Tropical Fruit Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing

Tropical Fruit Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing by Season with Spice

Want to learn about a culture?  Just ask about breakfast.  That’s why I’m not surprised when foreign friends – who are curious about Malaysia - often ask that question.

“Two slices of toast and a cup of coffee.”

“Oh.”  Not hiding their disappointment from my reply.

I quickly add on, “But wait, that’s not a typical breakfast for Malaysians.”

tropical fruit salad with spicy ginger mint dressing and lemon juice

Like lunch and dinner and supper, Malaysians want flavor; they want spice in their breakfast.  A hot bowl of sizzling curry laksa (coconut curry noodle dish), nasi lemak (the iconic Malaysian coconut rice dish wrapped in a banana leaf), roti canai with teh tarik (Indian flatbread with very sweet pulled tea), dosai served with chutney (an Indian style crepe), Cantonese-style dim sum with steamed dumplings, chicken porridge, a variety of rice noodle dishes, and yes, even bread too – roti bakar with kopi-o (charcoal-roasted thick bread with coconut jam, served with half boiled eggs, and a strong local coffee).

Western style breakfast items like pancakes, scones, and cereals have also become a more common sight on the Malaysian breakfast table.

So what do Malaysians like to eat for breakfast?  Anything.

white flesh dragon fruit
water apple or champoo

I do like the occasional spicy street food dish for breakfast, but on most days, I opt for a light, healthy meal to start out the day.  At the morning market in Penang, there is never a shortage of tropical fruits, so when I have the time, I buy a few and slice them up to enjoy with my toast and coffee.

Tropical fruits like sweet mango, banana, papaya, water apple, pomelo, white or purple dragon fruit, and pineapple – perked up with a refreshingly, spicy Ginger Mint Dressing and a squeeze of lemon juice.

A fresh, healthy fruit salad dressing for whatever mix of fruits you enjoy in the morning.  And a simple way to add Spices & Herbs (Ginger & Mint) to your daily diet.

Tropical Fruit Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing by Season with Spice


Tropical Fruit Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing 
by Season with Spice

Ingredients:
A combination of your favorite fresh fruits.

Dressing:
1 tbsp fresh ginger - grated
10 mint leaves - finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp honey or raw sugar (optional)

Method:
1. Slice up the fruits, add dressing, and toss lightly. Chill before serving.