millennialhouse

It’s strawberry season here in England, which means these juicy gems are at their best right now. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably looking for some more ways to use them in your cooking. I’ve got five fantastic strawberry recipes to help you make the most of them this season. From breakfast to mocktails, and even a savoury twist, let’s dive in!

1. Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Next up, let’s try something savoury. Strawberries aren’t just for desserts—they add a fantastic sweet and tangy note to salads, too.

What you’ll need:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Baby spinach leaves
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional, skip if you want it dairy-free)
• Toasted almonds or walnuts
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh mint leaves
• Balsamic glaze or vinaigrette

Toss the spinach with the strawberries, feta, nuts, and onion. Top with fresh mint and drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinaigrette just before serving. This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer lunch.

2. Strawberry Pancakes

For a breakfast that feels like a treat, strawberry pancakes are the way to go. They’re fluffy, fruity, and utterly delightful.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the almond milk and lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes to curdle. Add the egg to the milk mixture and whisk well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown. Serve with extra strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup or even some of your homemade strawberry compote (recipe further down). Perfect for a weekend breakfast!

3. Strawberry Lime Mocktail

Now, how about a refreshing drink to cool you down? This strawberry lime mocktail is not only gorgeous but incredibly tasty as well.

What you’ll need:

• Fresh strawberries
• Fresh lime
• Fresh mint leaves
• Sparkling water
• A touch of honey or agave syrup (optional)

Muddle the strawberries and half of a sliced lime in a glass until they’re nicely mashed up. Add a splash of honey if you like it sweet. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water and garnish with some fresh mint leaves (left over from your strawberry salad). Give it a gentle stir and enjoy!

4. Strawberry Compote

Next, let’s make a versatile strawberry compote. It can be used for many things such as in cakes and puddings or to top your morning yoghurt or toast.

What you’ll need:

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• A bit of sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens—about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool, then store in the fridge. This compote is a great way to add some strawberry goodness to your breakfasts and desserts.

5. Dairy-Free Strawberry Smoothie

Let’s finish with a refreshing dairy-free strawberry smoothie. Perfect for those sunny mornings when you need a quick and healthy start to your day.

What you’ll need:

• A handful of fresh strawberries
• A banana
• A cup of almond milk (or any plant-based milk you prefer)
• A tablespoon of chia seeds
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional)

Just blend everything together until smooth and enjoy! It’s creamy, fruity, and absolutely delicious without any dairy. Plus, the chia seeds add a lovely texture and a bit of extra nutrition.