If this year’s market volatility has left you reeling, you’re not alone. But, despite the high valuations plaguing many tech stocks, plenty of top-tier, high-quality blue-chip stocks are waiting in the wings to bring much-needed stability to investors’ portfolios.

During the ongoing rally, stock values fluctuated dramatically, prompting a shift towards small-cap, tech and growth stocks. While these investments have been profitable, they may not represent the best strategy for long-term stability. Instead, these blue-chip stocks offer a foundational solidity many portfolios lack in today’s market.

The economic environment continues to be fraught with uncertainty, particularly with inflation persistently exceeding the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% — despite May’s modest dip. This precarious situation suggests that any negative systemic or systematic event could rapidly destabilize speculative stocks. Under these conditions, investing in these blue-chip stocks could provide stability, value and diversification, shielding your investments from potential downturns.

Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP)

Even as inflation tamps down, consumers increasingly keep their wallets closed amid higher pricing — making food production company Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP) a decently defensive blue-chip stock with surprisingly strong growth prospects. Though sales slumped slightly in the company’s last quarterly report, the cyclical nature of fresh fruit and produce means that summer sales will likely rebound, though the stock remains on sale today.

More importantly, the company is rapidly right-sizing operations across the enterprise to better adapt to changing economic and consumer pressure. On the financial side, Fresh Del Monte slashed total debt by 15%, saving money amid today’s higher-rate environment. Likewise, their renewed emphasis on fresh and value-added sales saw the segment’s revenue climb 5%, with avocado sales spiking 23% despite lower overall sales. Management proved that an emphasis pivot worked well over the past quarter, so expect them to go all-in on the new strategy moving forward.

Fresh Del Monte’s current dividend yield is a respectable 4%, so today’s investors can quickly build a position through dollar-cost averaging to capture the company’s growing blue-chip upside.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD)

This unique blue-chip stock offers a much-needed service that is generally overlooked by most retail investors. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (NASDAQ:GLDD) helps deepen, dredge and expand waterways along coasts and within ports. It basically serves as a key lynchpin to global trade and supply chains, making this blue-chip stock relatively recession-proof. At the same time, Great Lakes helps reclaim coastal beach areas, making it a unique play at the intersection of commerce and climate change management.

Great Lakes is also unique because it doesn’t quite fit the traditional definition of a blue-chip stock. While it’s operationally sound and financially responsible, its less than $1 billion market capitalization situates it within the small-cap universe. In other words, Great Lakes is a top-tier, blue-chip stock in the making as it grows sustainably and steadily.

Great Lakes is looking forward to a record-setting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers budget of $8.7 billion, creating a robust bid market ripe for Great Lakes to secure steady contract cash flow. Great Lakes’ dredging backlog is $879 million today, creating easy income projections moving forward and stabilizing the company’s prospects as supply chains normalize.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ)

Interested in the burgeoning marijuana trends but hesitant about the volatility of pure-play cannabis stocks? Then blue-chip stock Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ) may be what you’re looking for. This established pharmaceutical company offers stability with its significant upside in the cannabis sector. Jazz’s medication for daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy, Xywav, not only contributes up to 10% of its total sales but also provides a stable revenue stream as the company navigates the newly evolving medical cannabis market.

Thanks to its acquisition of GW Pharmaceuticals, a pioneer in commercialized medical cannabis, Jazz Pharmaceuticals is well-positioned at the forefront of the industry. This strategic positioning allows Jazz to capitalize on the high end of the value chain beyond mere distribution, setting it apart from typical cannabis companies. As the sector continues to evolve with recent regulatory changes, Jazz is poised not only to lead in the medical cannabis space but also to outperform newer pharmaceutical entrants in this field.

On the date of publication, Jeremy Flint held no positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.