Strawberries: A Berry Good Choice!

Strawberries can be enjoyed year-round in most parts of the country. When shopping in the produce department or at your local farmers’ market, choose berries that are bright red with fresh green caps. They need to be kept refrigerated and dry until just before serving.

You can also buy strawberries, whole or chopped, in the frozen section. To avoid added sugar, check to make sure they are not frozen in syrup or sweetened during the preservation process.

We hope you feel inspired to try some great, Grow Fit®-inspired recipes using delicious strawberries. They’re kid-approved and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Trust us, they’re BERRY good! 

Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats (Makes 1)

Directions:

1. Combine oats and chia seeds at the bottom of a cup or mason jar.
2. Top with milk. Stir to combine.
3. Combine yogurt and maple syrup. Pour it over the oats. Mix.
4. Mash or blend the strawberries. Add to the jar, leaving it as a layer on top.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
6. Optional: Add a few freshly sliced strawberries to the top just before eating.

Pro Tip: This is an easy recipe for young assistants! They can help you layer and mix during each step.

Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad (Serves 6 Adults)

Ingredients:
½ lb. whole grain pasta (ziti or penne)
½ lb. strawberries, rinsed and dried
8 oz. mozzarella balls, drained
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup basil leaves
⅛ cup mint leaves
¼ cup olive or avocado oil
1 ½ Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, slice the strawberries and onions.
3. When the pasta is done, drain and rinse lightly so it doesn’t stick together. Let it cool.
4. Finely chop the basil and mint leaves.
5. For young assistants: Combine the strawberries, onions, mozzarella balls, and herbs in a large bowl. Add the cooled pasta.
6. For young assistants: In a small bowl, mix oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
7. Drizzle over the pasta, gently toss, and enjoy! 

Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Avocado Salsa (Serves 4)

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
1 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil
Salt and pepper
1 medium avocado
1 cup chopped strawberries
½ small jalapeno (optional)
2 Tbsp. lime juice
¼ cup red onion, diced
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill or your grill pan.
2. Brush chicken breasts with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill until the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside.
4. Cut the avocado in half. Remove the pit. Run a large spoon around the edge of the skin to remove the green flesh from each half.
5. For young assistants: Use a simple butter knife to chop the avocado into small cubes.
6. If using jalapeno, remove seeds and mince half the pepper. Wash your hands after this step!
7. For young assistants: Mix the strawberries, jalapeno, lime juice, onion, cilantro, and avocado in a small bowl to create the salsa.
8. Top each piece of chicken with strawberry avocado salsa before serving.