Keys Perfect Summer Fruit Salad (Large-Group Recipe)

This refreshing and colorful fruit salad is perfect for any large gathering, whether it's a backyard barbecue, potluck, or picnic. With a tangy citrus sauce and a variety of fresh fruits, it's sure to be a hit. This scaled-up recipe serves 12-14 people, making it the perfect dish to share with friends and family. 

Ingredients: 

1. 1 cup fresh orange juice 

2. ½ cup fresh lemon juice 

3. ½ cup packed brown sugar 

4. 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 

5. 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 

6. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

7. 4 cups cubed fresh pineapple 

8. 4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced 

9. 6 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced 

10. 6 bananas, sliced 

11. 4 oranges, peeled and sectioned 

12. 2 cups seedless grapes 

13. 4 cups blueberries 

Directions: 

1. Gather all the ingredients. 

2. To make the sauce: In a saucepan, bring orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. 

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool. 

4. Layer the fruit in a large, clear glass bowl: start with pineapple, followed by strawberries, kiwi fruit, bananas, oranges, grapes, and blueberries. 

5. Pour the cooled sauce over the layered fruit. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. 

6. Serve chilled and enjoy your vibrant and refreshing fruit salad! 

Suggestions for Customization and Variations: 

Add fresh fruit like mango, peaches, or raspberries for a different twist. 

For extra texture, consider adding toasted coconut or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. 

If you prefer, leave out the bananas to avoid browning or use cubed melon for a fresh, juicy alternative. 

For a tropical variation, add diced papaya or dragon fruit. 

To make the salad even more indulgent, add a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top before serving. 

Use mandarin oranges instead of regular oranges for a sweeter, easy-to-peel option. 

For a bolder flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the citrus sauce. 

This fruit salad is not only delicious but also an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion. Its combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the citrusy sauce, makes it the perfect addition to your summer gatherings. Enjoy it fresh, or make it ahead for a hassle-free dish.