May Strawberries... and healthy recipes

Although you can get strawberries grown in Florida, California and points beyond all year long, there’s nothing better than picking your own fully ripe berries in season. You can inhale the sweet fragrance, sample often, stain your fingers and pile up way more than you can use. Health-wise, strawberries are great—they boast fiber, more vitamin C than any other berry, and 1 cup of fresh whole strawberries has a respectable 35 micrograms of folate, the powerful B vitamin that creates normal red blood cells and is crucial for prenatal development. The anthocyanidins found in these ruby mouthfuls also help protect against heart disease. Get inspired with these delicious strawberry recipes. All are worthy of whipping up for a little strawberry social with family or friends.

Check out some of my favorite healthy strawberry recipes!


♥  Green Salad with Strawberries & Goat Cheese ♥

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup , or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper , to taste
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 3 cups watercress, tough stems removed
  • 2 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries , (about 12 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup fresh chives, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans , (see Tip)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Preparation

  1. Whisk maple syrup (or brown sugar), vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add spinach, watercress, strawberries and chives; toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 plates and top with pecans and goat cheese.

Tips & Notes

  • Tip: To toast chopped or sliced nuts, stir constantly in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. 

 

♥ Strawberry-Almond Smoothie ♥

Ingredients

  • 10 frozen whole strawberries
  • 1 cup almond milk or low-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup silken tofu, (4 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

  1. Combine strawberries, almond milk (or low-fat milk), tofu and sugar in a blender. Blend until frothy and smooth, about 1 minute. Pour into tall glasses and serve.

Tips & Notes

  • Almond milk is a delicious, low-fat alternative to skim or low-fat milk, especially for the lactose-intolerant. 

Check out our live strawberry picking adventure at Mitchell's Berries below :)



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