Basil-Lime Fruit Salad

• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon grated lime rind 
• 4 cups cubed pineapple (about 1 medium) 
• 3 cups quartered strawberries (about 1 pound) 
• 2 cups cubed peeled mango (about 2 large)
• 4 kiwifruit, peeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)

Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; stir in basil and rind. Cool. Strain sugar mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl; discard solids.

Combine pineapple and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with sugar mixture; toss gently.

Serves 12 (3/4 c.); 92 calories.

VERDICT: I don't think the basil-lime syrup added much to already-delicious fresh fruit, and the leftovers quickly got soggy and gross.  Toss.