As the weather really starts to heat up, it’s a nice indulgence to spend a day outside (by the water if you’re lucky), with a midday refreshment to cool off, refuel, or indulge that inner sweet tooth. Scorching temperatures (ie. bathing suit weather) often mean that nobody wants to gorge on a really heavy dessert or spend too much time slaving away over a hot stove. So I’ve compiled a directory of lighter, no-bake, no-fuss, fruit-based recipes, from items that you can quickly serve up in a glass to regale your companions, simply throw together as a snack for yourself, or bring to a larger crowd. You’ll at least get a taste of a tropical vacation…
If you’re looking for…
Quick fixes for a little protein and a lot of fruit—great ideas options for breakfast, post-swim or workout, or afternoon snack:
- Berry Parfait with Coconut Granola. Layer a cute glass with yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and granola for a quick but fancy-looking treat!
- Or try this similar “split” with raspberries and bananas, Yogurt Breakfast Split.
- Tropical Fruit Smoothie – Get a little adventurous and try this high-protein smoothie that blends frozen papaya, pineapple, and mango with tofu.
Sweet tropical dessert drinks to refresh and kick off the fun:
- Pina Colada Smoothie – An alcohol-free pina colada with coconut milk and pineapple wedges.
- Southern Comfort Punch – Careful, this is an adult beverage, a giant punch bowl filled with sliced citrus fruits, ginger ale, and whiskey.
- Lime Sherbet Punch – Cool off with a tall glass of this bright, tangy beverage garnished with lime and spoonfuls of sherbet.
Unique takes on classic fruit salads:
- Fruit Salad with Honey Dressing – Combine avocado and poppyseed honey-mustard dressing with your favorite fruits (we like apple, banana, but you could try with mango or peaches), and serve in little lettuce cups!
- Ambrosia – A colorful, sweet-and-sour, coconut-topped staple that holds up well and packs the Vitamin C!
- Golda’s Frozen Waldorf Salad – Combine mini-marshmallows with homemade syrup, grapes, celery, and your favorite nuts, then freeze, garnish with mint, and dive into this chilled delight.
- Paula’s Easy Watermelon Dessert – Bites of watermelon tossed in a pineapple ginger dressing served in small bowls.
Lastly, here are some exciting chilled desserts that you can bring to the party… Yes, these recipes may require a tiny bit more effort or time, but good luck finding something else so refreshing, delicious, and easy!
- Strawberry Banana Ice Pops – Blend banana pudding mix with strawberries and milk and chill in ice pop molds or even paper cups.
- Pirate’s Buried Treasure – You won’t find anything quite like this: open pineapple halves filled with grilled pineapple chunks and mango ice cream. If you don’t want to bother cooking, just skip the grilling part!
