Everyone's favorite berry, the strawberry is also the first fresh berry to appear in markets, beating out raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries that all appear later in the year. Peak season for strawberries is April to June, which means these sweet, juicy berries star in many springtime dishes.Strawberry desserts are the ultimate sweet ending to a meal, but this fruit goes way beyond dessert, playing a starring role in everything from co*cktails to salads.
When shopping for strawberries, look for bright red berries that do not have any white or green around the stem. Be sure to sniff (the strawberries should be fragrant!) and to touch (you'll want to find berries that are plump, with no soft spots). If you are going to use the berries the same day, it's best not to refrigerate them. Otherwise we recommend laying the berries flat on a paper-towel-lined plate and refrigerating for up to two days. Do not rinse or hull the strawberries until you are ready to use them.
Ready to start cooking with berries? Enjoy your favorites all season long with these spectacular strawberry recipes.
How to Wash and Store Berries So They Stay Fresh Longer
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Vanilla Sponge Cake with Strawberry-Meringue Buttercream
A whopping three pounds of strawberries are called for in this showstopping cake—they're sandwiched between the layers, cooked down and added to the frosting, and used to crown the top.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
A simple, harmonious salad of strawberries, baby spinach, and feta in a white-balsamic vinaigrette. Toasted almonds and sesame seeds add a rich crunch.
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Strawberry Salsa
Grab the tortilla chips and try this fruity four-ingredient salsa in place of your usual tomato version. Red onion and jalapeño take strawberries into savory territory.
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Tartlets with Yogurt Pastry Cream and Strawberries
Pastry cream lightened up with yogurt and whipped cream is paired with store-bought puff pastry and strawberries macerated with sugar and lemon juice in this company-worthy dessert.
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Strawberry Shortcake With Basil
Here's a sophisticated take on a classic dessert. For this strawberry shortcake, basil leaves are simmered in heavy cream to add a subtle perfume to the whipped cream filling. Bake one large shortcake (or eight smaller ones, if you prefer) and top with sweetened strawberries, small basil leaves, and the basil whipped cream.
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Watercress Strawberry and Toasted Sesame Salad
If you’re a fan of opposing flavors and enjoy how they tickle your tastebuds, you’ll want to add this strawberry recipe to your collection. The peppery sesame and watercress flirts with sweet honey strawberries, creating a delicious and surprising side dish.
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Quick Strawberry Jam
Strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice are all you need to make this easy strawberry refrigerator jam that cooks in just 10 minutes. Spread the jam on toast or biscuits, or use as filling for a layer cake.
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Strawberry-Cucumber Gin-Elderflower Spritz
A light, fragrant spritz that's also make-ahead, just the thing for summer entertaining. The combination of strawberries, cucumber, and gin is magical.
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Strawberry-Shortcake Sundaes
Transform the classic summer dessert into a knockout sundae by layering vanilla ice cream swirled with homemade strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries macerated with sugar and lemon juice, store-bought pound cake, and freshly whipped cream.
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Strawberry–Goat Cheese Tartine
Here's a strawberry power breakfast: Roast the berries with maple syrup and olive oil and spread on top of goat cheese on your favorite toasted bread. This also makes a wonderful afternoon snack.
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Strawberry-Passion Fruit Pavlova
Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and heaped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, this classic meringue dessert is a lively study in textures.
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Strawberry-Grapefruit Smoothie
Fresh ginger adds a pleasant kick to this refreshing, good-for-you vegan smoothie. It's packed with grapefruit, strawberries, and Honeycrisp apple. Also check out our Strawberry-Coconut Smoothie.
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Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie
Strawberries mellow out the sharp edges of rhubarb in this classic spring pie.
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Waffle-and-Strawberry Trifle
You can make this out-of-the-ordinary dessert with frozen waffles to save time, but be sure to whip up your own creamy pudding. The rich flavor and silky texture are worth the extra effort. Seeking a more traditional waffle setup? Look no further than our Whole-Grain Waffles with Sliced Strawberries and Yogurt.
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Strawberries with Créme Fraîche and Sugar
This is one of the world's great finger foods. The three ingredients are are thick crème fraîche, confectioners' sugar, and the most fragrant, perfectly ripe strawberries you can find. Dip, sprinkle, and eat to your heart's content. Want something equally simple? Try bathing them in a syrup made with vanilla extract, lemon zest, and black peppercorns in our Strawberries with Vanilla Syrup recipe.
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Whole-Grain Strawberry-Cherry Crisp
We like this crisp for breakfast as well as dessert. Whole-wheat flour adds an earthiness to the crunchy oat-and-coconut topping which is scattered over lightly sugared strawberries and cherries and baked.
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Strawberry Cobbler
Teaming strawberries with a buttery biscuit topping is always a good idea. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream.
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Strawberry Daiquiri
To make this irresistibly fruity twist on the classic daiquiri, simply blend fresh lime juice, strawberries, white rum, a touch of sugar, and ice cubes.
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Fig and Strawberry Tart
Rich hazelnut-Armagnac filling in a buttery pastry crust forms the base of this elegant tart. Arrange halved fresh figs and strawberries on top and bake until the fruit is caramelized and sweet.
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Roasted Strawberries
A touch of honey and a low oven temperature transform overripe strawberries into a delectable syrupy topping. Try them on everything from ice cream and yogurt to biscuits and pancakes.
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Strawberry Slushie
Strawberries are already packed with vitamin C, but we up the health factor (and the vitamin count) in this easy three-ingredient drink by adding lemon juice and agave for extra sweetness. It's a super-refreshing, dairy-free beverage.
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Strawberry Ice Cream
Eight egg yolks plus equal parts skim milk and heavy cream make this fresh strawberry ice cream deliciously rich. You will need an ice-cream maker to prepare this recipe.
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Strawberry Muffins
Fold mashed strawberries into these cinnamon-kissed muffins that get their tender crumb from buttermilk and oil.
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Strawberry Napoleons
Get ready to love these tangy, fragrant vanilla-and-strawberry ice cream sandwiches. With layers of puff pastry in between, it’ll be a sweet treat you look forward to after a hot, summer day.
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Berry Pizza
Who says pizza has to be savory? This dessert pizza is so easy to make—but a real ‘wow’ for your guests or family. To prepare, all you need are flour tortillas, ricotta—and of course, a collection of fresh berries as your star.
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