- Bring the orange juice, ginger and honey to a boil in a small saucepan. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer. Refrigerate.
- Transfer the apple and pear cubes, orange slices, grapes, and melon balls into a large bowl. Add the chilled orange juice and gently mix the fruit. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Sprinkle chopped basil on each portion just before serving.
CHEF’S SECRET
Add a few chopped fresh mint leaves or lemon verbena with the basil for even more aromatic complexity.
- Add some toasted slivered almonds for added crunch.
- Mix in some diced pineapple or mango for an even more colourful and flavourful salad.
- Serve this salad in large dessert bowls or martini glasses for an elegant presentation that highlights the layers of fruit and colours.
The Fruit Salad with Basil and Ginger is an explosion of flavour, colour and freshness. This salad harmoniously blends sweet, juicy melons, slightly acidic oranges, crunchy pears and apples, and smooth red grapes. The ginger-honey syrup delicately coats each piece of fruit, adding hints of spicy and sweet, while freshly chopped basil gives the dish an aromatic, peppery touch that awakens the senses. This colourful salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish, it’s ideal for sunny days, picnics or as an elegant end to a festive meal.