9 Ways To Enjoy Summer Strawberries

Nothing quite screams summer like the scent of fresh strawberries wafting through the farmers' market or the act of picking them off a bush and popping those sweet morsels in your mouth — usually resulting in red-stained fingers. But when strawberries are in season, any stains or spills caused in the line of consumption are well worth it. 

Often, you don't need more than the strawberries themselves, but sometimes a little honey or powdered sugar adds that little extra touch of sweetness. But the beauty of this fruit is that it can also be used in a variety of ways, each showcasing the simplicity and flavor of the berry. 

Plus, strawberries are a great source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. So when they are in season, load up on your intake. Because fresh strawberries won't last more than a few days, it's best to eat them quickly (and in a different ways, as mentioned below). Also keep in mind that whether you're purchasing organic or conventional strawberries, it's a good idea to rinse them in warm water before use. 

Try our recipes below and let us know your favorite way to enjoy strawberries. 

Strawberry Semifreddo

A semifreddo is similar to ice cream, but you won't need an ice cream machine or a tank of liquid nitrogen...

— Will Budiaman

Strawberry Shortcakes with Lemon-Basil Cream

Dessert wasn't really a staple in my family's home growing up (save for the chocolates Dad would bring back from trips to France)...

— Maryse Chevriere

Strawberry Sandy

This recipe is for hot summer nights, when ice cream is too heavy for dessert and fruit is not quite enough...

— Hannah Smith-Drelich

Pickled Strawberries

After eating a delicious sandwich that was topped with pickled strawberries, I was inspired to try making them at home...

— Yasmin Fahr

Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Mint and Feta

A friend brought a version of this lovely, summery salad to a recent  barbecue and it perfectly complemented the rich grilled meats... 

— Valaer Murray

Strawberry Lemonade

Fresh strawberries, hand-squeezed lemons, and water — the recipe maybe simple, but 

— Arthur Bovin

Broiled Salmon with Strawberry Sauce

There is nothing I love more than a simply broiled salmon topped with a slightly sweet, slightly salty glaze...

— Allison Beck

Strawberry Pesto

I'm a sucker for pesto, and I love strawberry-basil sorbet. So why not strawberry-basil pesto?

— Alexis Anderson

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Compote

Panna cotta is the ultimate warm weather dessert — creamy, chilled custard topped with your favorite seasonal fruit of choice...

 — Molly Aronica

This article was originally published on July 7, 2011