Fruit salad refresh

Move over marshmallows and mandarin oranges — it’s time for an update on the classic fruit salad. Most fruits are friendly with each other, but being a little more selective as to who mingles with whom can lead to a piquant playground of flavors. And fruit shouldn’t be the only ingredient in your fruit salad. The addition of a vegetable provides an earthy, savory contrast to fruit’s sweetness while herbs and spices add depth of flavor.

Tips for a well-curated fruit salad

Selecting your ingredients:

• Look for a combination of acidity, sweetness, texture and color when selecting fruits and veggies.

• Think easy and simple when choosing a dressing. Add a splash of citrus juice or vinegar, or a dollop of yogurt.

• Punch it up. Mix in a handful of chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkling of spice.

• Add some interest. Toss in chopped nuts, toasted coconut or salty cheese.

Assembling:

• Allow firmer, crunchier fruits and veggies to marinate with heartier herbs and spices for a few hours.

• Toss fruits that tend to discolor, such as peaches, pears, apples, etc., with a bit of citrus or vinegar to prevent from browning.

• Add soft fruits and herbs, such as berries and basil, and ingredients that tend to bleed, such as berries and beets, just before serving.

Combinations we love

• Melons + jicama + lime juice + chile powder + cilantro + cotija cheese
• Pineapple + apricots + cucumber + yogurt + star anise + coconut flakes
• Peaches + plums + tomatoes + balsamic vinegar + basil
• Blackberries + roasted beets + red wine vinegar + turbinado sugar + mint + sliced almonds