At Sunrise Senior Living communities, our chefs and dining services staff buy seasonal, local produce as much as possible. Every month, residents find 65 or more different types of fruits and vegetables on the menu. It’s all part of our commitment to resident health and wellness.

Because we understand that diet plays a key role in aging well, considerable resources are devoted to our dining menus. Our teams undergo continuous training to stay updated on nutrition and hydration, and how our body’s needs change as we grow older.

As we pass the midpoint of the Summer produce season, you might be searching for new ways to enjoy local fruits from the farmers’ market or grocery store. Here are five interesting ideas to consider for yourself or an upcoming family gathering.

5 Fun Ways to Add Fruit to Your Summer Meals

1. Homemade fruit popsicles: One idea that helps pump up your fruit intake as well as hydration is by making your own fruit popsicles. Unlike grocery store versions that are often loaded with sugar, you can create your own using just fruit and Greek yogurt. This Blueberry Burst Popsicle recipe from Vanderbilt Health can actually be made with any kind of berry.
2. Grilled fruit kabobs with key lime dip: When you are throwing chicken on the grill for dinner, spice up your menu by tossing some fruit kabobs on with it. Pineapple, strawberries, peaches, bananas, melon, and figs are all tasty if you drizzle them with a little honey after you get them on the skewer. Then whip up a simple sauce to serve it with, like this key lime yogurt dip.
3. Fruit salsa and cinnamon chips: Instead of hot, spicy salsa, cool down with a fruity version of salsa this summer. Depending on what you and your family like, almost any kind of fruit can be chopped up to make salsa. This recipe for cinnamon chips is a perfect complement for dipping in this naturally sweet treat.
4. Chunky cherry sauce: Tart cherries are known for their inflammation-fighting properties. You can whip up a batch of cherry sauce using real cherries and store it in the refrigerator for three or four days. Serve it with everything from pork tenderloin to ice cream and cheesecake.
5. Chilled fruit soups: Soup isn’t just for cold winter days. Summer is the perfect time to serve up a batch of cold, fruit soup. Whether it’s strawberry gazpacho or beach body fruit soup, you’re sure to find a few cold soup recipes people of all ages can enjoy, like these from AllRecipes.