Planning to celebrate Father’s Day with a backyard barbecue? This meal plan features recipes that are both delicious and healthy, with reductions in added sugar and an emphasis on fruit…naturally sweet and chock full of nutrients.

Cherry-Stuffed Grilled Chicken

The cherries are the nutritional stars of this recipe, rich in healthful plant compounds and offering copper, manganese and potassium as well as vitamin C.

1 1/2 cups pitted and coarsely chopped sweet cherries

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 tsp chopped fresh sage

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

4 skinless chicken breast halves (4–6 oz each)

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp coarsely ground pepper

Yields: 4 servings

Source: reprinted with permission fromNorthwest Cherry Growers

Strawberry Mango Salsa

This tasty salsa is not only a great accompaniment for grilled meats but would also make a sweet-and-tangy taco topping.

1 1/2  cups diced, stemmed strawberries

1/2  cup diced mango

1/2  cup diced red bell pepper

1/3  cup diced red onion

1/4  cup roughly chopped cilantro

2  tbsp lime juice

1  tbsp sugar

1/2  tsp salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir together gently with rubber spatula and wooden spoon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 8 hours.

Yields: 3 cups

Source:California Strawberry Commission

Reduced Sugar Coconut “Ice Cream”

Does Dad love dessert but has a hard time with dairy? This ice cream substitute is free of moo juice…and low in sugar to boot!

1 can (13.5 oz) unsweetened coconut milk

2 cups coconut milk beverage

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp pure stevia extract powder (can increase to 1/2 tsp to taste)

OR

1/2 tsp liquid stevia extract (can increase to 1 tsp to taste)

1 tsp guar gum

1/8 tsp salt

Yields: 1 quart.