Try these sweet strawberry recipes to brighten up your summer meals
Not sure what to do with strawberries? There are so many ways to enjoy these succulent fruits, from vibrant breakfasts to indulgent desserts and colourful side dishes.
Strawberries are versatile ingredients to liven up your vegan cooking and baking endeavours, even when frozen or tinned. To help you make the most of this beloved fruit, we’ve put together some of our favourite recipes that will inspire you through spring, summer and beyond.
Jump to each section:
Strawberry desserts and treats
When are strawberries in season?
Why are strawberries good for you?
Healthy strawberry recipes
1. Banana Berry Smoothie
Start your day with this basic yet refreshing banana berry smoothie. As far as plant-based breakfasts go, it doesn’t get much quicker than throwing berries, bananas and dairy-free milk into a blender.
Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and simply bursting with flavour, this smoothie is sure to wake you up and leave you feeling energised all morning.
2. Fruity Protein Porridge
You really can’t go wrong with this classic combo of berries and oats. When you need a wholesome breakfast to fuel you through the morning, try this protein-packed porridge topped with blended strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Blending the berries offers an extra kick of sweetness, but you can skip this step when you’re in a hurry.
3. Fruit and Yoghurt Parfait
If you fancy a healthy dish that still feels indulgent, try this fruit and yoghurt parfait. The layers are easy to assemble using puffed quinoa, dairy-free yoghurt, berries and kiwis. The end result is an explosion of flavour – perfect for sitting outside in the sun!
4. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Once you try Simple Veganista’s strawberry spinach salad recipe, you won’t look back. Packed with glorious greens, succulent strawberries and much more, this is one of our favourite vegan strawberry recipes.
The chopped almond topping adds an extra crunch and the poppyseed dressing offers a punchy flavour. If you’re allergic to nuts, the recipe suggests a few substitutions to try instead.
5. Strawberry Salsa
Salsa…made with strawberries? Trust us, it works! This creative twist on a classic salsa is sunshine in a bowl and makes a delicious side dish at plant-based BBQs. Alternatively, you can enjoy it with nachos, sourdough or bruschetta.
Those who love fiery foods needn’t worry – the recipe still includes chilli to spice things up.
Strawberry desserts and treats
6. Strawberry Fraisier
Some occasions require showstopping desserts and Rhythm 108’s vegan strawberry fraisier is guaranteed to be a hit with guests. Although it takes a little extra time and effort, the end result is well worth it.
Made with a light génoise sponge, fresh strawberries and a creamy vanilla mousseline filling, it’s the ultimate dessert for celebrations.
7. Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes
You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make Wallflower Kitchen’s raw vegan cheesecakes. Using Nak’d bars as a base is a genius hack and takes the fuss out of vegan baking.
These mini desserts are easy to put together but require some forward planning so you can soak the cashews and allow the cheesecakes to set in the freezer. They’re worth the wait!
8. Strawberry Cream Tea
Who doesn’t love afternoon tea? Now you can enjoy it in the comfort of your garden thanks to Marchpane & Medlar’s recipe. Whipping up homemade strawberry preserve and baking your own vegan scones is simpler than you may think.
Make the most of British strawberries in the early summer for these decadent delights.
9. Rhubarb & Strawberry Crisp with Vanilla Whip
If you ask us, it’s not summer until the crumble comes out. Our version of rhubarb and strawberry crumble is gluten-free, but still satisfyingly sweet with a crunchy coating and a vanilla whip to top it all off. It’s ideal for family gatherings or alfresco fun throughout the summer.
10. Strawberry & Cream Cupcakes
In need of a beginner-friendly strawberry recipe that even kids can help to make? These strawberry cupcakes topped with vegan buttercream by Pippa Kendrick are a real treat for the tastebuds.
Free from gluten, soy, nuts and yeast, these bitesize desserts ensure no one is left out of the summer festivities.
When are strawberries in season?
In the UK, strawberry season is May – September. Strawberries can be planted in August, early September, March and April if you want to grow your own. When British strawberries are out of season, frozen or tinned varieties work well in various recipes too.
Why are strawberries good for you?
Like other berries, strawberries have a range of health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B9, potassium and manganese.
According to Dr Michael Greger, founder of NutritionFacts.org, berries are the healthiest fruits and eating them regularly may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Dr Greger’s Daily Dozen guide recommends eating one serving of berries everyday for optimum health.
How to store strawberries
The best way to store fresh strawberries is to keep them in the fridge. Refrigerating them in their original container will only keep them fresh for up to four or five days, so use an air-tight glass container if you can.
Adding a paper towel to the bottom of the container and storing the strawberries on top can also help preserve the freshness.
Can you freeze strawberries?
Yes, you can freeze strawberries for long-term use. This method also helps reduce food waste.
Wash and dry the strawberries, remove the stem and leaves and store them in freezer bags. Ensure you squeeze the air out of the freezer bags before placing them in the freezer.
Thawed strawberries will have a slightly different taste and texture than fresh, but they’re still delicious and can be used in your vegan dishes.
Feeling inspired by these vegan strawberry recipes? Explore even more plant-based meal ideas.
