15 Unexpected Recipes That Use Fruit in Creative Ways

Fruit isn’t just for desserts; it can also bring a surprising twist to your main course. These 15 recipes show how easy it is to incorporate fruit into savory dishes, adding new flavors and textures. From juicy grilled meats to hearty salads, fruit can complement your recipes in unexpected ways. These recipes will help you think outside the box for your next meal.

Grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham, pineapple and Jarlsberg cheese garnished with green onion. — Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Filet mignon with peach mango cilantro sauce is a rich, savory dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The tender filet mignon is topped with a fresh, fruity sauce made from peaches, mango, and cilantro. The sweet fruit contrasts perfectly with the richness of the steak. This dish is perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip with pineapple mango red pepper salsa is a juicy, tangy dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The tri-tip is grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh salsa made from pineapple, mango, and red peppers. The salsa adds a bright, tropical flavor that pairs well with the meat. This dish is perfect for a summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface. — 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

25-minute bacon-avocado ground beef burger is a satisfying, savory meal that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The burger features ground beef, bacon, and avocado for a rich, creamy flavor. The avocado adds creaminess, while the bacon adds a savory crunch. This burger is quick, easy, and filling.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Pomegranate Glazed Whole Salmon

Pomegranate glazed whole salmon is a flavorful main course that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The salmon is baked with a tangy pomegranate glaze, creating a sweet and savory flavor. The result is a rich, juicy fish with a slightly tart finish. This dish is perfect for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Glazed Whole Salmon

1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice

A close-up of a dish featuring seasoned rice topped with cooked chicken pieces. The meal is garnished with fresh parsley, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios, served on a white plate. — 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

1-pot pomegranate chicken and rice is a one-pan dish that takes about 40 minutes to make. The dish features chicken cooked with rice and a pomegranate glaze for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. The pomegranate pairs well with the savory chicken, creating a balanced taste. This is a perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice

Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl Recipe

Delicious chicken teriyaki pineapple bowl is a tropical, flavorful dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The chicken is cooked with teriyaki sauce and served with fresh pineapple for a sweet and savory combination. The pineapple adds a refreshing bite that pairs perfectly with the chicken. This bowl is light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Pineapple chicken fried rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The fried rice features chicken, pineapple, and a mix of vegetables for a savory-sweet combination. The pineapple adds a burst of freshness that balances the savory flavors. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Lemon dill salmon and asparagus is a light, fresh dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The salmon is baked with lemon and dill, while the asparagus is roasted to perfection. The result is a simple, flavorful meal with bright, citrusy notes. This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate. — Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork chops and applesauce with blackberries is a comforting, savory-sweet dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The pork chops are served with a homemade applesauce and topped with fresh blackberries. The blackberries add a tart element to balance the sweetness of the applesauce. This dish is hearty and perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet. — Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon garlic scallops are a quick, flavorful main course that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The scallops are sautéed with garlic and lemon for a savory, citrusy flavor. The result is a tender, slightly sweet seafood dish. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Roasted Salmon On A Bed Of Apples And Potatoes

Roasted salmon on a bed of apples and potatoes is a hearty, balanced dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The salmon is roasted with apples and potatoes, adding a sweet and savory element to the fish. The apples give a slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the salmon. This dish is comforting and filling.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Salmon On A Bed Of Apples And Potatoes

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes. — Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus glazed pork chops are a juicy, flavorful dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The pork chops are cooked with a tangy citrus glaze that adds a zesty, slightly sweet flavor. The citrus brightens up the savory pork, making it a refreshing yet hearty meal. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts

Pomegranate chicken with walnuts is a rich, flavorful dish that takes about 35 minutes to prepare. The chicken is cooked with pomegranate and topped with toasted walnuts for a savory, nutty flavor. The pomegranate adds a sweet-tart contrast to the chicken. This dish is perfect for a festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts

Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema

Side view of salmon skewers with more in background. — Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Peach salmon skewers with peach jalapeno crema is a smoky, spicy dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The salmon is grilled on skewers and topped with a creamy peach jalapeno sauce. The sauce adds a fresh, spicy contrast to the rich salmon. This dish is great for summer grilling.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled Hawaiian chicken is a tropical, flavorful dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The chicken is marinated in a pineapple-based sauce, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. The grilling adds a smoky finish to the tender chicken. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken