Strawberries bring back so many good memories of summer. Sunny days, bare feet, and running in the sprinkler seem to mesh together with the sweetness summer strawberries bring.

I am not alone when I think strawberries are a pretty sweet. They are one of the most popular refreshing and healthy treats on the planet. There over 600 varieties of strawberries, and are ranked among the top 10 fruits and vegetables for antioxidant content.

Perhaps that’s why we love them so much. We just feel better when we eat them. And not just that, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, in general, is associated with healthy skin and hair, more energy, and lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

So, I say indulge a little. Add strawberries to your meals and snacks. You may even turn them into a decadent dessert to share with friends. Just make sure to enjoy the summer sweet treat that is also good for you.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach

1-pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

Half a small red onion, thinly sliced

12 ounces grilled chicken breast

4-6 tablespoons Poppy Seed Vinaigrette or Strawberry-Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, recipe follows

2 ounces crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese

2 tablespoons roasted or candied nuts of your choice

Directions

In large bowl toss spinach, strawberries, red onion, and chicken.

Add vinaigrette of your choice. Toss.

Sprinkle with nuts and cheese.

Enjoy!

Strawberry-Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1 cup quartered fresh strawberries, use frozen if fresh unavailable

2 tablespoons sugar or preferred sweetener

5 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1/3 cup light-flavored oil—grapeseed, avocado, olive

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions

Pulse strawberries in blender until chopped.

Add sweetener, vinegar, salt and black pepper, plus to combine.

With blender running, pour oil in a steady into mixture until combined.

Stir in poppy seeds.

Yum!