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This colorful summer fruit mix shows off the best of the season with a lovely combo of sweet stone fruits and tangy berries, all brought together with subtle flavor enhancers. The simple maple-lemon coating brings out the natural taste without being too strong.
I threw this salad together during a family meetup when the local market was packed with stone fruits. What began as a simple side has turned into our family's most asked-for summer treat, especially when we're eating outdoors.
Ingredients
- Stone fruits: Grab cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots — they should be ripe but not mushy for the right bite
- Blueberries: Go for full, dark blue ones without any damages
- Blackberries: Pick shiny, completely black ones with no reddish areas
- Lemon juice: Use the real thing for that zingy, clean taste
- Maple syrup: Gives more depth than plain sugar
- Vanilla extract: Makes the fruits taste even sweeter
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm background note that works magic with stone fruits
- Salt: A tiny bit rounds out sweetness and makes flavors pop
- Fresh thyme: The hidden gem that turns this from basic to amazing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Stone Fruits Ready:
- Give all fruits a good wash in cool water. Cut peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots into thin 1/4 inch slices. For cherries, take off stems, remove pits and cut them in half or quarters depending on how big they are. The best fruits will feel slightly soft when squeezed but won't be mushy.
- Handle the Berries:
- Wash blueberries and blackberries carefully in a strainer, then lay them out on paper towels to dry fully. Check for any stems or bad spots and remove them. Make sure berries are totally dry before you add them or they'll water down your dressing.
- Mix Up the Dressing:
- In a little bowl, stir together maple syrup and lemon juice until well mixed. Add salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, stirring until smooth. Finely cut up fresh thyme leaves, making sure to throw away any woody bits, and add to your mix. You'll end up with a thin, shiny dressing with little flecks of thyme.
- Put It All Together:
- Put all your prepared fruits in a big bowl with plenty of room for mixing. Pour your dressing evenly over everything. With two big spoons, carefully turn the mixture until all fruit pieces have a light coating. Don't mix too much or you'll crush your berries.
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Fresh thyme really changes this dish completely. I stumbled on this addition when my herb garden was going crazy one summer, and the light pine-like flavor creates a surprising depth that guests always notice but can't quite put their finger on. This flavor twist turns an everyday mix into something special enough for fancy occasions.
Make Ahead Tips
You can fix this salad up to 8 hours before serving. The dressing actually helps stop the stone fruits from turning brown, which makes this great for parties. If you're making it early, toss in the most fragile fruits like blackberries right before you serve to keep them from getting mushy. Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge and give it a gentle stir before bringing it out.
Seasonal Variations
Spring Version: Swap in strawberries, raspberries and early apricots with some mint instead of thyme
Fall Adaptation: Mix in sliced apples, pears and late plums with a bit of ginger in the dressing
Winter Holiday Edition: Toss in pomegranate seeds, mandarin pieces and some crystallized ginger
Serving Suggestions
This flexible fruit mix works in many ways. Pair it with greek yogurt for breakfast, put it on pound cake for dessert, or serve it with cheese for a fancy starter. For a special brunch idea, stack the salad in clear glasses with vanilla custard or mascarpone to create beautiful parfait layers.
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This fruit mix really captures summer in a bowl and fits right in anywhere from casual family breakfasts to fancy dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap fresh fruits for frozen ones?
Sure! Fresh fruits taste the best here, but you can use frozen ones. Just let them thaw and remove any extra liquid first.
- → How long will it stay good?
Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 2 days. The texture may change, but it'll still taste great!
- → Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
Definitely! Swap it with honey, agave, or a simple syrup if you prefer.
- → Can I use different herbs?
Yes! Try fresh mint or basil for a delicious twist on the flavor.
- → What fruits can I add in?
Feel free to mix in strawberries, raspberries, grapes, or even orange slices for some extra variety.