If there’s one dish that captures summer in a bowl, it’s Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup. This vibrant medley is bursting with juicy peaches, sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all brought together by a zippy lemon-mint syrup that’s refreshing and irresistible. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this is the kind of simple recipe that makes the most of peak-season fruit and turns any meal into a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
Berries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
Lemon-Mint Syrup:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
How to Make Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup
Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup
Start by making your homemade syrup—you’ll be amazed how just a few essential ingredients come together to create something special. In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and fragrant lemon zest. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the kitchen smells bright and citrusy. This should only take a few minutes!
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Cool
Once the sugar has melted into the water, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then let the mixture cool to room temperature. If you have a few extra minutes, popping the pot in the fridge will help the syrup chill even faster.
Step 3: Stir in Fresh Mint
When your syrup is cool, it’s time to add the magic: chopped fresh mint. Stir it in and take a moment to savor the wonderful aroma—it’s the kind of scent that promises something extraordinary is about to happen. The mint infuses the syrup with aromatic, herbal freshness you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 4: Toss the Fruit
In a large mixing bowl, add your perfectly sliced peaches, halved strawberries, blueberries, and tender raspberries. Gently pour the lemon-mint syrup over the fruit, then use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss until every piece glistens. Take care not to mash the berries—a gentle hand keeps everything looking beautiful.
Step 5: Chill and Meld the Flavors
The secret to truly irresistible Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup is a brief chilling period. Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. As the fruit sits, the flavors mingle, the juices combine with the syrup, and every bite becomes more intensely flavorful and refreshing.
How to Serve Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup
Garnishes
This salad already shines, but a few finishing touches can make it extra special! Scatter a handful of extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top just before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and fragrance that makes your Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup stunning on the table.
Side Dishes
While this salad is perfect on its own, it also makes a delightful pairing with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cool spoonful of Greek yogurt. At brunch, serve it alongside flaky croissants or scones, or offer it as a bright complement to a savory quiche.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Serve Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup in individual glass cups for a fancy dinner party, layer it into parfaits with yogurt and granola for breakfast, or spoon it over pound cake for a fuss-free dessert. Little ones love it in popsicle molds, too—the ultimate summer treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the salad (syrup and all) to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, though the fruit will release more juices as it sits.
Freezing
Freezing Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup isn’t recommended, as the delicate berries and peaches can become mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze the lemon-mint syrup on its own and use it later to freshen up other seasonal fruits.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold or lightly chilled, so no reheating is necessary! If you want to bring out the fruit’s juiciness after refrigeration, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute other fruits in Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup?
Absolutely! Nectarines, blackberries, or even cherries are fabulous swaps or additions. The lemon-mint syrup is wonderfully versatile and complements just about any fruit you love.
How far ahead can I make this fruit salad?
You can prepare Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup a few hours in advance, but it tastes best the same day. For optimal texture and flavor, toss the fruit and syrup together no more than four to six hours before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan or gluten-free diet?
Yes—Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup is naturally vegan and gluten-free! It’s a fresh, healthy dessert option for all kinds of eaters at your gathering.
What’s the best way to slice the peaches?
Slice the peaches into thin, even wedges just before you’re ready to assemble the salad. This keeps them juicy and perfectly tender—no browning or mushiness here!
Can I make the lemon-mint syrup in advance?
Definitely. The lemon-mint syrup can be made and chilled up to three days in advance. Just add the fresh mint right before mixing with the fruit for the brightest flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to capture sunshine and simplicity in a single bowl, you can’t go wrong with Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup. It’s the easiest way to wow your friends and family, whether you’re at a picnic or hosting a fancy brunch. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your favorite summer fruits and give this refreshing recipe a try today!
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Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with this delightful Peaches and Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup recipe. Sweet ripe peaches, juicy strawberries, and a burst of blueberries and raspberries are tossed in a zesty lemon-mint syrup for a vibrant and light dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
Berries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
Lemon-Mint Syrup:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon-Mint Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and lemon zest. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Cool to room temperature, then mix in chopped mint.
- Combine Fruit with Syrup: Gently toss peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with the lemon-mint syrup in a bowl until coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled, garnished with extra mint if desired.
Notes
- This fruit salad is best enjoyed the same day.
- Try swapping peaches for nectarines or adding blackberries for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
