Colombian Ensalada de Frutas—or Fruit Salad with Sweet Cream—is a vibrant, refreshing dish that beautifully captures the essence of Colombia’s tropical bounty and culinary simplicity. This beloved treat is a staple in Colombian households, juice bars, and street-side cafés, where the abundance of fresh, juicy fruits makes it a natural part of everyday life. It’s more than just a dessert or snack; it’s a celebration of the exotic and colorful produce of Colombia, blended together with a touch of indulgence in the form of sweet cream.
Colombia, located at the equator, enjoys a year-round tropical climate with a variety of microclimates, making it one of the most biodiverse places in the world. The country boasts an impressive array of fresh, seasonal fruits, many of which make their way into its fruit salads. Pineapple, mango, papaya, and kiwi—just some of the fruits featured in this recipe—are commonly grown and enjoyed across the country. These fruits are celebrated for their vivid colors, tender textures, and sweet, tangy flavors, which pair harmoniously in this dish.
This recipe is inspired by Colombian street food culture and the country’s distinctive “salpicón” (fruit cocktail-like drinks), which often mix diced fruits with a splash of fruit juice or sweetened milk and are served chilled to combat the tropical heat. The addition of a luscious, vanilla-infused sweet cream in this recipe elevates the salad into a more indulgent experience, perfect as a dessert to cap off a meal or as a refreshing summertime snack.
The beauty of Colombian cuisine lies in its simplicity, where quality ingredients shine without the need for overcomplication. This fruit salad reflects that philosophy. It only requires minimal preparation: diced fruits and a three-ingredient sweet cream dressing. As easy as it is to prepare, it yields a dish that is cheerful, flavorful, and nourishing. Each spoonful is a balance of creamy richness and juicy, natural sweetness, with a subtle hint of vanilla tying everything together.
Colombian Ensalada de Frutas is also a perfect representation of the warmth and hospitality intrinsic to Colombian culture. Fruit, in many regions of Colombia, is not just food; it’s a communal experience. It’s a gesture of kindness when offered to guests or neighbors, and this dish embodies that spirit of sharing abundance in the most delicious way.
A final touch of fresh mint for garnish not only adds a refreshing herbal note but also hints at the culinary flair Colombians bring to even the simplest dishes. And for those looking to personalize the salad further, a sprinkle of cinnamon (commonly used in Colombian desserts) can add a lovely aromatic layer.
Whether enjoyed as an everyday treat or served to guests as a special dessert, Colombian Ensalada de Frutas is a dish that celebrates life’s simple pleasures. It’s a sweet reminder of the rich culinary heritage and natural gifts the land of Colombia has to offer.
Colombian Ensalada de Frutas (Fruit Salad with Sweet Cream)
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 cup organic pineapple peeled and diced
- 1 cup mango ripe, peeled and diced
- 1 cup papaya peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 cup kiwi peeled and sliced into rounds
Sweet Cream
- ½ cup condensed milk sweetened
- ½ cup heavy cream chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple, mango, papaya, and kiwi. Toss gently to mix the fruits evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened. This will create your sweet cream.
- Pour the sweet cream over the mixed fruits. Gently fold the cream into the fruits, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
- Chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step enhances the refreshing quality of the dish.