Did you know how good strawberries are for your body? Get ready to be amazed by how awesome and versatile strawberries are and learn about the health benefits of eating strawberries, too.
What’s your favorite thing about spring and summer? Is it the weather? Vacation time? For me, ONE of the favorite parts of spring and summer is… strawberries. My reason for loving these seasons had to be food related, right? Well, I’m predictable but, you gotta admit strawberries are pretty awesome. And juicy. And tasty. And totes delicious in healthy strawberry recipes. Plus, we love to go pick them with the kiddos for fresh strawberries from the farm.
If you’re with me, I think you’ll love this list of healthy strawberry recipes! And you’ll use it as a source of inspiration for the fresh strawberries that are probably already in your fridge right now.
I figured talking about the health benefits of strawberries and sharing some tips for how to store strawberries, how to thaw strawberries, plus some ideas for how to make yummy strawberry recipes won’t hurt, either. In fact, I think you’ll love strawberries even more after learning how amazing and versatile they truly are!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are not just delicious, my friends. Nope. They are super healthy. And they provide you with so many wonderful health benefits. I’m sure after reading all these benefits you’ll be asking yourself what can I make with strawberries fast! When making healthy strawberry recipes, you’ll have the following health benefits:
IMPROVED IMMUNITY
Strawberries contain vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant preventing common diseases and neutralizing free radicals;
LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Strawberries are a great source of potassium so they reduce blood pressure by minimizing the effects of sodium.
REDUCED INFLAMMATION
The antioxidants in strawberries reduce inflammation and detoxify the body.
PROTECTION AGAINST CANCER
Strawberries contain flavonoids that act as a natural defense against cancer development and oxidative stress.
BETTER EYE HEALTHY
The same flavonoids present in strawberries can improve eye health and reduce the risk of vision problems caused by degeneration of the ocular structures.
LOWER BLOOD SUGAR
Compared to other fruits, strawberries have a low glycemic index and they won’t cause spikes in blood sugar. And, since they contain fiber, they actually regulate glucose.
BETTER MOOD
Strawberries put you in a better mood. For realz. Strawberries contain one omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, that’s known to have mood-stabilizing effects.
BETTER ALLERGY CONTROL
While strawberries can be allergic and, unfortunately, not all people can eat them. But those who are not allergic to strawberries should know that strawberries contain fisetin, an anti-allergy flavonoid, that helps the body to control the inflammatory reactions caused by allergens.
SKIN VITALITY
Eating strawberries = better skin. Aren’t strawberries just amazing? And yes, they are awesome for skin health because they provide your body with vitamin C, which is used by your body to produce collagen. I think you know collagen is essential for skin health. So yup, eating strawberries improves skin appearance and prevents premature aging. Not only that, but they can help to prevent skin cancer, too.
WHEN ARE STRAWBERRIES IN SEASON?
We all know strawberries are available year-round in grocery stores and you can find fresh strawberries and frozen strawberries pretty much any day. BUT the best ones are the fresh strawberries you can buy during strawberry season. That’s between April and June, BTW. It comes and goes quick, so it’s a greta idea to squeeze in as many strawberry recipes as you can!
Challenge accepted!
I want to point out that strawberries are heavily sprayed fruits so make sure you buy organic strawberries to reduce exposure to pesticides, if you can.
HOW LONG DO FRESH STRAWBERRIES LAST?
The problem with strawberries is that they don’t last very long. Except… they do! If you store them properly, that is! Wanna learn how to store strawberries properly and how long do strawberries last when stored properly?
TIPS FOR HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRIES
- Don’t wash strawberries and don’t remove their stems if you want them to last longer;
- Before storing, discard any damaged fruits;
- To prevent mold, place the strawberries in a mason jar and close the lid;
- Store the strawberries in the coldest part of the fridge.
HOW LONG DO STRAWBERRIES LAST
If you stored them as I mention above, strawberries can actually last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge. Now we’re talking!!! Fresh strawberries can become moldy, though, so make sure to check them out before eating.
HOW TO THAW FROZEN STRAWBERRIES FOR COOKING
Can you freeze strawberries at home? Yes! In fact, freezing fresh strawberries at home is the best way to store strawberries long term and to enjoy their awesome, seasonal taste all year long. And frozen strawberries are amazing in certain strawberry recipes, such as smoothies. You can also use frozen strawberries in some healthy strawberry desserts that require cooking. However, if your strawberry recipes ask for raw strawberries, you have to thaw them before using.
To thaw strawberries…
- Remove them from the freezer bag and place them in a bowl;
- Cover the bowl with paper towels and place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight;
- Don’t defrost strawberries at room temperature because they won’t remain firm. Defrosting strawberries slowly is better.
WHAT TO MAKE WITH STRAWBERRIES
My favorite part now – what to make with strawberries! And the answer is – so many yummy and healthy strawberry recipes. You can make strawberry snacks, low-calorie strawberry desserts, fruit salads, lunch salads, smoothies, jam, and topping for french toast and pancakes.
Strawberries are versatile and, even though they are great raw as strawberry snacks, it’s a shame not to take advantage of their versatility and use them in healthy strawberry desserts or savory dishes. Because yes, strawberries are amazing in savory dishes, too.
TOOLSET FOR RECIPES
The tools part now. Listed below are all the tools I use to make these healthy strawberry recipes happen. Make sure yours are ready for some strawberry awesomeness, ok?
- For healthy strawberry recipes that require cooking: saucepan, baking sheet, fry pan or griddle.
- For prepping the ingredients for the easy strawberry recipes potato masher, stand mixer, mixing bowls, food processor, kitchen blender, and popsicle mold.
- For storing strawberry snacks, strawberry lunches, strawberry breakfasts or healthy strawberry dessert: mason jar, jars, and air-tight containers.
4 BONUS TIPS FOR MAKING STRAWBERRY RECIPES EXTRA DELICIOUS
Strawberries are juicy, tasty, and flavorful so do you really need extra tips for making strawberry recipes delicious? Well, technically no, but I still think you’ll find these tips useful.
- Instead of buying fresh or frozen strawberries from the grocery store, buy fresh strawberries when they are in season and freeze them at home for the off-season. Your strawberry recipes will be better this way!
- If you use frozen strawberries, defrost them slowly as recommended. Don’t speed up the process if you want the strawberries to stay firm.
- For low-calorie strawberry desserts, use raw honey or pure maple syrup instead of sugar for healthy sweetness.
- Add a little bit of lemon juice to enhance the strawberry flavors of your healthy strawberry recipes.
HEALTHY STRAWBERRY RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
It’s time for the healthy strawberry recipes now! Let me tell you what you can find on this list of easy strawberry recipes and then I’ll let you choose your favorite recipe so you can try it out. We have…
- healthy strawberry desserts that are low-calorie strawberry desserts;
- strawberry snacks;
- Strawberry jam;
- strawberry lunch and breakfast ideas.
And to make things even easier, all the recipes with strawberries described here have info about prep time, cook time, and calories.
1. STRAWBERRY CHIA JAM
Let’s start our list of delicious strawberry recipes with strawberry jam! This Strawberry Chia Jam is clean and healthy!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Cool time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 19 kcal
2. GLUTEN FREE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE + VEGAN WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING
Can you actually make healthy strawberry shortcake? Yes, yes, you can! Any recipe can be turned into a healthy recipe. Fresh strawberry recipes are no exception. And the proof, if you don’t believe me, is this yummy and Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake + Vegan Whipped Cream Topping. Healthy strawberry desserts are amazing, don’t you think?
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 462 kcal
3. 5 BEST CHIA PUDDING RECIPES
Simple recipes with strawberries are the best recipes with strawberries! And strawberry chia pudding is a simple and yummy one. And even better when you make Strawberry Matcha Chia Pudding. Bonus 4 other flavors including Blueberry Vanilla, Raspberry Chocolate, PB&J, and Mango. So 5 Best Chia Pudding Recipes that are easy, simple, and perfect for breakfast or snack.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Setting time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 301
4. 4 INGREDIENT STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT
This 4 Ingredient Strawberry Frozen Yogurt is the perfect spring and summer treat. And the recipe is one of the easiest healthy strawberry recipes. No ice cream maker required! Healthy strawberry desserts FTW!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 99 kcal
5. 6 BEST OVERNIGHT OATS RECIPES – EASY MAKE AHEAD RECIPES
Aside from strawberry snacks and healthy strawberry desserts, you can also make healthy strawberry breakfasts. With oats. My Strawberry Overnight Oats recipe is included in this 6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes list.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 390 kcal
6. PINK POWER PROTEIN BEET SMOOTHIE
The easiest recipes using strawberries are smoothie recipes. The quickest too. If you love strawberries in smoothies, you gotta try this Pink Power Protein Beet Smoothie. Pink goodness ready in less than 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Total Time: 4 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 278 kcal
7. RED, WHITE & BLUE FRUIT POPSICLES
I don’t use artificial dyes but I love colorful desserts. So, when I’m asked what to do with strawberries, I sometimes answer colorful desserts. Like these Red, White & Blue Fruit Popsicles. They are so good and made with only 5 clean and healthy ingredients. Strawberries are responsible for that pretty red, BTW.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hrs
- Total Time: 5 hrs 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 118 kcal
8. STRAWBERRY FIELDS SALAD WITH CHIA SEED VINAIGRETTE
What to do with fresh strawberries besides eating them for snacks or in desserts? Add them to a salad! To this Strawberry Fields Salad with Chia Seed Vinaigrette to be more specific. It’s so good and healthy. And it’s the perfect lunch for Spring and Summer months.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 402 kcal
9. STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST (THAT’S ACTUALLY CLEAN!)
I love when easy strawberry recipes can satisfy my cravings! And I love French toast! Let me tell you something, French toast and strawberries are a match made in heaven! And this Strawberry French Toast is actually clean, healthy, and good for you.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 252 kcal
10. STRAWBERRY & PEACH SMOOTHIE BOWL RECIPE + HOW TO MAKE A SMOOTHIE BOWL!
This Strawberry & Peach Smoothie Bowl Recipe has to be on this list of healthy strawberry recipes! Seriously, it’s a must! As you can imagine, it’s super yummy. And it’s ready in less than 10 minutes! Wooot!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 3 mins
- Total Time: 8 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 373 kcal
11. STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM STEEL CUT OATS
We had a smoothie bowl and french toast as healthy breakfast recipes with strawberries. But I think you need more! Another great breakfast idea with strawberries is this Strawberries And Cream Steel Cut Oats breakfast. It’s filling but, most importantly, delicious.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 385 kcal
12. STRAWBERRY PROTEIN SHAKE
And the last strawberry recipe of our list of healthy strawberry recipes is this Strawberry Protein Shake. This is great for a quick and healthy breakfast but works as a snack too. And it has awesome flavors!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 304 kcal
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The post 12+ Healthy Strawberry Recipes to Eat All Spring appeared first on A Sweet Pea Chef.
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