Tropical Pineapple Paradise Dish (Printer-Friendly)

A colorful pineapple-centered tropical fruit display featuring fresh, vibrant fruits for a refreshing treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit Centerpiece

01 - 1 large ripe pineapple, halved vertically, core trimmed, flesh scored for easy serving

→ Tropical Fruits

02 - 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
03 - 1 mango, peeled and sliced
04 - 1 papaya, peeled, seeded, and sliced
05 - 1 small dragon fruit, peeled and sliced
06 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
07 - 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
08 - ½ cup blueberries
09 - ½ cup raspberries
10 - ½ cup pomegranate arils

→ Garnish

11 - ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
12 - Fresh mint leaves

# Method:

01 - Position the pineapple half cut-side up in the center of a large serving platter. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern using a paring knife, preserving the skin and leaves for presentation.
02 - Fan mango, papaya, and dragon fruit slices outward from the pineapple, alternating colors to enhance visual appeal.
03 - Distribute kiwi slices, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and pomegranate arils around the pineapple, filling spaces evenly to create a symmetrical, lush arrangement.
04 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the assembled fruits for texture and tropical flair.
05 - Decorate with fresh mint leaves to add color and fragrance.
06 - Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly takes just 25 minutes and zero cooking—pure magic with a sharp knife
  • Every bite delivers natural sweetness and refreshing flavors that feel indulgent without any guilt
  • It's vegan, gluten-free, and so stunning on the table that guests always ask for the recipe
  • You can prep it ahead and refrigerate, making it the perfect stress-free centerpiece for any gathering
02 -
  • The pineapple must be ripe—if it's not fragrant, it won't taste sweet enough to deserve the spotlight. Never use an underripe pineapple thinking it will improve; it won't.
  • Cut all your fruits right before assembling if possible, or store cut pieces separately in an airtight container, then assemble just before serving. Once fruit is cut and exposed to air, it loses its vibrant color and starts to oxidize.
  • Wet hands make this slippery work, so dry your hands frequently and use a cutting board with a damp towel underneath to prevent sliding.
03 -
  • Score the pineapple flesh in a crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep—deep enough to be useful but not so deep that you lose the structural integrity of the fruit
  • Wear an apron for this project. Tropical fruit juices stain, and trust me, you'll thank yourself later
  • If you can't find dragon fruit or it's wildly expensive, substitute with starfruit or even thinly sliced jicama for that wow factor without breaking the budget
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