Saladi Ya Matunda (African Tropical Fruit Salad)

A delicious fruit salad which we enjoyed for supper as well as breakfast. I made some minor changes (based on what was available in the local grocery and my fridge) to the original recipe printed in The Book Club Cookbook discussing Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. In the intro it states that a traditional African Fruit Salad, a variety of tropical fruits are chosen, making this very adaptable to whatever is available in the grocer or in the fridge.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  oranges, peeled and sectioned and cut in half
• 2  mangoes, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1  fresh pineapple, cored and diced
• 1⁄2 cantaloupes, made into melon balls using a small melon baller or 1⁄2  diced melon
• 4  bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1  lime, juice of, only
•  grated coconut, garnish
•  roasted peanuts, garnish
• 1  cup sugar
• 1  cup water

Directions

1. To make simple syrup: bring water and sugar (1 cup each) to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until syrupy, stirring. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. In a large glass bowl (or salad bowl), combine fruit, tossing gently.
3. Stir in lime or lemon juice and enough of the simple syrup to desired sweetness.
4. Cover salad and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring once.
5. Refrigerate until serving time.
6. Serve in individual bowls, garnished with coconut and peanuts.