Best Bites: Summer Strawberries
By Donna Erickson
Have Fun With Summer Strawberries
Local strawberries are so sweet, juicy and luscious right now that I have to remind myself that these strawberry fields don't last forever. I savor the plump red berries and love showing them off in new ways with my family. While they taste great au naturel for a grab-and-go snack, there are endless ways to incorporate them with other healthy ingredients day in and day out. Here are some sweet ideas we're enjoying this year:
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
SPINACH AND STRAWBERRY SALAD
Kids won't eat their spinach? Make a tasty salad with a light vinaigrette that your kids can prepare. Get started by letting them grate the rind of a clean lemon into a small bowl, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze out all of the juice.
Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar. As one child drizzles a 1/4 cup of olive oil into the mixture, another child may whisk briskly.
Drizzle over a bowl of spinach, cubed fresh mango, and strawberry slices. Add toasted almond slices, if you wish.
STRAWBERRY FAUX FONDUE
For a simple do-it-yourself dessert at a large gathering, set a big bowl of strawberries in the center of a table, along with bamboo skewers and fondue-style sweets in small bowls for dipping. Before the party, let your kids fill the bowls with caramel, strawberry and fudge sauces, powdered sugar, and brown sugar. To serve, tell guests to poke a berry onto a skewer and dip it into a treat.
A BOWL OF BERRIES
Chop fresh mint and add to a bowl of blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries as a fruit side dish at lunchtime. The combo also makes a nice dessert when served with a favorite cookie.
GRILLED STRAWBERRIES
Cut strawberries in half lengthwise and let your kids poke several onto bamboo skewers lengthwise. An adult should set the cut side of the berries on a grill for a minute, or until grill marks appear. Serve for dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2026 Donna Erickson
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