Very Versatile Fruit Salad

I'll admit, this is my ultimate summer potluck don't-have-time-or-inspiration-to-bring-a-complicated-dish savior. It isn't a cop-out by any means though and always gets compliments. It is also a nice one to have in the back of your head for a quick side dish with any meal you feel needs rounding out.

Very Versatile Fruit Salad

Choose 3-5 of the below fruits:

Apple

Banana

Tangarine

Orange

Peach

Pear

Nectarine

Honeydew*

Mango

Plum

Apricot

Grapes

Raisens

Craisens

Cantalope*

Pineapple*
Watermelon*

Canned Peaches

Canned Mandarin Oranges

Canned Pears

Depending on the amount of fruit salad you want, start with 1-2 pieces of each fruit (1/4-1/2 of any melon). If you are not sure what amount you want, go with less first, it is always easier to add more fruit than take it away. Peel, chop, and de-seed your chosen fruits as necessary and throw in a bowl. Add the juice of 1 lime or ½ a lemon—this adds some zesty flavor and stops everything from turning brown so fast—along with ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp clove powder, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger, and 1 tsp vanilla extract*. Stir and Serve.

Using fresh fruits is preferable, but depending on the time of year and fullness of the fridge, using a can of fruit can help round the salad out nicely. I prefer manadarin oranges above any other canned fruit. Raisens/craisens and grapes are excellent accent fruits/flavors that make the salad seem more exciting.

*When using honeydew, cantalope or watermelon in the mix, I would recommend omitting the cinnamon and sometimes using a little less of each spice. The salad won't be ruined if you choose not to mess with the spices, but for some reason, I normally do when using these three fruits.