(BPT) - As backyard barbecues, holiday cookouts and summer gatherings fill the calendar, fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors can help make every meal feel special. With produce at its peak and grilling season in full swing, summer offers plenty of opportunities to create colorful, delicious dishes that are simple to prepare and easy to share.

Whether hosting a holiday celebration, neighborhood cookout or casual family dinner, these easy entertaining tips can help make the most of summer's freshest flavors.

1. Build a Colorful Plate

One of the easiest ways to create visually appealing meals is to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Vibrant orange, red, yellow, green and purple produce contain different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which is why registered dietitians often encourage consumers to "eat the rainbow."

Colorful dishes not only provide a wider variety of nutrients, but also create an inviting presentation that guests naturally gravitate toward. Seasonal favorites such as berries, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, peppers and leafy greens can help add flavor and visual appeal to summer meals.

2. Pair Grilled Proteins with Fresh Produce

While burgers and steaks are summer classics, chicken, pork, salmon and shrimp can also create satisfying meals when paired with fresh vegetables and salads.

Take advantage of the grill by cooking vegetables alongside proteins. Fresh corn, zucchini, asparagus, peppers, eggplant and portobello mushrooms develop rich flavor when lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled. Protein and vegetable kebabs are another easy entertaining option that guests can enjoy right off the grill.

3. Choose Versatile Ingredients

Summer entertaining becomes easier when ingredients can be used across multiple dishes. Tomatoes can top burgers, brighten salads and add flavor to side dishes. Zucchini, peppers and mushrooms work equally well raw or cooked, while citrus fruits and pineapple add freshness to savory recipes and desserts.

Selecting versatile ingredients helps simplify shopping, reduce food waste and create a cohesive menu for gatherings of any size.

4. Simplify Prep with Smart Shortcuts

Having a few time-saving ingredients on hand can help make entertaining easier without sacrificing freshness or flavor. Pre-washed greens, prepared vegetables and other ready-to-use ingredients can reduce prep time and give hosts more opportunities outside of the kitchen to enjoy the gathering.

5. Add a Festive Touch

Seasonal celebrations are the perfect opportunity to incorporate fun and festive recipes into the menu. Red, white and blue ingredients can create colorful dishes that are ideal for Independence Day, Labor Day and other summer gatherings.

For an easy crowd-pleasing option, try this Red, White & Blue Gorgonzola Salad featuring strawberries, blueberries, creamy Gorgonzola cheese and Fresh Express^® Sweet Butter™ lettuce. Finished with raspberry vinaigrette and festive star-shaped mozzarella, it's a colorful addition to any summer celebration.

Red, White & Blue Gorgonzola Salad

Fresh strawberries, blueberries, sliced pear and creamy Gorgonzola are tossed with Fresh Express^® Sweet Butter™ lettuce and finished with a raspberry vinaigrette for a sweet and savory summer salad. Star-shaped mozzarella cutouts provide a star-spangled finishing touch.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (6-ounce) package Fresh Express^® Sweet Butter™
• 2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 fresh pear peeled, cored and sliced into thin wedges (or substitute pears canned in juice)
• 1 lemon zested
• 4 ounces gorgonzola
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 cup of your favorite low fat raspberry vinaigrette

Utensils

• Star shaped cookie cutter

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, add lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, pear, lemon zest and gorgonzola.
2. Drizzle with dressing, then toss well.
3. Use a small metal star cookie cutter to gently cut out Mozzarella cheese.
4. Portion salads and top each with Mozzarella cut outs for a star-spangled finish.
5. Season to taste with fresh cracked black pepper.

Whether planning a holiday cookout, weekend barbecue or casual summer gathering, fresh produce can help create colorful meals that are simple and memorable. For more recipes, entertaining inspiration and product information, visit FreshExpress.com.