Recipes for Savory Dishes with Fruit

En Español

Sometimes adding fruits to a savory dish can improve it greatly, and we certainly aren't afraid of experimenting. Here are some great recipes to try.

The culinary definition of fruit is pretty different from the botanical definition. Tomato, avocado, and plantain —for example— are fruits, but we're not talking about those here. When we say "fruit" in this context, we know it means the sweet kind.

In our country mixing sweet and savory ingredients has a long history, and sometimes can be as simple as serving a banana alongside your lunch meal. Yes, we love ripe bananas with our plate of rice, beans, and meat.

But in our blog, we have gone beyond the traditional and dug into our treasure trove of fruits to combine them with our savory dishes in new and interesting ways. Let's explore them.

Salads

Savory salads with fruit are some of my favorite. There's something so refreshing in mixing savory ingredients and fruits in salads that makes them so much more interesting.

Some of these can be served as entrees too. The ceviche recipe is perfect to serve as an appetizer.

[Recipe + Video] Rice and Pineapple Salad

Leftover rice can be reused in this spectacularly colorful salad that is just perfect for summer meals, cookouts, and BBQ days.

Open the recipe ➜

[Recipe + Video] Vegan Green Papaya Salad

Try this Green Papaya Salad where vegetables combine with salty and sweet and a hint of spiciness in a plate that can be served as a salad, or a light side dish.

Open the recipe ➜

Shrimp and Mango Ceviche Salad Recipe

Shrimp and Mango Ceviche Salad Recipe: Inspired by the classic South American dish, this salad is great for summer, when cooking isn't that fun.

Open the recipe ➜

[Recipe + Video] Mango and Shrimp Salad

Grilled shrimp with unripe mangos are the new taste of summer! You'll love this simple salad that will brighten your BBQ day.

Open the recipe ➜

[Recipe + Video] Ensalada Rusa (“Russian” Potato Salad)

Learn how to make ensalada rusa, our favorite potato salad. We show you 2 ways to make ensalada rusa, or ensalada mixta as it's call in the Dominican Republic.

Open the recipe ➜

[Recipe + Video] Lighter Creamy Potato Salad with No Mayo

A great substitute for our traditional stodgier one, this no-mayo potato salad is lighter and much healthier all around.

Open the recipe ➜

Meats

Adding fruits to your savory dishes should not only be limited to salads, you can also make your main dish with fruits. Some meats go especially well with some fruits, and here you have some recipes to get you inspired.

[Recipe + Video] Grilled Pork Chops with Green Mango Salsa

These glazed grilled pork chops with green mango salsa prove how versatile mango is. You'll love the sweet and savory salsa and the lovely texture of the green mango.

Open the recipe ➜

Quail with Rum and Apple Recipe

Quail with Rum and Apple Recipe: inspired by our custom of adding rum to some dishes, which make this incredibly good.

Open the recipe ➜

[Recipe + Video] Homemade BBQ Spicy Guava Sauce

Looking for a flavorful, amazing, homemade BBQ sauce? This BBQ guava sauce will be taking your parrillada to the next level. Even better, it's quick and easy to make.

Open the recipe ➜

Spicy Beef with Peppers and Orange Recipe

Spicy Beef with Peppers and Orange Recipe: This flavorful dish is not only super-fast, but also easy to make. Perfect for lazy weekends.

Open the recipe ➜

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple Recipe

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple Recipe: pineapple and pork simply pair wonderfully together, especially in Asian-inspired dishes, like this one.

Open the recipe ➜

What do you think of mixing fruits in savory dishes? Have you ever had a banana with your lunch meal? I'd love to hear your opinion.

Buen provecho!