I recently enjoyed a trip to South Sicily, where I ate the most incredible seafood dishes – and this one was a firm favourite! So, I decided to recreate this gorgeous prawn fruit salad as soon as I landed back in the (not so sunny) UK…
Using prawns in a fruit salad might sound like a very strange combination, but fresh pink prawns offer a certain sweetness which pairs perfectly with tropical, sour fruit. It basically creates its own dressing, too! Plus, apart from a bit of chopping, this prawn fruit salad comes together quickly, and is great to make ahead of a summer BBQ or for quick lunches during the week.
Read on for the full recipe!
Method
Follow these steps to make our Prawn Fruit Salad
If you’re using raw prawns, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the prawns for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. If you’re using pre-cooked prawns, skip this step but ensure they are fresh for the best flavour.
Top Tip: Fresh prawns are always the best option for this recipe, especially from a reputable fishmonger. Whilst pre-cooked prawns can be used for convenience, they won’t deliver the same sweetness and texture as freshly cooked prawns.
Set the cooked prawns to one side and prepare your fruit. Chop the peaches, plums, mango, and honeydew melon into 1-2 cm cubes, ensuring you remove any stones or seeds as needed. Add these to a bowl along with the cooked prawns. If you’re a fan of salads with kick, you can add half of a finely chopped red chilli to the bowl too.
Top Tip: If you want to add an extra ‘wow’ factor to this dish, use a melon baller instead of chopping up your honeydew melon with a knife.
Give the fruit and prawns a gentle toss (use your hands to avoid bruising any of the fruit). Once combined, pop your prawn fruit salad onto a large serving platter before garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Serve immediately, enjoying with grilled chicken, or simply with a few lettuce leaves for a quick but vibrant dish.
Easy Salad Recipes From Savery Grazing
At Savery Grazing, we love creating fresh, vibrant dishes that are quick to prepare but are sure to ‘wow’ your guests at your next get together. Whether you’re looking for creative salads, easy lunch ideas, or something special for your next gathering, we’ve got you covered! Check out more easy salad recipes on our blog, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for delicious foodie inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Type Of Prawns Are Best?
You can really choose whatever prawns you like best for this recipe, but we chose to go with small coldwater prawns from our local fishmonger. Here are a few options you could choose from:
- Atlantic or Coldwater Prawns: These prawns are typically smaller and have a tender, sweet flavour. In our opinion, they are the best choice for this recipe. Due to their small size, they blend seamlessly into the salad.
- King Prawns: These large prawns are known for their sweet and firm texture, making them an excellent choice. They hold their shape well when cooked and pair beautifully with tropical fruits like mango and melon.
- Tiger Prawns: Tiger prawns have a slightly more intense flavour and a firmer bite compared to king prawns. They would work well if you really want the bold prawn flavour to stand out.
- Pink Prawns: Pink prawns are smaller but very sweet, making them perfect for lighter salads. Their delicate texture pairs well with a variety of fruits, and they’re often favoured for their mild flavour that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Of course, whichever prawns you decide to go for, ensure they are deshelled, with heads and tails removed before using them in your prawn fruit salad.
Do Wild-Caught or Farmed Prawns Make a Difference?
Yes, wild-caught prawns tend to have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavour compared to farmed prawns, which can be slightly milder. For a fruit salad, wild-caught prawns can provide a more robust taste that stands out against strong tropical flavours.
What Other Fruits Can I Use in This Salad?
Feel free to get creative with your fruit choices! Pineapple, strawberries, or even kiwi would complement the prawns well. Choose fruits that offer a balance of sweetness and tartness to match the prawns. If you can, try and stick with a yellow colour palette, as this looks super pretty on a platter when garnished with mint.
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