Berry season is just around the corner, with ripe and juicy strawberries suddenly becoming available.
Strawberries are delicious and nutritious, with a number of health benefits you might find surprising. For example, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is good for your eye health and immune system.
They are chock-full of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help fight cancer and high levels of cholesterol. Check out these recipes for some tasty and healthy ways to incorporate strawberries into your summer diet.
1. Strawberry Bruschetta
Serve strawberry bruschetta on bite-sized baguette slices for a delicious appetizer or snack at a luncheon. This strawberry bruschetta recipe calls for fresh strawberries and nectarines, as well as grape tomatoes and fresh basil.
Toss the fruits and herbs with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a little bit of salt, sugar, and freshly ground pepper, and then top it with goat cheese, a much leaner and healthier cheese option than cow cheese.
2. Strawberry and Avocado Salsa
This salsa is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and savory flavors that can go on the meat of your choice, whether chicken, fish, or roast beef. You can also eat it as a dip with baked tortilla chips, just like traditional salsa.
This strawberry and avocado salsa recipe is extremely simple to make. All you need to do is chop up some strawberries, avocado, red union, cilantro and jalapeño, and then toss it together with freshly grated lime rind, fresh lime juice and a little bit of sugar.
3. Strawberry Chicken Salad
Fresh salads are all the rage in the summer because there are so many greens available. This strawberry chicken salad recipe makes use of a variety of mixed salad greens and sliced fresh strawberries, as well as a homemade dressing, using honey, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and garlic.
Pan fry the chicken in a light oil and add some of the salad dressing as a marinade. Toss the chicken, strawberries and greens with chopped walnuts and dressing and serve right away to enjoy fresh.