Fruit Salad with Rose Syrup: A Guilt-Free Indulgence for Women’s Day Brunch

Women’s Day is on 8th March and it is a day to celebrate strength, achievements and the incredible journey of women all around the world. Whether it’s a lazy brunch with friends or a grand celebration, food is always at the centre of it all. While rich and decadent desserts are lovely, sometimes a light and refreshing dish is all you need to feel energized. That’s where this Fruit Salad with Rose Syrup comes in – a vibrant, fragrant and naturally sweet treat that lets you enjoy the best of fruits with a floral twist.

The addition of rose syrup takes it to the next level, adding a subtle yet refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with seasonal fruits. The natural sweetness of mangoes, bananas, pomegranates and grapes come alive with a drizzle of rose syrup and a sprinkle of honey or jaggery. To add some crunch you can sprinkle slivered almonds or pistachios and it’s even more special for a festive brunch.

It’s fresh, colorful and packed with flavors that will leave you feeling refreshed – just what a Women’s Day brunch needs!

How To Mix Up A Delicious Fruit Salad with Rose Syrup

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup mango, diced
• 1 cup banana, sliced
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup green grapes, halved
• ½ cup black grapes, halved
• 1 tbsp rose syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp honey or powdered jaggery (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped almonds or pistachios
• ½ tsp cardamom powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp fresh rose petals (for garnish)

Method

• Wash, peel and chop the mangoes, bananas and grapes as required. Remove pomegranate seeds and keep aside.
• In a big bowl, add all the chopped fruits. Drizzle rose syrup and lemon juice over the fruits.
• If you want a little extra sweetness, add honey or powdered jaggery and mix well.
• Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios for a crunchy texture. Add a pinch of cardamom powder for a hint of flavor.
• Garnish with fresh rose petals for a festive look.
• Cover and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy a sweet and fresh treat for Women’s Day brunch!

Simple Tips and Tricks To Make the Perfect Fruit Salad with Rose Syrup

Choose the Right Mix of Fruits

A good fruit salad is all about balance, you want a mix of sweet, tangy and juicy fruits to keep every spoonful interesting. Mangoes, bananas and grapes are sweet, oranges and pomegranate are tangy. Avoid watery fruits like watermelon as they release too much juice and can make the salad soggy. If you’re including apples or pears, soak them in lemon water to prevent browning.

Use Freshly Made Rose Syrup for an Original Taste

Rose syrup is the hero ingredient, adding fragrance and a hint of floral sweetness. While store bought rose syrup is convenient, making it at home gives a fresher and more natural taste. Simply boil rose petals with sugar and water, strain and use it in the salad. If using store bought syrup, go for an original one that doesn’t have an artificial taste.

Keep the Fruits Chilled for a Refreshing Bite

A cold fruit salad tastes better, especially with rose syrup. Refrigerate your fruits for at least an hour before assembling the salad. If you’re serving it immediately, you can also put the bowl over ice to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Add a Squeeze of Lemon

A little lemon goes a long way in a fruit salad. It prevents certain fruits (like apples and bananas) from browning and balances out the sweetness of the rose syrup. Just 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon can make the salad taste more alive and fresher.

Add a Pinch of Cardamom

Want to give your fruit salad an Indian twist? Add a pinch of cardamom to the mix. It goes well with the rose syrup and gives a warm, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with mango and banana. You can also try saffron infused water for an extra festive feel.

Sprinkle Nuts and Seeds for Crunch

Adding a bit of crunch to your fruit salad makes it more fun. Lightly toasted almonds, pistachios or cashews add a subtle richness, sunflower or pumpkin seeds a healthy twist. If you prefer something chewy, toss in a few raisins or dried cranberries for an extra sweetness.

Top with Fresh Rose Petals for Extra Whimsy

Since rose syrup is already an ingredient, why not go whole hog with rose petals? They look more beautiful and add a subtle scent that goes well with the fruits. Use organic rose petals to avoid any chemicals or pesticides.