Taste of Summer: My Ultimate Collection of Strawberry Recipes
Summer is FINALLY here, and in our house, that means we are pulling out some of my BEST strawberry recipes! Here in Ontario, strawberries are in season from June to October. Strawberries offer their most delicious and juicy flavours between mid-June to mid July. When you’re at the grocery store or a local farmer’s market this week, be sure to pick up a box so you can enjoy these four juicy, summery, strawberry recipes listed below.
My family and I love this time of year as we get to do our traditional strawberry picking! We love to head over to our favourite farm and pick the juiciest berries (half of them are gone before we even get in the car). There’s something very satisfying about eating food that you picked yourself. Knowing that your family’s love went into the choice of each bright, flavour-filled berry. As soon as we pull in the driveway, my kids are begging for one of my many strawberry recipes that I am going to share with you today!
Why Strawberries Should Be Your Go-To Fruit This Summer
We all know that strawberries are SO delicious, but did you know that they are filled with vitamins and minerals that give our bodies many health benefits?
- Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can reduce inflammation in the body & fight oxidative stress. Inflammation occurs when there are too many free radicals in your body, which can eventually cause cell damage.
- Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that deeply supports your immune system. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are integral for fighting off infections. Vitamin C is also a key component in the production of collagen, a protein that maintains the health of your skin!
- Fibre is essential in a balanced diet. It assists in controlling your blood sugar, which is the main culprit for many health issues & diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Including fibre will slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This keeps your energy levels high and minimizes those afternoon crashes!
- Hydration is so important for maintaining proper function, especially during those hot summer months! Did you know that strawberries are 91% water? Including fruits like these will keep your body hydrated, helping with body temperature, joint lubrication, and even enhancing nutrient absorption.
- Neuroprotective effects are another reason to include strawberries in your diet. They have bioactive compounds that have been proven to protect brain cells from damage. There have been studies to show that including fruits like these in your diet can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Four Summer Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
While strawberries are usually reserved for sweet dishes, this Strawberry Arugula Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette proves that we can use them anywhere! The natural sugar from the fruit pairs perfectly with the bitter arugula and the crunch of toasted pecans.
This salad is full of fibre, protein, and fats to even be served as a complete meal. If you are not dairy-free and want to add some more healthy fats, I would recommend a light sprinkle of feta or goat cheese.
Whether you are making this for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad will surprise you with its flavours and is an ultimate way to include summer’s juiciest fruit!
Balsamic Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
As soon as summer hits, strawberries and rhubarb are in my shopping cart! This Balsamic Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is the perfect dessert for a fresh summer evening. The juicy, sweet strawberries paired with the tangy rhubarb provide the perfect balance of flavours! I like to experiment with my recipes, so I swapped the classic use of lemon juice with balsamic vinegar, and was delightfully surprised by the flavour.
Rhubarb also has many health benefits, offering your body Vitamin K, Vitamin C, calcium and potassium! Similar to strawberries, rhubarb is filled with antioxidants and fibre, giving you an easier digestive process. This crisp is a healthier alternative as we are only using fruit and honey as the sweeteners, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and oats: simple and filled with nutrients!
Four-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam
Jam is one of those foods that everyone loves, but unfortunately, it’s usually filled with processed sugars. As this is something that a lot of kids eat (including mine), I wanted to create a healthy alternative. Filled with fibre, this Strawberry Chia Jam is the perfect substitute! It is super easy to make with only 4 ingredients, each one offering nutritional value.
Chia seeds are a staple in my kitchen due to their versatility and endless nutritional benefits! They are rich in fibre, packed with Omega-3s, antioxidants and protein. They have a mild flavour, making it easy to include them in many recipes.
Get the strawberry recipe here.
Dairy Free Strawberry Shortcake
Last but definitely not least, here is my Dairy-Free Strawberry Shortcake! This one gives me a bit of nostalgia. When I was growing up, my mom would make biscuits very similar to these, so I love to be able to continue the tradition in my family (in a bit of a healthier way – sorry Mom!).
There are so many people who struggle with digesting dairy, but the desserts never seem to offer the same flavours without it. I have tried over and over to perfect this dairy-free strawberry shortcake. Those who need or want to be dairy-free can also enjoy a fresh, juicy summer dessert!
Need More Healthy Summer Snacks?
Summers are busy, and you shouldn’t be letting food stress you out! I’ve got a little gift for you that will help reduce that stress this summer: my free Healthy Snacks Cookbook & Guide.
This guide is packed with 9 simple, delicious, healthy snack recipes and a guide to snacking to fuel your day! Using this cookbook & guide will minimize the frustration you feel when you have the urge to grab an unhealthy snack. I give you snack recipes that are filled with nutrients that are quick, easy and offer the perfect balance of protein, fibre and healthy fats.