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What are your favorite, unusual summer food combinations? Pineapple on pizza? Vanilla ice cream and olive oil? After reading this article, you’ll realize that these combinations pale in comparison to what we have in store for you.

People like unusual combinations for a variety of reasons, from cultural influences to pregnancy-related cravings or just plain quirkiness. If you’re looking to challenge your taste buds this summer, here are unusual food combinations you might like — or not.

Why some people like strange food combinations

You may have come across the TikTok trend where people try the weirdest food combinations. Some have been just a little bit odd, from Hot Cheetos and pickles to elote and pasta.

However, some people have managed to do it with wild combinations like peanut butter with onions and watermelon with cucumbers. Whatever the case, it makes you wonder: Why do we like eating strange food combinations so much?

According to an article by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, some people are attracted to unusual food combinations because they feel the thrill of novelty and the accompanying excitement of their taste buds. This spirit of adventure stimulates the brain’s reward system, making the experience enjoyable and memorable.

However, if you’re not doing it for the trend or the thrill, some weird food combinations make sense. When you think about it, these combinations are considered weird because they have opposing tastes.

Take potato chips and chocolate, for example. These foods are delicious on their own, but they also taste great together. The Escoffier School of Culinary Arts explains that the balance of these flavors helps spread the taste across the tongue, stimulating more taste buds. The result? A beautiful flavor profile.

7 unusual combos that are trendy this summer

Want to jump on the trend with unusual but potentially delicious summer food combinations? Who knows, you might love them, hate them, or fall somewhere in between.

Whatever the outcome, it’s a worthy challenge for your taste buds. Here are some examples to get you started.

Avocado and chocolate

Avocados make a creamy, chocolatey dessert that’s healthier than traditional pudding and surprisingly delicious. The avocado provides a rich texture and healthy fats, while the chocolate adds sweetness and flavor.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding is perfect for those looking for a nutritious yet delicious treat, and it’s a great starter combination for those who aren’t ready to venture into the wildest options.

Grilled watermelon

Grilled fruit isn’t such an unusual concept, but some people may not be familiar with it. If you’ve never tried grilled watermelon, you should definitely try the smoky deliciousness this summer.

Grilling brings out the watermelon’s natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. The heat from the grill caramelizes the watermelon, creating a gorgeous contrast between the charred outside and the juicy inside. This unique twist on a summer classic is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or refreshing dessert.

After grilling your burgers, clean your grill thoroughly before placing your watermelon on it so that no meat residue is left on your fruit. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning your entire grill, use a grill pan.

Peanut butter and cucumber

Craving something sweet and salty? Skip the salted caramel popcorn and try this combination instead.

According to the New York Times, this surprisingly controversial combination has achieved cult status. The creamy, salty peanut butter pairs surprisingly well with the tangy, crunchy cucumbers. It’s a quick and easy snack that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, so try it for yourself.

And if you want something with a more intense flavor than pickles? Hear me out, try a piece of peanut butter with pickled eggs. The sweetness, the tartness, and the saltiness are all there, but with an added touch of richness from the yolk.

French fries and ice cream

Here’s an option that’s familiar to most of us. Who hasn’t dipped their fries in a milkshake?

The contrast between hot chips and cold ice cream is particularly delicious. A great treat that combines two popular comfort foods into one enjoyable experience. It’s also a great snack for summer barbecues, as you probably already have these foods on the table.

Fruit balsamic glaze

Did you know that many South and Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and the Philippines, dip their fruit in salty dishes? Salt is the most popular choice, but soy sauce and shrimp paste are also good candidates. The salt balances out the sweetness of the fruit, and as mentioned, these contrasting flavors create a balanced flavor profile.

Balsamic glazed fruit follows the same principle. Drizzle balsamic glaze over fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness and add a tart complexity. Enjoy this sophisticated combination as a refreshing appetizer or dessert.

Mango and chili powder

Mango and chili powder are a popular combination in Mexico and some Southeast Asian countries like Thailand. The heat of the chili powder enhances the sweetness of the mango, creating a bold and flavorful treat that’s perfect for summer.

Fresh mangoes work best for this combination. If your local restaurant has ripe mangoes, you should definitely choose those first. If you can only find unripe mangoes, the flavor profile is a nice mix of sour and spicy, which is also worth trying.

Watermelon and feta cheese

Imagine biting into a juicy piece of watermelon, its sweetness and refreshing texture instantly quenching your thirst. Now imagine this delicious experience enhanced by the salty, creamy texture of feta cheese. It sounds a little strange at first, but you’ll love it.

Whether you’re lounging poolside or hosting a barbecue, this colorful salad is the star of the show. For an extra flavor boost, add a sprinkle of fresh mint or basil.

Final thoughts

Weird food combinations aren’t just a trend, they’re actually a great way to stimulate your taste buds and expand your palate. Even if they seem unappealing at first, there’s no harm in trying them out.

Try this summer’s craziest food combinations and you’ll know what I mean. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your next food obsession.

Jessica Haggard helps people cook simple everyday recipes with a focus on bioavailable and nutrient-dense foods. At Primal Edge Health, she helps people overcome food allergies and discover healthy recipes that positively impact their health, with gluten-free, low-carb and ketogenic cuisine.