The inspiration for this refreshingly zippy fruit salad comes from the outdoor Mexican fruit stands, the “puestos de frutas” that serve fresh fruit with a pinch of chili powder, as well as water and juice.

So, here’s a recipe for the home cook starting with fresh strawberries, adding mango and pineapple, plus lime and orange juice. It’s easy to make — and will be more and more welcome as the weather gets warmer.

Mexican Fruit Salad

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4 cups (about 1 1/4 pounds) halved stemmed strawberries

2 cups mango chunks

2 cups melon chunks

1 cup pineapple chunks

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Mexican Fruit Salad uses fresh strawberries, mango and pineapple. The recipe also calls for lime, orange juice and chili powder.

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chili powder

In large bowl, combine strawberries, mango, melon and pineapple. Add orange juice, lime juice, sugar, salt and chili powder to taste; mix well.

Makes 8 servings.

Tip: If desired, add 2 tablespoons tequila to fruit salad; mix well.

Nutrition information per serving: 105 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 152 milligrams sodium, 26 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber and 1 gram protein.