Yummy cool-off fruit recipes

If you’re looking for cool and fun ways to keep meals healthy and fresh this season, try these easy, fast and totally sweet fruit recipes.

Strawberry and balsamic salad

Strawberry and balsamic salad strikes a delicious balance between savory and sweet.

1. Top greens with thin slices of red onions, almonds, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or feta cheese and sliced strawberries.
2. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top with a dash of olive oil, toss and enjoy.

Frozen berries and cream pops

This is an easy family favorite.

1. Mix one cup of vanilla yogurt with 1/2 cup of whipped cream and then fold in one cup of your favorite chopped, summer berries.
2. Fill popsicle molds (or freezer friendly cups) with the mixture and pop in the freezer for at least four hours before serving.

Watermelon slush

Watermelon is the favorite summertime fruit in my home. It’s perfect served by itself as a snack, mixed in a salad as a side dish or served as a refreshing slushy. Watermelon slush is easy to make and is a perfect distraction to high temperatures.

1. Crush one cup of ice in the blender.
2. Add three cups of diced watermelon with two tablespoons of lime juice, one tablespoon of honey and 1/2 cup of water, white soda or vodka to the blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses, throw in a straw, serve and enjoy.

It’s that easy and it’s oh-so refreshing!

Frozen grapes

The name says it all! To make frozen grapes, all you need is your favorite type of seedless grapes and a little bit of time. Simply wash the grapes, spread them out on a cookie sheet in one layer and freeze. Try mixing green and red grapes for a more colorful snack. Each bite will cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth. Just don’t let them thaw because they may turn to mush. Frozen grapes are a great family treat, but they really aren’t appropriate for little children, as they are a choking hazard.

Mango salsa

Fruit salsa is a sweet and savory summertime dish that is always a hit for backyard barbeques and pool parties. Recipes may vary — that’s the beauty of making salsa — but the key is to find a balance between the sweetness of the mango and heat from jalapeno. Not sure where to start?

1. Peel and dice one mango, and combine it with one to two tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeno, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, one to two tablespoons of lime juice and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of finely chopped cilantro leaves.
2. Peel and dice one small cucumber and combine it with the mango mixture.
3. Clean and dice one medium red pepper and combine it with the mango mixture.
4. Refrigerate the salsa for at least one hour before serving. It’s great with tortilla chips or served on top of grilled chicken or fish.

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