Chocolate and hazelnut, strawberries and cream, coffee and caramel—some flavor pairings just make perfect sense. “Things taste better when there’s balance,” Stephen Chavez, Senior Chef-Instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, says. “And certain tastes tend to complement each other.”

RELATED: If Dubai Chocolate Got You Hooked, These 7 Pistachio Recipes Will Keep You Going

But sometimes, a combination surprises you. Pineapple on pizza might sound unlikely, yet according to YouGov, 22 percent of Americans can’t get enough of that sweet, savory fruit-tomato-cheese combo.

And there’s plenty more where that came from. Blueberries and beets, for example? We’re all in. Check out some of our favorite unexpected flavor pairings below.

Unlikely flavor pairings that just work

These unlikely flavor pairings may just become your new favorites. 

The All-Natural Vegan

1 Dragon fruit and matcha

Matcha is undeniably the flavor of the moment. In fact, its popularity has surged so much that Japan is struggling to keep up with demand. This growing love for matcha has inspired countless flavor pairings, with strawberry topping the list. But if you haven’t yet tried combining dragon fruit and matcha, let this be your sign. The bitter, earthy notes of matcha are perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of dragon fruit. And just like with strawberry matcha, this duo creates a stunning, vibrant color contrast that’s as good to look at as it is delicious.

Try it in a recipe: Dragon Fruit Matcha Smoothie Bowl

Well Vegan

2 Pistachio and peach

Another flavor that’s everywhere right now? Pistachio. Its rise in popularity is largely thanks to the surge of Dubai chocolate trends. But beyond that, pistachio’s rich, nutty creaminess pairs beautifully with many flavors, including peach. The juicy, sweet, and slightly floral notes of ripe peach perfectly complement pistachio’s distinctive nuttiness.

Try it in a recipe: Summer Peach Salad With Pistachios

Sara Stevens

3 Blueberries and beets

Blueberry is a classic summer favorite. Its floral, sweet, and tart flavor shines in everything from cheesecake to nectarine fruit crisps. But now, it’s time to start pairing blueberries with beets. Blueberries bring a bright, fruity sweetness, while beets offer deep, earthy notes—their balance is simply perfect.

Try it in a recipe: Blueberry Beet Smoothie Bowl

Lazy Cat Kitchen

4 Chili and raspberry

Chili is an incredibly versatile ingredient, adding a bold kick to everything from curry to wontons. But did you know it also shines in desserts? Paired with raspberry, it creates a complex, unique, and vibrant flavor profile that might just become your new favorite.

Try it in a recipe: Vegan Chili Chocolate Raspberry Cups

Sweet Lizzy

5 Miso and white chocolate

A spoonful of miso is a fantastic way to add umami and depth to a wide range of recipes. While it’s typically reserved for savory dishes, miso can also elevate desserts. Pair it with white chocolate, for example, to create an ultra-smooth, creamy texture and a luscious mouthfeel.

Try it in a recipe: Miso White Chocolate Tarts

Steph Sunshine

6 Jalapeño and lemon

This might sound like a flavor combination that would clash, but spicy and zesty actually work beautifully together. The cool, tangy lemon juice is refreshing and makes the heat from the jalapeño feel more enjoyable and lively instead of harsh.

Try it in a recipe: Vegan Jalapeño Poppers With Lemon Cashew Cream

7 Avocado and coconut

The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado make it incredibly versatile, pairing well with everything from tofu scrambles to mango and leafy greens. But if you haven’t tried it with coconut yet, you’re missing out. Neither ingredient is overpowering, yet both bring a rich, velvety, and delicious harmony to any dish.

Try it in a recipe: Silky Chocolate Avocado Mousse With Coconut Whip

Kylie Perrotti

8 Tomato and nectarine

If you haven’t tried combining tomatoes and nectarines yet, you’re in for a treat. The balance of tangy and sweet creates a combination of super refreshing and vibrant flavors, which work particularly well in salads. It’s juicy, light, and perfect for the summer months.

Try it in a recipe: Summer Nectarine and Chickpea Salad With Basil Vinaigrette