Chef Ravinder Bhogal is bringing some much-needed sunshine into our lives with her vibrant fruit salad recipes – just in time for the long-awaited UK summer. Ditching the bland, pre-packaged options that often dominate supermarket shelves and sandwich chains, Bhagal's creations promise to elevate this humble dish into a true showstopper.
At its heart, Bhogal's approach is all about celebrating the beauty of fresh, seasonal produce. Her collection features three mouth-watering recipes that are sure to tantalise taste buds: a shaved mango and cucumber salad with a unique Tajín and tequila dressing; a tropical fruit salad infused with lemongrass, vanilla, and ginger syrup; and a Middle Eastern-inspired labneh dish served with watermelon, berries, rose, and a pistachio dukkah.
The Mexican-style shaved mango and cucumber salad is a particular standout – its tangy, spicy notes are expertly balanced by a zesty lime, tequila, and agave syrup dressing. If you can't get hold of Tajín, Bhogal has kindly provided a homemade alternative using chilli powder, sea salt, citric acid, and lime zest. This vibrant salad is sure to be the star of any summer gathering.
For those looking for something a bit more exotic, the tropical fruit salad won't disappoint – featuring a medley of pineapple, mango, melon, guava, lychees, and papaya, it's then elevated by a fragrant syrup made from golden caster sugar, makrut lime leaves, bashed lemongrass, ginger, vanilla, and star anise. Best prepared in advance to allow the fruit to absorb those aromatic flavours, this dish is perfect for picnics or barbecues.
And finally, Bhogal's labneh with watermelon, berries, rose, and pistachio dukkah presents a sophisticated take on summer desserts – blending traditional Middle Eastern elements with seasonal British fruits. With its creamy labneh, crunchy pistachios, and sweet dukkah, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike.