Jalapeno-Lime Watermelon Salad

JALAPEÑO-LIME SIMPLE SYRUP 

¼ cup Fresh Thyme organic unrefined cane sugar 

¼ cup water 

1 jalapeño, thinly sliced* 

1 lime, zested and juiced 

1 tsp. vanilla bean paste 

FRUIT SALAD 

1½ tsp. Fresh Thyme organic unrefined cane sugar 

1 tsp. Simply Organic chili-lime seasoning 

1 mini seedless watermelon, cut into ½-inch-thick wedges, about 4 lbs. 

2 lbs. strawberries, hulled and halved 

2 lbs. fresh sweet cherries, halved and pitted 

1 lime, zested 

1. For jalapeño-lime simple syrup, in a medium saucepan, stir together ¼ cup sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat; reduce heat. Add jalapeño slices and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; reserve jalapeños. Stir in 2 tsp. lime zest, juice, and vanilla bean paste; cool.
2. In a small bowl, stir together 1½ tsp. sugar and chili-lime seasoning; set aside.
3. In a large oval serving platter, arrange watermelon wedges in the center. Gently toss ¼ cup simple syrup and strawberries together. Place on one side of the watermelon. In the same bowl, toss together remaining ¼ cup simple syrup and cherries. Place on the other side of watermelon. Tuck reserved jalapeños in and around cherries and strawberries.
4. Right before serving, sprinkle fruit with chili-lime-sugar mixture and 2 tsp. lime zest. 

*Chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes. When working with jalapeño peppers, wear protective gloves. 

Each serving contains: 130 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 29 g sugar, 2 g protein. Daily values: 0% vitamin D, 2% calcium, 6% iron, 10% potassium.