Recipes to Try During Strawberry Season

Strawberry season is just around the corner, and there are many ways to incorporate strawberries into your recipes. Here are a few fun ideas for adding ripe, delicious strawberries to your meals and snacks.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup raw pecans
• 1/2 small red onion
• 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1 quart strawberries
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese 

For the Poppy seed Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1,5 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1,5 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard•
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt•
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Toast the pecans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pecans smell fragrant and the center of a pecan is tan when the pecan is broken in half. (Do not walk away from the oven in the last few minutes of cooking. This is when nuts love to burn.) Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop.
2. Prepare the dressing: In small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until well combined. (Or, you can shake the ingredients together in a mason jar with a lid).
3. Assemble the salad: Place the spinach in a big serving bowl and add the strawberries and red onion. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss. Add the feta and pecans. Toss lightly to combine and serve immediately.

Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites

This recipe makes about 12-14 protein bites.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 cup strawberries, pureed (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped strawberries (for texture)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, almond flour, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything’s combined.
2. In a separate bowl, add the pureed strawberries, honey (or maple syrup), yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth consistency.
3. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. If you’re using them, fold in the chopped strawberries for an extra bit of texture.
4. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps everything firm up and makes it easier to scoop out.
5. Once chilled, use your hands to form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This part is fun—get your hands in there!
6. Place the protein bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or pop them in the freezer for longer storage.