Bright, summery, and effortlessly elegant—this stone fruit salad brings together the juiciest stone fruits drizzled in a lemon‑thyme syrup. Perfect for brunch, a light dessert, or a backyard BBQ.
🍑 Stone Fruit Salad with Lemon-Thyme Syrup
When stone fruits are at their peak and practically begging to be eaten, this simple yet elegant salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. Naturally sweet peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots are sliced and dressed in a delicate lemon-thyme syrup that enhances their flavor without overpowering it.
It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes to make. Just a few pantry ingredients, a handful of fresh herbs, and a bit of time to make a syrup—and you’ve got a fruit salad that’s as fitting for a weeknight dessert as it is for a dinner party or weekend brunch.
Light and endlessly customizable, this stone fruit salad is summer in a bowl. Serve it on its own, with a dollop of yogurt, or alongside a crisp glass of white wine for an easy yet elevated finish to any warm-weather meal.
🍒 What Are Stone Fruits?
Let's talk about what makes a fruit a “stone fruit”. A stone fruit has a fleshy outer layer surrounding a hard “stone” or pit. Common examples are peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries—fruits that peak in flavor during summer.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll often find included under the stone fruit umbrella:
| Fruit Type | Examples |
| Traditional | Peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, cherries |
| Hybrids | Pluots, plumcots, apriums |
These fruits are ideally suited for this recipe because their natural sweetness, aromatic fragrance, and tender texture pair beautifully with the bright lemon‑thyme syrup, making each bite delightfully nuanced.
Why This Fruit Salad Works
- Seasonal Simplicity – Highlighting peak-ripe stone fruits lets their natural sweetness shine.
- Elevated Yet Easy – The lemon‑thyme syrup adds sophistication without fussiness.
- Flexible & Stunning – Use your favorite stone fruits or whatever looks best at the market. Beautiful served on a platter or in bowls.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need—and why it works:
- Assorted Stone Fruit – Choose a colorful mix of seasonal favorites like peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots. Their varied textures and flavors make the salad visually stunning and taste-balanced.
- Apricot Spread & Water – Used as a naturally sweet base for the syrup. Choose a low-sugar or naturally-sweetened version if possible.
- Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice – Adds zing and bright citrus fragrance to the syrup.
- Thyme – Infuses an herbal note that complements the fruit. Lemon thyme is especially lovely, but regular thyme works just as well.
- Optional Toppings – Toasted nuts like almonds add a lovely crunch; yogurt offers creaminess if serving as a brunch or lighter breakfast option.
👩🍳 How to Make This Stone Fruit Salad
- Prepare the Lemon‑Thyme Syrup
In a small saucepan, whisk apricot spread with water, then add lemon zest and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, remove from heat, and steep for 10–15 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, cool, and chill - Assemble the Fruit Salad
Slice your stone fruits and arrange in a serving bowl. Drizzle chilled syrup over the top and toss gently to coat. - Optional Finishes
For added texture and flavor, top with toasted almonds or serve alongside yogurt.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Mix and match different stone fruits to taste.
- Swap apricot spread for peach or another lightly flavored fruit spread.
- Experiment with lavender or rosemary instead of thyme for another flavor twist.
- Omit the herb for a kid-friendly version.
✨ Final Thoughts
This stone fruit salad with lemon-thyme syrup is summer simplicity at its finest. It’s light, refreshing, and subtly elegant—perfect for when you want something sweet but not heavy. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying an afternoon snack, this dish highlights summer’s best fruits in the most beautiful way.
More Summer Fruit Recipes:
Stone Fruit Salad with Lemon Thyme Syrup
For a light and refreshing dessert, try this stone fruit salad. Made with peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots in a lemon and thyme-infused syrup, it’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or a backyard BBQ!
Ingredients
For the lemon-thyme syrup:
- 2 Tablespoons/38g naturally sweetened apricot fruit spread
- 3 Tablespoons/45ml filtered water
- The leaves from 4-5 branches of thyme
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest, grated on a microplane
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the fruit salad:
- 2lbs/907g assorted stone fruit such as peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots, pitted and sliced
- Optional: yogurt to serve or lightly toasted sliced almond to top
Instructions
- Whisk together apricot spread, water, thyme leaves and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover, remove from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, pour syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.
- When ready to serve, place sliced fruit in a shallow bowl and drizzle with chilled syrup. Toss gently to coat. Serve with yogurt and toasted sliced almonds on the side if desired.
Notes
Variations:
Use different combinations of stone fruit.
Use honey instead of apricot spread for a non-vegan version.
Use dried lavender or fresh rosemary instead of thyme to infuse the syrup.
For a child-friendly version omit the fresh thyme.
Storage
Salad is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Dietary info
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Bionaturae Organic Apricot Fruit Spread - Jelly Organic, Non-GMO, USDA Certified, No Sugar Added, No Preservatives, Organic Fruit Jam, Jam Organic, Made in Italy - 9 Oz -
Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater — Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Ginger, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Vegetables, Fruits - Razor-Sharp Stainless Steel Blade, Wide, Dishwasher Safe
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 4gSugar: 29gProtein: 4g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Jeanne @ CookSister! says
How beautiful... I love the lemon-thyme combo too. And simple desserts like this really are the best - why tamper with perfection?
Caitlin says
This looks and sounds divine!!
Sherilyn @ Wholepromise says
How delightfully simple!
naomi says
So lovely, Sylvie. I always love how easy your recipes are to make but sooo rich in flavor and color.
Of course the shots as gorgeous. I love that second to last one best. 🙂
nipponnin says
Sooo pretty! I like to take pictures like that.
Cookie and Kate says
Look at that gorgeous, gorgeous lighting. Beautiful photos and recipe, Sylvie! I love fresh, simple summer desserts like this.
foodwanderings says
Love end of the summer light and simple stone fruit dessert! Really lovely touch with the thyme.