Why I Love California Strawberries

Disclaimer: This post w as developed in partnership with California Strawberries, however, all opinions, as always are genuine.

We love eating fresh fruit and California strawberries are a year-round family favourite. They are in peak season and readily available at the store right now and when local strawberries are off-season.
As a dietitian and a busy mom, I am always focused not only on feeding my family food that tastes good but also food that is nutritious and helps keep us all feeling our best. I love that just 8 strawberries (1 serving) are so rich in nutrients. Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from being damaged by free radicals and it also helps the immune system work properly to protect us from disease.

Strawberries also contain folate and potassium, are low in calories (only 50 calories for 8) and are a source of fibre.

Strawberries are such a convenient snack so we eat them often mid-morning with yogurt and a bit of granola or I pack containers of them to bring when we go out for myself and my daughter. But I also love using them on top of waffles or pancakes or mixed into oatmeal, in a salad for a savoury option, and of course, strawberries are great in desserts and baked goods like shortcake, muffins and fruit crisps.

If you are looking for a new salad recipe, try my California Strawberry, Avocado, and Pecan Salad. It is vegan and gluten free and loaded with a mix of sweet and savoury flavours. I often make this for dinner and just have a piece of grilled salmon or chicken with it.

California Strawberry, Avocado, and Pecan Salad

It is vegan and gluten free and loaded with a mix of sweet and savoury flavours. I often make this for dinner and just have a piece of grilled salmon or chicken with it.

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Ingredients

  

Main

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup sliced California strawberries
• 1 avocado, pitted and diced into cubes
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup toasted pecan halves

Dressing

• 2 tbsp light olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

 

• Place all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
• Dressing – combine ingredients and whisk together.
• Pour dressing over the salad to taste (I usually have some dressing left over).
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can find organic and conventionally-grown strawberries from CA at grocery and natural product store.