Grandiose Summer Fruit Salad with Cranberry Lime Orange Dressing

Hi-Ya !

I've been on a fruit frenzy the last couple of weeks because (1) it is hot as heck in North Cackalacky and (2) a lot of my favorite fruits are in season, so I tend to keep the fridge on full of fresh fruit.

While shopping in my neighborhood grocer I stumbled upon a fruit I have never had the pleasure of knowing... The Lemondrop Melon.  I immediately placed my new friend in the grocery basket and headed straight to the check out line. I couldn't get in the house quick enough to to cut into this melon.....Wow, it was all what the descriptive sales paper said it was.

After enjoying this firm, yet juicy piece of melon an idea popped in my head....How about I add this along with some of my other FAV fruits.

This feature recipe is an Amped Up version of your ol' skool fruit cocktail.

This fruit salad is simple to make and the flavors are GRAND !

First thing first is to make the dressing. Its a quick made-from-scratch dressing that is sublime.

~ Orange extract and lime ~

  You know as the gadget queen I had to use one of my Go-Go Gadgets....

"Juice it Upp Citrus Juicer"

Simmer, Simmer, Simmer !

All Fruit Aboard......

The pouring of the Swankest dressing ever !

Ingredients for fruit

Serves 6 (2 cups per serving)

• 2 Peaches, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups of Red Grapes
• half of a Cantaloupe, cubed
• 1 cup of Lemondrop melon, cubed

** Other fruits that work well in this salad are: mangoes, apples or nectarines.  

Ingredients for dressing

Yields 1 cup

• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 1 cup of water
• Juice of half a lime
• 1/3 cup of fresh cranberries
• 1/4 tsp of McCormick Pure Orange Extract

Instructions

1. Add water to small sauce pan and warm over low heat.  Slowly add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
2. Add cranberries, lime juice and orange extract and simmer on low heat, string frequently for about 10-12 minutes our until cranberries become soft and some may even burst in pan.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.  Quick Step:  pour dressing in a mason jar and place in freezer for about 15-20 minutes to cool.
4. Combine fruit and dressing to large bowl and toss to coat. 
5. Cover and let fruit macerate in refrigerator for about 2 hours. Macerate is the soaking of fruit to soften and/or absorb the flavor of the liquid concoction.
6. Serve your simple, but elegant salad in a bowl and enjoy !