Wonder what to make with lots of strawberries? These healthy strawberry recipes are what you need when this amazing fruit is in season again!
There are quite a few things I personally love about strawberries. Well, if you think about it, they’re pretty much perfect. I mean, even their smell…yes, that enchanting aroma must have something to do with the fact that strawberries are actually members of the rose family.
Aside from smelling wonderful, strawberries also look amazing, taste delicious, are low in calories and are extremely good for you. So much so, that a long time ago, in Ancient Rome, people believed strawberries could heal all physical and mental ailments. And they might have been right – strawberries do contain a ton of fiber and a stunning 97% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C per cup (source).
To make the most of this tasty fruit, enjoy it while still in season, either as is or try some of the delicious healthy strawberry recipes below. Prime strawberry time is usually in spring, from May to July, although there are varieties that produce fruit in late summer as well.
Now, if you’ve ever harvested or bought strawberries fresh, when they’re in season, you’d know they spoil pretty fast. We’re talking within 3-4 days, even if you keep them in the fridge. It goes like: you blink and there’s the first furry one in the batch. Yes, in this case, furry means moldy and the mold likes to spread to the other strawberries at the speed of a hungry cheetah.
Before you shed a tear and get all anxious about buying strawberries ever again, I’ve got some good news for you! There are plenty of delicious ways and healthy recipes to preserve and use up fresh strawberries, so they won’t have to sit around in your fridge for too long.
What can I do with lots of fresh strawberries?
Before we start with the collection of healthy recipes with strawberries, let’s talk about some ways to extend the fruit’s shelf life. If you have a substantial amount of fresh strawberries, there are several ways to preserve them and enjoy their delicious flavor for longer.
Freeze: The easiest way to preserve fresh fruit is by freezing. This will preserve the nutrients and flavor for months. If you don’t know how to freeze fresh strawberries – check out this guide here.
The yummier, yet not that “healthy” way to conserve strawberries is by canning them and making strawberry jam or compote.
However, the wisest would be to eat as many fresh strawberries as possible while they are in season. To do so, you can incorporate them into your favorite desserts, breakfasts or even smoothies. From strawberry pancakes and smoothies to cheesecakes, here are 25 healthy strawberry recipes to get you in a sweet mood today.
Healthy Recipes With Fresh Strawberries
Let’s kick the list off with some healthy recipes that use fresh strawberries. These food ideas are all easy and healthy and work great as a breakfast or a snack, except maybe for the salad (it will brighten up every dinner party though):
- Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. This healthy recipe with strawberries, almond flour, and coconut sugar is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your well-being.
- Almond Flour Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast that packs a punch in terms of flavor, this one’s a must-try!
- Yogurt With Berries and Nuts. Simple and easy, yet yummy and healthy – this breakfast bowl is all that and more. You can use strawberries and other berries and nuts you like.
- Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Pancakes. This flourless and dairy-free pancake recipe with bananas, strawberries, and oats is a real crowd-pleaser—the perfect breakfast for adults and kids.
- Strawberry Muffins. These muffins are made using strawberries, yogurt, and oats, which makes them very moist, fluffy and filling.
- Strawberry Salad. Who says desserts are the only way to use up fresh strawberries? Salads with strawberries are a thing, and this one is a fantastic summer dish with strawberries, avocado and spinach.
- Strawberry Breakfast Bars. Oats, almond flour, flaxseed and strawberries make these bars fiber-rich. They are the perfect snack or dessert and work great as picnic food too.
Kid-friendly Healthy Strawberry Recipes
Most kids naturally love strawberries. Besides having fresh strawberries as a snack, your children could enjoy the little red fruits in various easy and healthy strawberry recipes.
Furthermore, if your child doesn’t like strawberries, seeing and tasting them in different foods is an effective method to increase exposure. Here are some ideas even picky eaters are likely to enjoy.
- Easy Yogurt Bark. This recipe screams summer. Fresh berries, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, coconut flakes, and honey are frozen for a tempting, fresh, and healthy snack.
- Healthy Strawberry Pancakes. Make these strawberry oatmeal pancakes for a delicious and beautiful kid-friendly breakfast. Their magic smell will brighten the morning and sweeten your family’s day.
healthy ice cream
- 3-Ingredient Healthy Ice Cream. This is one amazingly fresh and healthy summer dessert that your kids will fall in love with. You only need three ingredients for this ice cream: strawberries, bananas, and a milk of your choice. Use frozen fruit for the best results. Enjoy!
- Healthy Strawberry Sorbet. To make this dairy-free ice cream alternative, you need whole strawberries, which means you get to enjoy a sorbet with a lot of fiber and all the benefits it brings to the table. Kids of any age will love this refreshing treat.
- Strawberry Cupcakes. These cupcakes are sweetened with maple syrup and fresh strawberry puree, making them moist and flavorful. This recipe is toddler-approved but could appeal to kids and adults of any age.
- Healthier Strawberry Shortcake. This is a healthier version of the classic shortcake recipe made with honey or maple syrup, whole-grain flour, and coconut milk. This high-fiber recipe with lots of fresh strawberries won’t raise your kid’s blood sugar fast and will impress even the pickiest eaters.
- Strawberry Lemonade. This fresh and delicious drink with whole pureed strawberries and natural lemon juice is an excellent alternative to sugary soft drinks luring kids from supermarket shelves. Of course, it still contains sugar, but you can make it as sweet as you like.
Healthy Smoothie Recipes With Frozen Strawberries
So, let’s say you have some frozen strawberries in your freezer. If you’re wondering what to do with them, here’s the best answer: a refreshing strawberry smoothie!
Smoothies usually require little time and effort but are big on taste. In addition to that, they are very healthy because they contain little to no added sugar and plenty of fiber and nutrients.
Here are some delicious healthy recipes for strawberry smoothies:
- The Best Strawberry Smoothie. No one can resist this simple, yet refreshing healthy recipe made with frozen strawberries and bananas.
- Strawberry Smoothie Bowl. This healthy smoothie bowl combines peanuts with strawberries and coconut. Sounds a bit weird, but it’s SO good!
- Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie Bowl. Another refreshing recipe full of plant-based goodness, this strawberry smoothie bowl marries together cashews with oranges and strawberries. Goes well with walnut and flax seed topping.
- Watermelon Smoothie With Strawberries. It’s hard to think of a more refreshing and healthy summer drink than this smoothie with watermelon and strawberries. It has zero added sugar and lots of natural sweetness. It’s great to keep yourself hydrated in warm weather.
- Strawberry Smoothie With Peaches. This is another ‘summer in a glass’ recipe. Buy peaches, use the frozen strawberries, squeeze some orange juice, and add yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s magical!
No-Bake Strawberry Desserts
The easiest desserts with strawberries don’t require you to turn in the oven, which is great as it saves time and energy. Especially during summer!
The following strawberry recipes might not be the healthiest thing you’ll ever eat, but they are delicious. And desserts are for special occasions either way. So live a little!
Also, to make them healthier, simply choose a sweetener that fits your diet and adjust the amount to your preference.
- Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes. These mini cheesecakes are an excellent example of strawberry desserts that require no baking. In addition, they are healthier than the classic version because they’re made with Greek yogurt. It’s the perfect individual-portioned dessert for dinner parties, outdoor celebrations, or just a lovely afternoon treat with a coffee.
- Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding. When soaked in liquid, chia seeds create a gel-like substance that resembles a creamy pudding. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3s, fiber, calcium, and magnesium, so they make the perfect base for healthy strawberry recipes like this one!
- Strawberry Panna Cotta. Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert. This healthier version of the recipe contains fresh strawberry puree, milk, cream, sugar, and gelatin. The best thing about it is that you can experiment with the sweetness and make it more or less healthy.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. Almond flour and shredded coconut make up the base for these cheesecake bars with strawberries making them a healthier alternative.
- Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse. Creamy and fresh, this mousse with strawberries, lemon, and mascarpone is the easiest dessert to whip up this summer. Add less sugar if that’s how you like it more.
- Strawberry Yogurt Parfait With Granola. Fruir, yogurt and your favorite granola are all you need for this easy healthy parfait recipe with strawberries. Adding sweetener is optional, depending on your taste preference and the sweetness of the other ingredients. Healthy, delicious, and quick.
Recap
Well, I hope you enjoyed this collection of easy and healthy strawberry recipes that pretty much anyone can make! Now you’re ready for the strawberry season with plenty of ideas to use up your fresh strawberries and not let them “get furry”.
25 Healthy Strawberry Recipes
Wonder what to make with lots of strawberries? These healthy strawberry recipes are what you need when this amazing fruit is in season again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 banana, medium
- 1 cup milk
- cinnamon (optionally)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your blender.
- Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
- If the smoothie turns out too thick for your taste - add some more milk, if too liquid - add more fruit. I added just a tiny pinch of cinnamon before blending, was a good addition.
Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 149Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 10mgSodium 59mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 5gSugar 18gProtein 5g