Getting picky eaters to try new foods can feel like a mission, especially when it comes to exotic fruits they have never seen before. But here is the twist—these fruits are not just colourful eye candy. Exotic fruits like dragon fruit, mango, and kiwi are packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, all of which help boost immunity and support digestion.

The secret to getting picky eaters on board? Making these fruits fun and approachable. When unfamiliar foods are presented in an engaging way and when kids are involved in choosing or preparing them, they are more likely to give them a try. Plus, research highlights that offering a mix of textures and flavours can make fruits more appealing. 

Ready to turn these nutritious fruits into exciting, irresistible treats? Keep reading for some creative recipes that will have picky eaters asking for more.

Exotic Fruits for Picky Eaters? Here Is How to Get Them Interested!

Getting your picky eater to try exotic fruits does not have to be a struggle. Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller offers creative ways to introduce new flavours while making it fun for your child.

From tropical smoothies to playful fruit platters, this guide helps you expand your child’s diet in a way they will love. With Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, you will discover how to make healthy eating an adventure. Get your copy now!

6 Exotic Fruit Recipes for Picky Eaters

Trying new or exotic fruits is not as difficult as it sounds. These six recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for picky eaters.

Mango Sunshine Salad

Summer sunshine in a bowl! This vibrant salad is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something fresh but do not feel like turning on the oven. We have chosen a mix of golden and colourful summer vegetables, but feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand or prefer. 

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Serves 4 (or 6 as a side salad)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup wholemeal couscous
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 block haloumi
• 1 bag mixed lettuce
• ½ red capsicum, chopped into small pieces
• ½ yellow or orange capsicum, chopped into small pieces
• 1 punnet multi-coloured small tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 large mango, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• Balsamic vinegar, to serve

Recipe

1. Boil the kettle. Place couscous into a bowl and pour over 1 and 1/3 cup of boiling water. Cover and allow to sit. Once the couscous has absorbed the water, use a fork to separate the grains and make it fluffy. Season with salt and pepper then set aside to cool slightly. 
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small frypan over medium heat. Once hot add the haloumi and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until golden. Remove from the heat. 
3. Add mixed lettuce to a large salad bowl. Top with the couscous, capsicums, tomatoes, mango, avocado and cooked halloumi. Serve with the balsamic vinegar and enjoy!

Fruity Fig Toast

Grab some ripe figs when they are in season and you will be glad you did. This sweet and simple breakfast recipe is perfect for those mornings when you are craving something a little indulgent. For a lighter snack, just halve the recipe.

Type: Vegetarian, Breakfast, Snacks

Serves 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 slices wholemeal sourdough, or dark rye bread
• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
• 2 small ripe figs, sliced
• Honey, to serve
• Chia seeds, to serve

Recipe

1. Toast the bread, then spread each slice with the cottage cheese.  
2. Arrange sliced figs on top of the cottage cheese. Drizzle the figs with a small amount of honey and sprinkle a pinch of chia seeds over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Banana Oat Bars

These bars make for a tasty, healthy snack that is great for both adults and kids when hunger hits. They are easy to store in the fridge and stay fresh for up to a week.

Type: Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks

Makes 15 bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 overripe bananas
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 heaped tablespoon natural 100% peanut or almond butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup wholemeal self-raising flour
• 1 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas), plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 2 tablespoons goji berries, or other dried fruit

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a square baking tin with baking paper.  
2. Add the bananas to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash. Add in the egg and mash to combine with the banana. 
3. Add in the olive oil, honey and peanut butter, and mix well to combine. 
4. Gently stir through the rolled oats, flour, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and goji berries. 
5. Pour the batter into your square baking tin. Place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until golden and firm to the touch. 
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the tin. Once cool, remove from the tin and slice into 15 bars. 
7. Optional: drizzle with honey and sprinkle with extra pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Raspberry Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a flexible recipe that is perfect for prepping ahead, whether for breakfast or a snack. The vibrant raspberry colour is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly 

Serves 2-3

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ overnight refrigeration)

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• ½ cup frozen raspberries
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• Greek yoghurt, to serve 
• Extra raspberries, to serve 

Recipe

1. Allow the frozen raspberries to defrost for 10-15 minutes. 
2. Add the raspberries and the milk to a blender and blend until smooth. 
3. Add in the chia seeds and stir well to combine. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before stirring again. 
4. Pour the chia pudding into 2 glasses or small bowls. Place into the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. 
5. Serve the chia puddings topped with yoghurt and extra raspberries, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Papaya Boats

Papayas are a delicious tropical fruit that is both filling and satisfying, plus they contain an enzyme that aids digestion. This simple recipe makes for a quick summer breakfast or a refreshing snack. Just pick your favourite high-protein yoghurt option to complete it.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Breakfast, Snacks, Contains Nuts

Serves 2-4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large papaya
• 1 lime
• 4 heaped tablespoons yoghurt
• Handful toasted muesli (e.g. IWL Morning Muesli or Nutty Tahini Granola)
• Handful pepitas

Recipe

1. Using a large knife, slice the papaya in half. Use a spoon to scoop out all the black seeds in the middle of the papaya. 
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the papaya halves. 
3. Fill the hollow space in the papaya halves with the yoghurt.
4. Sprinkle the toasted muesli and pepitas over the top. Serve immediately and dig in!

Strawberry Chocolate Bark

This quick and easy snack is perfect for a fun Valentine's Day treat. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. 

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Serves 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+2hrs refrigeration)

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 punnet strawberries
• 3 tablespoons natural 100% peanut butter
• 100g 80% dark chocolate 

Recipe

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 
2. Wash the strawberries and pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. 
3. Thinly slice the strawberries and arrange the slices in a single layer on the tray. Try to fit the slices as close together as possible so there are no gaps in between. 
4. Place the peanut butter into a small bowl and microwave for 15 second increments until the peanut butter is thin and runny. Spread the peanut butter in a thin layer on top of the strawberries. 
5. Place into the fridge for at least 1 hour to set. 
6. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place into a small bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted. 
7. Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer on top of the peanut butter. It won’t be perfectly even, but ensure that all the strawberries are covered. 
8. Place into the fridge for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set. 
9. Use a large knife to cut the strawberry bark into roughly 10 square pieces. 
10. Eat immediately and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a light breakfast, or a fun treat, these easy-to-make recipes using exotic fruits are sure to please picky eaters of all ages. In addition, they are simple to prepare, store well, and offer a healthy twist on traditional snacks. Enjoy the variety, and get creative with your fruit options.

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.