Summer brings an abundance of delicious fruits! While a ripe peach or a handful of plump berries are perfect on their own, the real magic happens when you start combining them with other simple ingredients you may not have thought of. Pairing fruits can elevate their flavors, create exciting new taste sensations, and even boost their nutritional value.
Here are 7 fantastic summer fruit pairings, from classic combinations to more adventurous blends, perfect for snacking, salads, desserts, drinks, and more
Watermelon With Mint: This refreshing pairing is a lifesaver on a hot day. The cool, crisp sweetness of watermelon is wonderfully enhanced by the invigorating freshness of mint. Toss them together in a salad (maybe with some burrata), blend them into an agua fresca, or skewer them for a delightful appetizer.
Watermelon with Lemon or Lime juice: The citrusy zing of lemon or lime actually enhances and brings out the natural sweetness of the watermelon. It deepens the existing flavor rather than just adding a new one.
Grilled Peaches & Balsamic Glaze: Grilling stone fruit brings out their sweetness which intensifies the flavor and gives a smoky char. Balsamic glaze provides a rich, sweet, and tangy counterpoint to the peaches. The acidity of the balsamic cuts through the fruit’s sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s sophisticated and utterly addictive. This dish can be anything you want it to be – a simple, elegant dessert, a surprising addition to a savory salad, or even a unique side to grilled meats.
Berries With lemon juice/zest: Berries, while sweet, often have a subtle tartness. Lemon juice, with its bright acidity, doesn’t add sourness; it acts as a flavor enhancer. It “wakes up” and intensifies the natural sweetness of the berries, making them taste even more vibrant and fruity. This combo is great in infused waters or muddled with sparkling water or prosecco! You can try a nice berry salad with some lemon juice, sugar, and fresh mint for a delicious combo!
You can even do a berry salad with some of our fresh squeezed orange juice and a pinch of brown sugar!
Berries with Chocolate: From chocolate-dipped strawberries to a rich chocolate sauce over mixed berries, this is a universally loved pairing. The fruity notes of berries actually enhance certain undertones in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, bringing out subtle red fruit, earthy, or even floral notes. Conversely, chocolate can highlight the deeper, sweeter aspects of the berries.
Plums & Basil: Don’t knock it ’til you try it! The juicy sweetness of plums (especially red or black varieties) finds a surprisingly refreshing partner in the peppery, aromatic notes of fresh basil. Think plum and basil bruschetta, or simply sliced together in a salad with a light vinaigrette.
Cherries with Almond: A classic dessert pairing. The rich, sweet-tartness of cherries loves the nutty warmth of almond. Both cherries and almonds possess a unique aromatic profile. Almonds carry a faint, almost vanilla-like aroma, which beautifully enhances the delicate, floral notes found in cherries. Try out our recipe of the week where we use almond pizzelle as a dunking vessel for a cherry cream cheese dip! Make a tart, add some almond extract to your favorite cherry desserts, or just enjoy some cherries and toasted almonds together!
Melons with Prosciutto: the sweet, musky notes of ripe cantaloupe are heavenly with the salty, savory chew of prosciutto. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze takes it to another level, creating a sophisticated and refreshing bite.
So, this summer, go beyond the usual suspects. Pick up something new and start experimenting… You might just discover your next favorite unique summer fruit combo!