This star fruit salad is one of my favourite Summer recipes. The crisp greens, juicy pomegranate, and sweet-tart star fruit make a delicious dish, especially with the fresh lime dressing.
If you love bright salad recipes, this one is for you! If you want something with a bit of meat in it, try this Instant Pot Chicken Salad.
Try This Fresh Tropical Salad
I first started making this star fruit salad (also known as carambola) during warmer months when I wanted something fresh that was a bit lighter.
The crunchy vegetables, juicy fruit, and citrus dressing make it incredibly tasty, especially served cold.
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Video Instructions
Why You’ll Love It
- Fresh and colorful: I love how bright this salad looks once everything is tossed together.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy greens, crunchy cucumber, juicy pomegranate, and tender star fruit make every bite taste amazing.
- Light but satisfying: It’s light enough for hot days but is still filling thanks to all the textures.
- Quick & Customizable: This can be put together in minutes and is easy to make on short notice. It can also be adjusted according to your preferences, for example, add some pears, macadamia nuts, celery, or fresh fruit to your taste.
Ingredients
- Star fruit: Choose ripe yellow star fruit with slightly golden edges for the sweetest flavor.
- Pomegranate seeds: These add little bursts of sweetness and crunch that work perfectly with the citrus dressing.
- Greens: I usually use mixed greens or arugula because they add freshness without overpowering the fruit.
- Fresh herbs: Basil, cilantro, or parsley all work beautifully, depending on the flavor you want.
- Lime juice: Brightens the entire salad and balances the sweetness of the fruit.
How to Make Star Fruit Salad
1. Wash and dry all of the greens well. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces if needed and place in a large bowl.
2. Slice the star fruit into star-shaped slices.
3. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion.
4. Add the star fruit, pomegranate seeds, cucumber, onion, and herbs to the bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
7. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- I always dry the greens really well before assembling the salad so the dressing coats everything properly instead of becoming watery.
- Slice the star fruit carefully with a sharp knife to keep those beautiful star shapes intact.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Fish
- Rice dishes
- Crusty bread
FAQs
It has a mild sweet-tart flavor that reminds me a little of a mix between apple, grape, and citrus.
You can prep all the ingredients ahead, but I recommend tossing everything together just before serving so the greens stay crisp.
Mango, orange segments, or even pineapple can all work well, especially with the tropical flavors here.
Rate This Recipe
Star Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups any green of choice
- 2 large ripe star fruits, sliced
- ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry all of the greens well. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces if needed and place in a large bowl.
- Slice the star fruit into star-shaped slices.
- Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion.
- Add the star fruit, pomegranate seeds, cucumber, onion, and herbs to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
No cooking required.Taste & Texture
Fresh, crisp, juicy, and lightly tangy with sweet bursts of pomegranate and refreshing citrus flavor.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to 1 day.
- Freezing: Not recommended.
- Best Served: Immediately after tossing.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving this alongside grilled chicken or seafood during summer dinners. It also looks beautiful on a brunch table.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Use spinach instead of mixed greens.
- Add feta cheese for a salty contrast.
Proper Storage Tips
- Store the dressing separately if prepping ahead.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Toss just before eating for the freshest texture.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe yellow star fruit.
- Dry greens thoroughly.
- Add dressing at the very end.
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