Looking for a healthy and easy strawberry recipe? Try this indulgent strawberry treat!

Katherine Isacks, MPS, RDN Registered Dietitian

Have you been searching for healthy and easy strawberry recipes? Maybe you've been eyeing those fresh red berries in the produce section or have some in your home garden! Strawberries are nutrition powerhouses and are also delicious! Now that's a win-win!

Strawberries are weight-friendly, diabetes-friendly, and oh, so delicious when they are fresh and in season.

Healthy and delicious strawberry treat

One cup of fresh strawberry halves (about 5 oz) has only 50 calories and 12 grams of total carbs (3 g fiber, 8 g sugar). That is a lot of delicious sweet taste for a very reasonable calorie cost. If you are craving something sweet for a snack or as an after-dinner treat, fresh strawberries are a great choice - the flavor will knock your socks off. And my guess is that you will not miss your junk food or candy.

Tip: Are you counting carbs and looking for a sweet flavor with minimal carbs? Try using 1/4 cup of fresh sliced strawberries for only 3 grams of total carbs.

Strawberries - great vitamin C source

Did you know that strawberries are a fantastic source of vitamin C? One cup of strawberry halves has 89 mg of vitamin C. That is 100% of the RDA for adult men and 119% of the RDA for adult women. Compared to 1 cup of orange slices, you get nearly the same amount of vitamin C with fewer calories and carbs. Not a bad swap!

Antioxidants are plentiful in strawberries

Although most people know that blueberries are high in antioxidants, many do not realize that strawberries are also a good source. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants that may help lower cancer risk and could help keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.

On the lookout for a fancy and easy strawberry recipe? Try one of my favorites

Sometimes you want an easy strawberry recipe rather than raw berries for a special occasion or sweet indulgence. I love Balsamic Strawberries with Ricotta Cream for this purpose.

Balsamic Strawberries with Honey Ricotta

Ingredients

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp unpacked brown sugar
16 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (1 standard plastic container)
2 tbsp fresh basil, cut into strips or ribbons

Directions

Mix ricotta cheese with honey and vanilla extract in a bowl. To get it super smooth, use a food processor. Cover and place in the fridge to cool.
Put balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small pot or saucepan and heat until just boiling, then turn down heat and simmer for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Rinse and cut off the green tops of the strawberries, then quarter.
Mix strawberries and vinegar mixture in a large bowl so that berries are coated well.
Cut fresh basil leaves into thin ribbons or strips.
Divide strawberries evenly into 4 bowls, top with 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture, then garnish with basil leaf ribbons. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition: 155 cal, 20 g total carb (2 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 8 g protein, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 66 mg sodium, 67 mg vitamin C

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