Fresh Ways with Fruit

By Jennifer Beeler
Get creative with fruit this summer, and use it in everything from appetizers and salads to cocktails and desserts.
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Mini Strawberry Shortcakes

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Instead of biscuits or shortbread, this sweet concoction uses packaged ladyfingers, which give it a light texture that's good on blazing days. Individual desserts are easy to serve—no cutting or scooping—and easy to eat. (They'll disappear in a flash!)

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Raspberry-Lemonade Spritzer

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Mix this refreshing drink just before serving to keep it bubbly.

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Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

You can go tropical and substitute chopped pineapple for the grapes and macadamia nuts for the pecans in this dish. Stir in about ½ cup coconut for even more island flavor.

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Veggie Ranch Wraps

Photo: Jennifer Davick

We like the color and flavor of spinach tortillas here, but you can substitute your favorite—red pepper or sun-dried tomato, or even plain or whole wheat versions.

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Banana Crème Brûlée

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Give this French dessert a tropical twist with fresh bananas. Helpful hint: Prepare these the night before; they need to chill in the fridge at least eight hours.

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Mango Gazpacho

Photo: Jennifer Davick
If you need to chill the soup quickly, cover it and put it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also pour the soup into a bowl and place it in a larger bowl filled with ice.
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Halibut with Rhubarb Compote and Balsamic Strawberries

Dress up your fish dinner with Balsamic Strawberries and an easy Rhubarb Compote. This is a perfect summertime meal!

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Peach Fuzzies

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Fresh peaches and pink lemonade make up this refreshing recipe. Sip it by the pool or serve it at a backyard cookout.

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Crab, Mango, and Cashew Dip

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

This dip is so good, you may have to double the recipe. Serve on pita chips for a dinner-party appetizer or as an afternoon snack.

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Tropical Champagne Punch

Photo: Jennifer Davick

This punch, with a blend of pineapple, mango, guava, and apple juices, will make you feel like you are in the tropics. A final touch of sparkling wine makes it crisp and refreshing, perfect for a party or morning brunch.

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Watermelon, Heirloom Tomato, and Feta Salad

Photo: Melanie Acevedo
This is about as fresh as you get! Pick up the heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, and fresh herbs at the famer's market for a fresh and colorful summer salad.

 

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Dungeness Crab Pie with Braised Apples and Meyer Lemon Crème Fraîche

Photo: Ray Katchatorian

Wow your guests with this tasty quiche-like brunch recipe. Braised Apples add the perfect level of sweetness balanced by the slightly tart Meyer Lemon Crème Fraîche.

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Mango Cheesecake

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Jazz up a plain cheesecake with tropical flavor by stirring in a mango puree. Create a summer garnish by topping the cake with mango slices, fresh berries, and mint sprigs.

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Fresh Pineapple Mojito

Photo: Con Poulos

The classic mojito is made even more tropical with fresh pineapple, a sweet pairing with the crisp mint.

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Coconut Shrimp with Maui Mustard Sauce

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

One of the most tropical ingredients is coconut. Pair it with shrimp and a sweet-and-spicy mustard sauce, and you have a great meal!

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Peach-and-Blueberry Crispy Crumble 

Photo: Becky Luigar-Stayner

This recipe is somewhere between a crisp and a crumble, but whatever it is, it's good! Peaches and blueberries make for a delicious combination in this summertime dessert.

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Caribbean-Spiced Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

Photo: Jean Allsopp

This recipe is much easier than it looks. The cool pineapple salsa blends well with the hot cooked shrimp, and it also tastes great on your favorite fish.

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Coconut-Pineapple Bars

Photo: Alan Richardson

Coconut and pineapple always make for a delicious combination. These bars are no exception! Top with powdered sugar and toasted coconut for an impressive presentation.

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Frosty Raspberry-Lime Margarita

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Cool off this summer with a frosty margarita made with raspberries and orange liqueur.

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Blackened Yellowtail Snapper with Mango Salsa

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

This Mango Salsa is so versatile—serve it with fish or scoop it up with chips for a tasty appetizer.

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