Nothing signals spring like a box of juicy, crimson-red strawberries. And while the fruit is always a delight to eat on its own, it's often even better when featured in a cake, ice cream or even as a sweet complement to more savory aspects of a salad or chicken lettuce cups. Here are 16 recipes to save for strawberry season.
Sugar Cookies Bars with Strawberry Glaze
These chunky, lemon-scented cookie bars are topped with a pastel glaze and, for an extra seasonal touch, sugar-covered flowers.
Strawberry Mango Popsicles
Vitamin-rich strawberries, mangoes and beets go into these frozen treats, which can serve as a healthy dessert or post-workout pick-me-up.
Strawberry Champagne Mojito
This berry-infused twist on the classic Cuban cocktail gets nice and bubbly thanks to a champagne topper.
Al's Sexy Strawberry Shortcake
Put in the effort to do the whipped cream and biscuits from scratch and you'll be rewarded with an impressive homemade dessert.
Strawberry-Basil Agua Fresca
Cool down with this refreshing drink, a simple blend of fresh strawberries, basil leaves and lemon juice. To make it party-friendly, you can easily make it boozy with vodka or rum!
Sinless Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Sate your sweet tooth with these bite-sized confections. They're stuffed with a creamy cheesecake filling that doesn't overwhelm the berry's natural sweetness.
Strawberry Spring Salad
Strawberries aren't just for desserts! Brighten up a vinaigrette by blending in some of the fruit or add cut-up slices to your favorite leafy salad for a burst of spring flavor.
Easiest Ever Strawberry Jam
Does jamming seem intimidating? This no-fuss recipe, a combination of strawberries, blueberries and touch of citrus, will convince you otherwise.
Strawberry and Cream Stuffed French Toast
There's no sweeter way to start the day than to serve a super-luxe French toast stuffed with strawberry preserves and a gooey cheese of your liking.
No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Use your food processor to blend frozen strawberries, maple syrup and almond milk into an icy treat — no ice cream maker necessary!
Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
This stunner of a tart features a buttery shortbread crust, followed by layers of luscious mascarpone and lightly-glazed strawberries.
Strawberry and Rum Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Just because the weather's getting warmer doesn't mean you have to shelf the slow cooker. Use your crockpot to make a sweet and spicy chicken filling for lightened-up lettuce cups finished with quinoa, goat cheese and crunchy almonds.
Strawberry Cheesecake Puffs
Store-bought puff pastry is the key to flaky dessert "sandwiches" filled with a no-bake cheesecake filling and strawberry spread.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Meringue Pie
The season's power couple of strawberry and rhubarb make for a fine pie filling and this recipe elevates it with a torched meringue topping.
Strawberry-Pineapple White Chocolate Cake Balls
Transform pineapple-studded cake into addictive, finger-friendly balls covered in a decadent cream cheese frosting. Pro tip: Stash some in the freezer and you'll have a go-to snack when those dessert cravings come calling.
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Crepes
If you're a fan of cheesecake, you'll adore this crepe, which takes the sweet-tangy flavors we love and packs them into an elegant meal ender. Oh la la!
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This post was originally published Apr. 6, 2016.