10 Sweet and Healthy Ways to Use Fresh Strawberries

One of our favorite harbingers of warm weather is strawberries. Once we see them, bursting with vibrant color, at the farmers market, we know spring is really here. Truly one of nature’s gifts, not only are fresh strawberries juicy and delicious, they’re also loaded with good nutrition: They’re a great source of vitamin C, full of antioxidants and fiber, and they have minerals like potassium. As sweet as they are, strawberries are also lower in natural sugar than many other fruits. Here are healthy fresh strawberry recipes to celebrate this seasonal favorite.

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1. Healthy Strawberry Shortcake

Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with this strawberry shortcake, made with wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar. It’s grain- and gluten-free thanks to an almond flour base. Use non-dairy yogurt and whipped coconut cream if you want to make it dairy free, too.

Try this recipe from Rachl Mansfield.

2.  Strawberry Brownies

Treat yourself to moist and decadent strawberry brownies — though technically, we’d consider them blondies. At just 50 calories each and 4 grams of protein, they’ll help you satisfy your sweet tooth and hit your protein goals. 

Try this recipe from Hayls Kitchen.

3. Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters

These yogurt clusters went viral on TikTok for a reason. The combination of juicy berries, creamy Greek yogurt, and a crunchy chocolate shell is irresistible. They’re quick and easy to put together, and you keep them in the freezer, so they’re there in case of chocolate emergencies (totally a thing).

Try this recipe from Walder Wellness.

Related: These Sweet & Savory Strawberry Recipes Are Seriously Delicious

4. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Truffles

Here’s another take on the classic combo of chocolate and strawberries. Puree fresh strawberries, mix with cocoa powder and a little maple syrup, then refrigerate until cold. Form into truffles, then roll in crushed freeze-dried strawberries. It’s hard to believe such a decadent treat can be so healthy.  

Try this recipe from Amy’s Healthy Baking.

5. Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Fruit crumble bars are always a crowd pleaser, so make these delicious one-bowl bars for your next get-together. They’re whole grain, and you can swap coconut sugar for the brown sugar if you prefer an unrefined sweetener.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

6. Strawberry Chocolate Chip Muffins  

Totally plant-based, whole grain, and refined sugar–free, these muffins, loaded with fresh strawberries and mini chocolate chips, are bound to become your new favorite snack. They’re perfect to bring to a spring brunch, too.

Try this recipe from Nuts About Greens.

7. Low-Carb Strawberry Mousse

Dip your spoon into a cup of this cloud-like, fluffy strawberry mousse. It has just 5 grams of carbs thanks to a keto sweetener, but you can swap in coconut sugar if you prefer a regular sweetener and don’t mind a few more carbs. The recipe calls for frozen strawberries, but you can swap in 10 ounces of fresh berries.

Try this recipe from Simply So Healthy.

Related: 7 Luscious Takes on Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

8. Peanut Butter Strawberry Banana Quesadilla

Imagine the tastiest, most luscious PB & J ever, but warmed up, and made with tortillas. You’ll enjoy this super-fun twist on the classic sandwich over and over again for a snack, for desserts — even for breakfast. Use any kind of tortilla you like; we’d add the optional chocolate chips, too. Swap another nut butter for the peanut butter, if you like.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

9. Easy Strawberry Crepes

Crepes seem complicated and fancy, but they’re actually really simple to make. In this recipe, they’re whole grain, since you grind oats into oat flour in the blender to start. The lightly cooked berries wrapped inside the crepes makes a decadent brunch or elegant dessert. Don’t forget the whipped cream.

Try this recipe from Healthy Foodie Girl.

10. Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is such a treat in the morning — it takes like a muffin, but it’s full of good-for-you ingredients and no refined sugar. In this recipe, you fold mashed banana and diced strawberries into the batter, along with unsweetened coconut, so every bite is full of flavor. Swap toasted walnuts or pecans for the coconut, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from All the Healthy Things.

Read next: Is Freeze Dried Fruit Healthy? A Dietitian Weighs In