Grilling is a great way to stay cool and still offer wonderful food during the hot summer months. I have a gas grill in my front courtyard that allows me to grill all year round, and it seems to be especially convenient in the summer. I realize that grilling on charcoal gives food the best taste, but preparing the charcoal takes some time, and since this web site is all about Quick Cooking, I'll try to gear my recipes to the most efficient and time saving options.

With a gas grill, the main dish is usually very fast; I find the biggest problem is finding quick, cool, and easy side dishes to serve with it. This summer I plan to add at least one quick and easy side dish to go with your favorite grilled food every week. I'll let you know about all the new Quick Cooking recipes in my weekly newsletter. If you haven't signed up, now is the time to do so. Just add your email address in the box at the right of this article. (Remember that at bellaonline your email address stays confidential, is not sold or shared with any person or web site, and you can cancel your emails at any time.)

My friend, Kari Coates, who is probably the best nail technician in the state of Utah, doesn't have much time to cook since she is booked weeks in advance for her nail services, and also runs her own beauty salon, The Rose Garden, in Roy, Utah. Kari and I discuss food while I'm getting my nails done, and she often gives me great ideas for fast and easy dishes. I just tested a wonderful refreshing fruit salad that literally takes 15 minutes to prepare, which I adapted from a recipe given to me by Kari. Since Kari was the inspiration for this salad, it's only right that I name it after her.

Although red grapes are the key to this salad, you can add any berries that you like, or a mixture of berries; they are all good. The creamy dressing isn't too sweet, making it a perfect match with the fresh fruit.

Oh, by the way, Please Please Please, don't substitute frozen non-dairy whipped topping for the whipped cream; it will make the topping too sweet and ruin the delicate taste of the dressing (besides it will add a lot of unnecessary yucky chemicals and other garbage)! I know you'll love this salad--Enjoy!

Kari's 15 Minute Summer Fruit Salad

4 cups seedless red grapes, cut in half (if you have time; if you don't, leave them whole)
2 cups berries--strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries--any kind you like or happen to have around
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 6 ounce container raspberry yogurt (non-fat is just fine)
1 6 ounce container blueberry yogurt (non-fat is just fine)

Mix the grapes and berries in a large bowl; set aside.

Beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the yogurts and mix well. Pour the mixture over the fruit mixture, then stir. Cover well and store in the refrigerator until serving time. This salad can be made up to 6 hours ahead.

Make it pretty: If you're taking it to a party or just want it to look nice, garnish the top with more fruit and fresh mint.