Fresh Ways with Fruit

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!)

• Recipe: Mini Strawberry Shortcakes

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

• Recipe: Raspberry Lemonade Spritzer

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.

• Recipe: Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

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.

• Recipe: Veggie Ranch Wraps

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.

• Recipe: Banana Crème Brulee

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

• Recipe: Grilled Pacific Halibut with Rhubarb Compote and Balsamic Strawberries

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

• Recipe: Peach Fuzzies 

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.

• Recipe: Crab, Mango, and Cashew Dip

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.

• Recipe: Tropical Champagne Punch 

• Recipe: Watermelon, Heirloom Tomato, and Feta Salad

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.

• Recipe: Dungeness Crab Pie with Braised Apples and Meyer Lemon Crème Fraîche

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.

• Recipe: Mango Cheesecake

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

• Recipe: Fresh Pineapple Mojito

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!

• Recipe: Coconut Shrimp with Maui Mustard Sauce

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.

• Recipe: Peach-and-Blueberry Crispy Crumble

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.

• Recipe: Caribbean-spiced Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

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.

• Recipe: Coconut-Pineapple Bars

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

• Recipe: Frosty Raspberry-Lime Margarita

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

• Recipe: Blackened Yellowtail Snapper with Mango Salsa