20 Next-Level Strawberry Recipes You Need to Try

There’s no better time of the year to eat strawberries than the summer.

They’re fresh. They’re juicy. They’re bursting with flavor and nutrients. And they can be prepared in all kinds of delicious ways.

Even if strawberries aren’t in season where you are, you can still enjoy them any time of the year thanks to these 20 strawberry recipes.

In fact, adding strawberries to different dishes is a great way to use up fruits that are a little past their prime or at risk of going to waste.

So whether they’re straight from the vine or from a big-box grocery store, your berries are bound to taste delicious in these recipes.

There’s something for everyone on this list, from Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Pizza and Strawberry Quinoa Salad to Strawberry Shortcake Rice Crispy Treats and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Red Wine Popsicles.

What these dishes all share in common is that they offer healthy twists on classic recipes—like using whole-wheat flour or cutting way back on sugar.

So go raid the farmer’s market and have yourself a strawberry feast.

Enjoy!

Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

Picture courtesy of No Gojis No Glory

This healthy frozen dessert doesn’t require an ice cream maker, and it’ll still have a rich, creamy texture thanks to Greek yogurt. You’ll need just four ingredients to make this easy strawberry dessert: the fruit itself, yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey.

Combine all that in a food processor, and then freeze until it’s the consistency of frozen yogurt. Just know if it’s in there too long, you may need to blend it again before you grab a spoon.

Serves 6

Ingredients

4 cups frozen strawberries

3/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 Tbsp. raw honey (or more to taste)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 101

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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Balsamic Strawberries with Ricotta Cream

Picture courtesy of Food Network

Anything with balsamic-glazed strawberries is going to taste gourmet. But the good news is you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen, and the result can even be good for you.

This dessert recipe is by nutritionist – and host of Food Network’s Healthy Appetite – Ellie Krieger. Pick up her cookbook You Have It Made: Delicious, Healthy, Do-Ahead Meals for more recipes like this, including Sweet Ricotta Berry Breakfast Pizzas and Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 cup part-skim ricotta

2 Tbsp. pure honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 container (16 oz.) strawberries, hulled and quartered

2 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves, sliced into ribbons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 180

Protein: 8 grams

Carbs: 27 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Red Wine Popsicles

Picture courtesy of Spoonful of Flavor

Gourmet popsicles can cost three to four bucks a pop, but they’re easy to make at home. You just have to combine the right flavors, like red wine and strawberries, to upgrade from the standard frozen juice.

And it doesn’t hurt to add chocolate, whether you want to take the easy route with chopped chocolate, or melt it for the ultimate chocolate-dipped strawberry effect.

Serves 10

Ingredients

16 oz. strawberries, washed and hulled

1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup boiling water

1 cup red wine

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

6 oz. dark chocolate, melted

1/2 tsp. coconut oil, melted

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 165

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 24 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Whole-Wheat Shortcake with Basil Macerated Strawberries

Picture courtesy of Always Order Dessert

For a really good strawberry shortcake, you can’t rely on those flavorless yellow cakes that are packaged in plastic. What you need is a tender, biscuit-like shortbread to pair with fresh berries.

Heavy cream is best for that dense crumb, but the recipe will still work with milk instead if you’d rather enjoy a dessert that has less than 15 grams of fat per serving.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups white whole-wheat flour

3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

2 egg yolks, cold

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Zest of 1 lemon

1 2/3 cups heavy cream, divided

3 Tbsp. turbinado sugar, divided

1 lb. strawberries, washed, hulled, and quartered

6 large leaves basil, julienned

1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 346

Protein: 4 grams

Carbs: 34 grams

Fat: 22 grams

 

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Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding

Picture courtesy of The Foodie and the Fix

If you think chia pudding is too healthy to be dessert, then you need to try this strawberry cheesecake version. It’s no harder to make than other flavors.

The key to making it creamy is cottage cheese, which also adds more protein than you’d get from the chia seeds alone. Ricotta will also work in this recipe. For a non-dairy alternative, try vegan cream cheese or coconut yogurt.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 Tbsp. plain Greek yogurt

1 cup chopped strawberries, divided

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/8 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. raw sugar

2 Tbsp. chia seeds

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 282

Protein: 16 grams

Carbs: 33 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

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Strawberry Quinoa Salad

Picture courtesy of Damn Delicious

A classic strawberry salad has baby spinach, pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette. This one has all that – plus a few upgrades that make it even more filling and nutritious.

There’s quinoa, which can bulk up any salad with complex carbs and plant-based protein. And diced avocado adds healthy fats, so even though this looks like an unassuming salad with berries, it’s a well-balanced meal.

Keep in mind you’ll have extra balsamic dressing since this will make half a cup. If you reserve half for later, each salad has two tablespoons of vinaigrette.

You could go even lighter when drizzling on the dressing to reduce the fat, or replace some of the olive oil with plain Greek yogurt.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Salad:

6 cups baby spinach

2 cups strawberries, halved

1 avocado, peeled and diced

1/2 cup cooked quinoa

1/4 cup pecan halves

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, pressed or crushed

2 tsp. extra-fine sugar (or more to taste)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 629

Protein: 18 grams

Carbs: 37 grams

Fat: 49 grams

 

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Strawberry-Filled Chocolate

Picture courtesy of Coconut Magic

Craving candy bars? You can make your own chocolate treat at home, but amp up the nutrition with coconut, strawberries, and even protein.

Although this chocolate candy uses a plant-based protein powder, you could easily sub in whey or your protein of choice since the filling is just a mixture of coconut flour, liquid sweetener, and strawberry puree.

As with any recipe when changing the type of protein powder, mix it in slowly to ensure the filling doesn’t get too dry.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted

4.5 oz. dark chocolate

1 scoop vegan strawberry protein powder

1 Tbsp. coconut flour

2 tsp. coconut nectar (or honey)

2 Tbsp. pureed strawberries (or strawberry jam)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 124

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 14 grams

Fat: 7 grams

 

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Summer Strawberry Pie

Picture courtesy of Serious Eats

It’s hard to resist a ripe berry pie, but when the temperatures are soaring, who wants to turn on the oven? Luckily there are ways to avoid the pastry crust and still enjoy an amazing strawberry pie.

If you prefer not to have the buttery graham cracker crust, this strawberry filling would also be delicious with a no-bake pie crust made out of walnuts, dates, and shredded coconut.

Serves 10

Ingredients

Crust:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

14 oz. graham crackers (about 24), crushed into fine crumbs

Strawberry Filling:

3 lbs. fresh strawberries, hulled and divided

1 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 tsp. unflavored gelatin powder

Pinch of salt

1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 371

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 61 grams

Fat: 14 grams

 

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Buckwheat Ricotta Scones with Strawberry Swirl

Picture courtesy of The Kitchen McCabe

Scones may seem like carb and fat overload, but when you choose the right ingredients, they can be nutritious.

Not only do these have two whole grains, but they’re bakery-worthy with a strawberry swirl. Simply roll out the dough, spread with jam, and slice.

The key to retaining the tender, crumbly texture of scones is not to overmix. It’s better to see a few specks of flour that aren’t blended in than to overdo it.

Serves 12

Ingredients

1 cup buckwheat flour

1 1/2 cups oat flour

1/4 cup coconut sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

6 Tbsp. butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg

3/4 cup ricotta

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup strawberry jam

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 232

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 33 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Rice Crispy Treats

Picture courtesy of Desserts with Benefits

These marshmallow crispy treats have a secret. Not only is there puffed rice – there’s also brown rice protein powder so you can indulge your inner child without feeding him junk food.

Instead of using fresh strawberries, you’ll want to pick up freeze-dried fruit for these bars. If local grocery stores don’t stock them, order online, or dehydrate strawberries in your oven on the lowest temp.

Keep the oven door cracked a bit, and spread out the strawberry slices in an even layer for a few hours until the moisture has evaporated.

Serves 9

Ingredients

5 cups crispy brown rice cereal

1/2 cup rolled oats

2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed

3 Tbsp. coconut oil

2 scoops vanilla brown rice protein powder

4 cups marshmallows

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, chopped

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 244

Protein: 8 grams

Carbs: 41 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Strawberry Red Wine-Glazed Salmon

Picture courtesy of Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Strawberries aren’t just for shortcake and salad. They can also make a delicious glaze or sauce for meat. Think about it: they have juice to keep the roast or fish moist, while lending a natural sweetness like you’d get from honey.

This is an impressive entrée, yet this five-ingredient strawberry salmon doesn’t take much effort to marinate and then broil.

While the fish cooks, soften some onions, and reduce the red wine and strawberry mixture to make a delicious sauce for basting the salmon.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. salmon filet

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup hearty red wine

1/4 cup orange marmalade

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup minced onion

1/2 cup fresh strawberries, quartered

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 341

Protein: 37 grams

Carbs: 16 grams

Fat: 11 grams

 

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Strawberry Yogurt Brûleé

Picture courtesy of Fine Cooking

Forget about strawberry cupcakes. When you want a fancy summer dessert that doesn’t take all day in a hot kitchen, prepare this healthy strawberry brûleé.

It doesn’t take much longer than the time required to chop up some strawberries.  You’ll need just ten minutes to whip up the filing, plus a few seconds with a kitchen torch to take it to the next level.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups plain Greek yogurt

1 cup strawberries, coarsely chopped

5 Tbsp. turbinado sugar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 220

Protein: 8 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 12 grams

 

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Whole-Grain Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins

Picture courtesy of Good Life Eats

These simple strawberry muffins come together quickly, so in under an hour, you’ll have bakery-worthy snacks. But unlike most muffins for sale, these don’t have any butter, just a teaspoon of coconut oil each.

That means they’re tender and flavorful without being greasy.  And these can be made completely vegan if you choose a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond.

Serves 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 cup whole-grain spelt flour (or whole-wheat flour)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 Tbsp. coconut oil

1 large egg

1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 154

Protein: 4 grams

Carbs: 25 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Pizza

Picture courtesy of Closet Cooking

This is the perfect homemade pizza to enjoy during the summer. Friends and family will especially love it on a sunny day when it’s prepared out on the grill.

You’ll need to stretch out the dough and, before adding toppings, grill one side. Flip it, build up the pizza of your dreams with bacon, chicken, and more, and then wait until the cheese is melted.

The toppings won’t get as much heat as they would in an oven, so make sure the meat is at least room temp. before it goes on top.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup no-sugar-added strawberry jam

Sriracha to taste

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 1/2 cups (about 6 oz.) shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup (about 1 oz.) grated Parmesan

1 lb. whole-wheat pizza dough

4 slices smoked bacon, cut into 1” pieces, cooked

1/4 cup sweet onion, sliced

3/4 cup strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 532

Protein: 37 grams

Carbs: 63 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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Greek Yogurt Strawberry Banana Bread

Picture courtesy of Nosh and Nourish

This is a great recipe to keep on file for when you want to upgrade regular banana bread, or try something new during strawberry season.

It’s even easy to make if you haven’t baked bread before. Put all the dry ingredients in one bowl. After mixing the wet ingredients in another bowl, pour them over the flour to combine, and fold in the strawberries.

It’s customizable too. Want to add a heaping scoop of strawberry banana WHEY+ protein powder to the batter? Reduce the flour to 1 1/3 cups instead.

And if you’d rather have a plain strawberry bread, replace the two bananas with a cup of unsweetened applesauce.

Serves 12

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups + 3 Tbsp. whole-wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt (optional)

1/4 cup pure honey (or 1/2 cup brown sugar)

2 large bananas

2 large eggs

1 small container (6 oz.) strawberry banana Greek yogurt

1 cup diced strawberries

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 136

Protein: 4 grams

Carbs: 28 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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Strawberry Salsa

Picture courtesy of Sweet Life

Strawberry sauce might make you think of the too-sweet, artificially colored stuff of dessert buffets. But there’s a way to enjoy a savory strawberry sauce that you might not have considered.

Make salsa with strawberries instead of tomatoes, and it’ll still be awesome with tortilla chips or tacos. It’s especially great as a topping for fish or baked chicken along with diced avocado.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups finely chopped strawberries

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

2 serrano chiles, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 cup lime juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 33

Protein: 1 gram

Carbs: 8 grams

Fat: < 1 gram

 

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Strawberry Freezer Jam

Picture courtesy of Mind Over Batter

Ever since chia seeds have become a health food craze, they’ve been used as a thickener in everything from puddings and smoothies to soups and jams.

It’s easy to make a no-cook strawberry jam with chia seeds – just puree the fruit, stir in seeds, and wait – but when you want a smoother jam, try this alternative.

It’ll take about a half hour to cook on the stove, and after that you’ll have two cups of jam to use for cheesecakes, toast, or even as a sandwich spread.

Serves 16 / Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

2 lbs. fresh strawberries

1 cup granulated sugar

1 vanilla bean, sliced in the middle, cut in half

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Splash of fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp. water

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 65

Protein: < 1 gram

Carbs: 17 grams

Fat: < 1 gram

 

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 Upside-Down Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Picture courtesy of Hungry Girl

This looks like a slice of pie, but it’s hardly more than fresh strawberries. When the traditional pie crust is replaced with crushed pretzels, the result is a low-fat, no-sugar-added dessert that’s way easier to make.

The filling is just strawberries pureed with cornstarch and gelatin to thicken it up, and then a whole bunch more fresh berries are folded in.

That goes into a pie pan, refrigerated for a few hours, and simply topped with crunchy pretzel pieces before serving.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. granulated stevia

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 envelopes (1/4 oz. each) unflavored gelatin

8 cups sliced strawberries

1 cup pretzel sticks, crushed

1 cup light whipped topping

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 117

Protein: 4 grams

Carbs: 27 grams

Fat: 2 grams

 

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Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Picture courtesy of The Foodie Affair

Strawberry season kicks off the beginning of summer, and once they start to ripen, it’s hard to keep up with how many are bursting with fresh juices.

When you’re tired from baking pies and making jam, take a break with this refreshing lemonade.

The strawberries are first cooked down with sugar and water, a mixture that you can make ahead of time and keep in the fridge. Then blend with lemon juice, add water to taste, and enjoy over ice.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 cup baking stevia (or granulated sugar)

1 cup water

3 cups sparkling mineral water

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 79

Protein: 1 gram

Carbs: 31 grams

Fat: < 1 gram

 

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Green Tea Coconut Ice Cream with Strawberry Swirl

Picture courtesy of Fragrant Vanilla Cake

For an outstanding non-dairy ice cream, don’t just use coconut cream. You can blend up whole coconut to create a rich, creamy dessert.

This recipe then adds a touch of matcha powder, which you could replace with raw cacao if you prefer chocolate. To take it over the top, quickly puree strawberries to make a tasty swirl.

The Fragrant Vanilla Cake blog has lots more indulgent vegan dessert recipes worth making, including Coconut Matcha Mint Mousse with Strawberries.

Serves 12 / Makes about 6 cups

Ingredients

Ice Cream:

1 cup coconut water

2 Tbsp. matcha powder

4 cups young coconut meat

1/2 cup raw coconut nectar (or pure maple syrup)

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

Swirl:

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries

2 Tbsp. raw coconut nectar (or pure maple syrup)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 326

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 23 grams

Fat: 27 grams

 

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What did you think of these strawberry recipes? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!