Fruit Chaat is a famous Indian-style fruit salad that is made with fresh fruits and tossed in a tangy-spicy dressing. This refreshing chaat can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer or a dessert for those post-meal sugar cravings.
This salad blends two classic flavors - sweet and spicy - for an intense sensory experience. If you like this delicate balance, you'll adore this recipe.
In India, the term "chaat" refers to more than just a collection of snacks: It's a style of life, as well as a cuisine category that encompasses almost every flavor profile —sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy. Golgappa, Bhel puri, Matar chaat, Papdi chaat are all Indian style street food.
This dish is a great option for those who are fasting for a Hindu fasting day or Navratri, simply adjust the spices according to your family's fasting guidelines.
If you're fasting, I'd recommend avoiding the red chilli powder and substitute with black pepper. And instead of black salt, you can use edible rock salt (Sendha namak).
Pakistanis love this fruit chaat equally. It is a staple in every Pakistani household, especially during Ramadan's Iftar meal.
Fruits are rich in fibre and an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. Fruits also contain a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids, which are beneficial to one's health.
We all know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower one's risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes.
Isn't this a great way for kids and adults alike to get their daily fruit intake?
Jump to:
What is Chaat Masala?
Chaat Masala is a special blend of ground spices like dried mango powder (amchoor), black salt (Kala namak), cumin (jeera), coriander (dhania), asafoetida(hing).
It is a versatile masala that adds a magical touch to anything it is sprinkled on. It has a tangy, piquant, and spicy flavor. It is, however, an acquired taste.
It can be sprinkled on salads, savories, raita, all kinds of chaat items etc.
It is easily available at the Indian grocery store or you can buy it on Amazon.
Some popular brands that you will find are - MDH, Everest, Catch, Badshah, and Shan.
What fruits to use?
When it comes to making a fruit chaat, there are no rules. It's better to use seasonal fruits because they're the cheapest, but any fruit you have on hand will do.
Select a mix of sweet, sour, and juicy fruits for a well-rounded flavor and texture.
Apples, pears, grapes, bananas, pomegranate, oranges, mango and papaya are the most commonly used fruits.
Summertime calls for a fruit chaat with peaches, plums, kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries…
How to make Fruit Chaat
Making fruit chaat is super easy!!
- Simply cut up all of the seasonal fruits.
- Place the fruits in a bowl. Add the seasoning.
- Then sprinkle the chaat masala, other seasonings, and lemon juice.
- Toss and combine everything, and you're done!
Your delectable and nutritious fruit chaat is ready. Enjoy!
Fruit chaat – Variations:
The variations can be endless but just try to keep it simple - fruit, seasoning and lemon juice.
- Add pineapple or Guavas: Freshly cut pineapple enhances the flavor of the fruit chaat. When guavas are in season, add them - they're delicious!
- Roasted/ fried potatoes: Along with the fruits, toss in some roasted or fried potatoes. I also like to use sweet potato instead of potato every now and then, depending on the fruits I'm using. I don't want it to be too sweet.
- Chickpeas: I usually don't like to mix chickpeas (chole) in a fruit chaat, but some people do add them. The addition of chickpeas bumps up the protein content of the dish though and makes it a filling meal.
How to Serve Fruit Chaat
Serve the fruit chaat in bowls with a few mint sprigs on top. Enjoy it chilled!
It's unquestionably a crowd pleaser! Bring it to your next potluck or serve it at your summer barbecue.
This can be turned into a delicious appetizer for your guests. Serve the chaat in store-bought tart shells with a spoonful of the chaat.
Pro-tips
- When adding bananas to your chaat, add them just prior to serving, else they will become mushy.
- When using apples and pears, cut them just before serving because they turn brown due to oxidation if stored for an extended period of time.
- The addition of little orange juice to the fruit chaat takes it to the next level, but you can use any juice you have on hand. Mango juice is another excellent option.
Common Questions
Personally, I avoid fruits with a high water content, such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Fruits such as avocados and figs are traditionally not used in a fruit chaat, but you can surely add them.
Chaat masala is unique and cannot be substituted, however, salt, black pepper, cumin powder can be used in its place. You can also use black salt (Kala namak) if you have it on hand.
I normally just prepare and chop the fruits ahead of time (note: some fruits are best cut just before serving. eg. banana, apples, and pear) and store them in the refrigerator. And then, right before serving, I toss in the seasoning and lemon juice, mix, and serve.
Freshly prepared fruit chaat is the best. If you have any leftovers, don't keep them for longer than 24 hours because it will turn soggy and mushy. In the refrigerator, store in an airtight container.
Hope you enjoy this delicious Fruit Chaat. Here are some more salad recipes you will love:
Fruit Chaat (Fruit Salad with Chaat Masala)
Ingredients
- 1 Apple chopped
- 1 Pear chopped
- 1 Orange chopped
- 1 Mango chopped
- 5 Strawberry cut into 4
- ½ cup Grapes halved
- ¼ cup Pomegranate seeds optional
- ¼ teaspoon Black salt (Kala namak)
- ¼ teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder
- ½ teaspoon Chaat Masala add more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly crushed
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 6-8 Mint leaves (Pudhina) chopped
Instructions
- Cut the apple, pear, orange and mango to bite size pieces. Cut each strawberry into 4, and grapes into half. In a large bowl, add all the fruits.
- Now add the black salt, cumin powder, chaat masala and black pepper. Sprinkle the lemon juice. Adding lemon juice prevents fruits from browning.
- Gently mix without mashing fruits. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Garnish with mint leaves and serve. Fruit Chaat tastes great when served chilled.
Video
Notes
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ramesh says
This article having so much of amazing information. Today I learned so many things in this blog post.
Adriana Quintero says
This salad is awesome, the orange juice and the spices along with Chat Masala takes fruit 🍌 🍎to the next level. Thanks is for such awesome recipe
Piping Pot Curry says
Hi Adriana - That makes me really happy. Thank you for sharing back 🙂