We all know you’re supposed to have a full four servings of fruit (five servings for veggies) a day, but according to the American Heart Association, a full serving of fruit is about as large as your fist and can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juiced.
There are so many fruits to choose from, and this summer in Michigan we are focusing on a fan-favorite, strawberries. These smaller juicy red fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C and manganese and contain great amounts of vitamin B9 and potassium. Not to mention they are rich in antioxidants which can have a great effect on health and blood sugar. So let’s get on to some healthy and delicious ways to incorporate this fan-favorite fruit into your summer meals.
Breakfast
- Strawberry oatmeal bars – Coming in at about 100 calories per bar, these homemade oatmeal bars are an easy grab-n-go option for early morning drives, soccer game snacks or easy camping treats. The lightly sweetened vanilla glaze will make these a crowd favorite. Can’t wait to make them? See how here.
- Vanilla hazelnut granola and strawberries – Wake up with this homemade granola and strawberry recipe. Nothing beats fresh strawberries with the sweet crunch of granola and a hint of hazelnut. This breakfast staple will make it easier to get out of bed and get your day started.
Lunch
- Spinach and strawberry salad – This quick and easy salad will have you in your own blissful “Strawberry Fields Forever”. With eight simple ingredients, toss them together in a bowl and be ready for this fresh salad, so you have more time to enjoy in the great Michigan summer.
- Strawberry Caprese pasta – Everyone loves a cold caprese pasta salad, so now it’s time to add a summer twist, with strawberries of course! Combine these simple and clean ingredients in a bowl, let it chill until you are ready to serve. Enjoy!
Dinner
- Pork tenderloin medallions with strawberry sauce – Strawberries don’t always have to be the star of the show. In this yummy recipe strawberries make a nice dressing to sweeten up the pork tenderloin. With a balance of feta cheese and green onions, this is one dish you need to try ASAP.
- Seared salmon with strawberry basil relish – Mix sweet with salty in this fish dish with strawberry relish. The salmon in this dish will give you a dose of healthy fats along with Vitamins B and D, which help boost energy – to keep the summer fun going all night.
Desserts
- Fresh strawberry pie – Nothing says summer like some fresh strawberry pie. This pie tastes as good as it looks, and the lemony cream cheese layer adds a great twist on this classic pie recipe.
- Strawberry-rosemary yogurt pops – Mix tangy with sweet in this perfect end of the day treat. The rosemary adds a super refreshing taste and these pops come in at 81 calories and 3g of protein – they taste good and are good for you.
Snacks
- Fruit salad with poppy seed dressing – This tropical fruit salad with poppy seed dressing is perfect for a nice and healthy snack. This colorful dish is sure to add a pop of color to any picnic table.
- Minty Strawberry fruit salad – The fresh mint and strawberry, along with other fruits, makes this fruit salad unlike any other. Add some brown sugar and lemon juice to sweeten the deal and you’ll have a staple for all your outdoor barbeques. Healthy and colorful? What more could you ask for?
Drinks
- Strawberry lemonade – Skip the sugar! Try this naturally sweetened and refreshing lemonade, perfect for a summer cookout and to cool off by the water. The special sweetening agent of honey in this recipe adds a nice sweetness to the tangy drink.
- Strawberry smoothie – This easy smoothie is a breeze to blend together and is totally customizable to your liking. Throw it in the blender and this recipe makes two servings, one for now and one to stow in the fridge and grab while you run out the door to other summer plans.
- Strawberry and mint water – Water and proper hydration is important to keep the summer activities going strong. Keep your water fun and flavored all summer with this hint of mint recipe. Switch it up fresh fruit and berries all season.
With so many healthy and quick options, you’ll be buying strawberries by the bushel and hitting your daily fruit intake in no time. Whether you pick them, grow them, or buy them, this fruit will give you the berry best summer yet.
