Dragon fruit adds some interest to a regular fruit salad, both because of it’s name and it’s unique look and texture. This tropical fruit has hot pink skin with large green scales, the characteristic that earned its name, and the white fruit inside dappled with tiny edible black seeds is full of nutrients. 
The seeds offer some protein and healthy fats while the fruit flesh is rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamin C. It tastes very light and sort of similar to a pear while and its texture is juicy but crisp like an apple. It goes well with the more rich sweetness of mango and berries. They also add in a variety of vibrant colors and their own ranges of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Dragon fruit can be found pretty widely at produce markets and health and regular grocery stores. The best ones are firm to the touch and the green scales should not look dried out or limp. They are expensive ($3-5 dollars each), travel far and are often stocked in small qualities without the highest turnover. Due to this I have made the mistake a few times of getting some that were past ripe, if they are really soft and the scales are dried out they are past their prime and not worth the purchase. However, their exotic qualities make them worthwhile for a special treat, for both children and adults alike. For those who don’t like healthy food it can be an incentive to eat some fresh fruit, and for the health nuts it can be a nice change from the more ordinary produce. Dragons are mysterious and exciting, how can their bizarre namesake fruit not be a little intriguing?
- 1 dragon fruit, peeled and diced
- 1 cup berries (I used a mix of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)
- ½ cup mango, peeled and diced
- To keep the dragon fruit skin intact enough to use as a bowl to serve the fruit salad start by cutting it in half then scooping out the flesh with a large spoon (serrated grapefruit spoons are best if available).
- Combine all the ingredients together and serve in the dragon fruit halves or small bowls.
