice, or maple/agave instead of honey.
What is orange blossom water and can I substitute it?
Orange blossom water is a floral distillate used in North African cooking. If you do not have it, use a small splash of rose water, or replace with a teaspoon of orange zest plus a little extra orange juice. Use substitutes sparingly.
How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Add bananas right before serving to avoid browning. You can also toss banana pieces in a little citrus juice, like orange or lemon juice, which slows oxidation.
Can I make this salad nut free or allergy friendly?
Yes. Omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or use toasted coconut flakes for crunch. Always check for cross contamination if you serve someone with severe allergies.
Can I freeze the salad or any of its parts?
Freezing the mixed salad is not recommended because the fruit will become mushy when thawed. If you need to freeze, consider freezing single fruits or a cooked compote instead and combine fresh pieces when serving.
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