30 Tropical Recipes That Are the Next Best Thing to a Spring Break Vacation
These easy meals and mouthwatering desserts bring the taste of the tropics home.
Tropical Coconut Pie
“A breeze to prepare, this tropical-tasting pie is tops with whoever tries it.” —Nancy Mendoza, Yakima, Washington
Get the recipe for Tropical Coconut Pie.
Lime-Raspberry Pie with Coconut Cream
“During my family trips to Florida, I’ve had Key lime pie from many restaurants, and each one is different. I wanted to create my own spin on the pie to make it my signature dessert. Whipped egg whites in the filling make it light and mousse-like, sweet raspberries balance the tartness, and coconut and cashews amp up the tropical flavour. Garnish with fresh raspberries and toasted shredded coconut if you like.” —Elise Easterling, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Get the recipe for Lime-Raspberry Pie with Coconut Cream.
Jicama and Pineapple Guacamole
“If you’re a fan of chunky pineapple guacamole, then this combo is for you. Crunchy diced jicama and juicy fruit chunks combine for an out-of-this-world texture. For extra flavour, toss the pineapple on the grill for a few minutes before chopping.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Jicama and Pineapple Guacamole.
Luscious Lime Slush
“Adults love this sweet-tart refresher any time of year. For a kids’ version, simply leave out the alcohol.” —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Luscious Lime Slush.
Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
“This pineapple coconut upside-down cake is one of my favourites! The tropical flavours remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean. It brings back so many fun memories.” —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto
Get the recipe for Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake.
Easy Coconut Shrimp
“Guests are always impressed when I serve these restaurant-quality shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch.” —Tacy Holliday, Germantown, Maryland
Get the recipe for Easy Coconut Shrimp.
Mango Getaway Bars
“I’ve always enjoyed the flavour of mango, so I created this recipe to feature the sweet tropical fruit.” —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Mango Getaway Bars.
Halibut Soft Tacos
“I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This warm-weather recipe is quick, colourful and full of nutrients.” —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Get the recipe for Halibut Soft Tacos.
Key Lime Cream Pie
“I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It’s so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, with everyone asking for the recipe.” —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Get the recipe for Key Lime Cream Pie.
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
“I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavour.” —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Get the recipe for Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl.
Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri
“Steak gets a flavour kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish.” —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Get the recipe for Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri.
Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria
“Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavour.” —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Get the recipe for Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria.
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
“The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish with sesame seeds or spritz with fresh lime juice.” —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers.
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
“This icebox cake has all of the flavours of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island!” —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Get the recipe for Pina Colada Icebox Cake.
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
“My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use.” —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
Get the recipe for Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa.
Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
“I’ve made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can’t beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we’ve had—and we’ve tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum.” —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Get the recipe for Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa.
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
“Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish.” —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Get the recipe for Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa.
Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese Tortillas
“Here’s a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties.” —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese Tortillas.
Tropical Island Chicken
“The marinade makes a savoury statement in this all-time-favourite chicken recipe that I served at our son’s pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece!” —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee
Get the recipe for Tropical Island Chicken.
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce
“We try to eat salmon a lot because it’s so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company.” —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Get the recipe for Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce.
Chicken Mole
“If you’re not familiar with chicken mole, don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. It’s a great one to experiment with.” —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Get the recipe for Chicken Mole.
Horchata
“In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage.” —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Horchata.
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
“Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado.” —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Get the recipe for Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde.
Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas
“Here’s a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork.” —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Get the recipe for Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas.
Black Beans with Bell Peppers & Rice
“My meat-and-potatoes husband goes for this cheesy, hearty black beans and rice recipe, and the kids gobble it up. For extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce.” —Stephanie Lambert, Moseley, Virginia
Get the recipe for Black Beans with Bell Peppers & Rice.
Shortcut Tres Leches Cake
“My mom’s favourite cake is tres leches, a butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk. I developed a no-fuss version that’s rich and tender.” —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Get the recipe for Shortcut Tres Leches Cake.
Tropical Pulled Pork Sliders
“I used what I had in my cupboard to make this pork, and the results were fantastic! I enjoy transforming an inexpensive cut of meat to something extraordinary.” —Shelly Mitchell, Gresham, Oregon
Get the recipe for Tropical Pulled Pork Sliders.
Green Chile Ribs
“I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos.” —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado
Get the recipe for Green Chile Ribs.
Mango Pie with Coconut Crust
“This was the first pie I created myself. Mangoes are one of my favourite fruits, and they deserve to be represented in a pie. Of course, everything is better with coconut.” —Jennifer Worrell, Niles, Illinois
Get the recipe for Mango Pie with Coconut Crust.
Lime & Coconut Cream Pie
“My custard pie features two tropical flavours I love. Plus, it’s a breeze to make. I throw most of the ingredients in the blender to whip up the filling, then pour it into a purchased crust.” —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Get the recipe for Lime & Coconut Cream Pie.
Next, check out 30 delicious desserts that start with cake mix.
