Hand shot of a drizzle of tamarind sauce onto slices of pineapple, mangoes and cucumber

The mere thought of a Mauritian fruit salad is certain to make our mouths water. The combination of topical fruits with fiery chilli salt and sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce (arguably the star of the show) is a tastebud tantaliser.

Flat lay of a slices of pineapple, mangoes, some re chilli flakes, chilli salt, tamarind sauce and cucumber

Mauritian fruit salad is sold across the island by ‘marchand confit’- pickled fruit vendors. Mauritian ‘confit’ is an integral part of the Mauritian street food culture. Confit refers to a range of pickled fruits including pineapple, green mangoes, cucumber, ‘patate chinois’ (jicama) and fruit-cythere (June plum). Semi-ripe fruits are pickled in a vinegary brine or served as fruit salad with chilli salt, and tamarind sauce. Around this time of the year, tropical fruits are bountiful. Hence, fruit salad is a common feature at gatherings and picnic at the beach.

Flat lay of a slices of pineapple, mangoes style on a black plate with some chilli salt. skewers and a bowl of tamarind salt to the side

hand shot of a piece of pineapple being dipped in to a sauce of tamarind sauce

In our version of the Mauritian fruit salad, we use fruits of the season- mangoes and pineapples and add ribbons of cucumber. Whilst white cucumbers are typical in Mauritian confit, we have used English cucumber which further adds to the visual appeal of the salad. If tangy, spicy and a dash of freshness appeals to you, make this salad; you will not eat your tropical fruits any other way!

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT MAURITIAN TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD

What if my fruits are ripe?
Skip the chilli salt which complements tangy fruit best. However, the tamarind sauce still works amazingly.

Close up on slices of pineapple, mangoes style on a black plate. 2 glasses and a bottle of water in the background

Mauritian tropical fruit salad

Mauritian tropical fruit salad with fiery chilli salt and sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce for an addictive tastebud tantaliser.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Course Snack

Servings 4 portions

Ingredients

For the fruits

2 semi-ripe mangoes
1 pineapple
½ small cucumber

For the tamarind sauce

2 tbsp tamarind paste/ concentrate
1 tbsp sugar
pinch salt
⅓ cup water

For the chilli salt

1 tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp chilli powder

Instructions

For the fruits

Peel and chop the pineapple and mangoes.
Make cucumber ribbons and reserve.

For the tamarind sauce

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients for the tamarind sauce.
Allow to simmer for 1=-15 minutes until the tamarind is well combine and a thick and glossy but pourable sauce is obtained.
Adjust the sweetness and salt to your liking.

For the chilli salt

Combine the chilli and salt together.

Assembly

Plate the salad by arranging the sliced fruits and cucumber ribbons.
Sprinkle with the chilli salt and drizzle with the tamarind sauce.