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strawberry

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30 Minutes or Less

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

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overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with a chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.

With valentine’s day right around the corner, I was craving something extra chocolate-y! I’ve been drinking my healthy hot chocolate pretty much daily and gathered the ingredients for my 3-ingredient oreo mug cake, but I wanted something new …something a little more special. After all, this is my baby’s first Valentine’s day, and I plan on going ALL out!

So what did I do? I took my almond flour brownies, threw in some freeze dried strawberries, and topped with a chocolate drizzle – and voilà, these chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies were born! They’re rich, fudgy, and extra indulgent but totally grain-free, dairy-free, and sweetened with coconut sugar. So whether you’re also craving something special this month, or looking to treat that someone special, you gotta give these chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies a try. It’s love at first bite!

bite shot of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies.

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

Sugar: I used coconut sugar in my brownies, but cane sugar works great too! Use whatever you prefer, even granulated monk fruit sweetener will do the trick.

Almond Flour: Almond flour is the secret ingredient in these chocolate covered strawberry *almond flour* brownies, making them gluten-free and grain-free. Don’t mess with it though, the almond flavor can’t be subbed without compromising this recipe!

Olive Oil: This is the secret to extra fudgy brownies! Olive oil is the magic touch for that perfect consistency and rich flavor. Embrace it – your taste buds will thank you.

Freeze Dried Strawberries: I used the Natierra freeze-dried strawberries and they were delicious. But I know Trader Joe’s sells them too! No freeze-dried strawberries? No problem. Fresh chopped strawberries work just as well.

close-up overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.

Can I use store bought brownie mix instead?

You sure can! To make these chocolate covered strawberry brownies with store bought brownie mix, start by preparing the mix according to the package instructions. Then, add in 1 cup of freeze dried strawberries to the batter and stir to combine. Transfer the batter to a lined and/or greased brownie pan and bake according to package instructions. Once brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before topping with the chocolate drizzle. Just as delicious with half the effort!

Tips and Tricks

  • Whip the sugar and eggs until they’re super light and fluffy – a key step for that melt-in-your-mouth brownie texture.
  • When bringing together the dry ingredients, give them a gentle stir. Over-mixing can impact the texture of your brownies, so keep it light and just right.
  • For that pro finish, hold off on the chocolate drizzle until your brownies are entirely cooled. Patience pays off for that beautiful, glossy topping!
overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with a chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.
3 from 3 votes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are rich, fudgy, and totally delicious! They’re made with almond flour and coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but are still just as indulgent. These are the perfect Valentine’s Day recipe, or any day treat!
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, or any vegetable oil
  • 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, or 1 cup fresh chopped strawberries

For the chocolate drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer, or a whisk (hello arm workout!). Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, add the coconut oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Pour melted chocolate chips and olive oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, add in the remaining chocolate chip and freeze dried strawberries and fold to combine.
  • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  • Once brownies are cool, make the chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30 seconds increments. Stir the chocolate between each increment until completely smooth.
  • Cut the brownies into squares, then top the brownies with the melted chocolate drizzle and additional freeze dried strawberries if you’d like.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
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30 Minutes or Less

Skinny Strawberry Margarita Recipe

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close-up image of a skinny strawberry margarita in a glass with fresh strawberries and lime wedges on top.

A lighter, but just as delicious skinny strawberry margarita! Shake up one of these ice cold cocktails at your next Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or summer party. Made with fresh-squeezed juice, good quality tequila, and fresh strawberries for an incredibly light and refreshing cocktail!

skinny strawberry margarita being poured from a cocktail shaker into a glass.

What You’ll Need To Make A Skinny Strawberry Margarita

Strawberries – Fresh (not frozen) strawberries are a perfect fruity addition to this classic cocktail! Slice off the tops of your strawberries, then gently muddle them in the bottom of your drink glass. Last, pour your shaken skinny margarita on top and give it a gentle stir to incorporate.

Lime Juice – Fresh-squeezed lime juice is best in any margarita recipe. However, if you’re short on time, or making a large batch of these, go ahead and use bottled lime juice instead. Though when picking a bottled lime juice, make sure it has just one ingredient – limes – no added sugar, please!

Orange Juice – Just like the lime juice, fresh-squeezed orange juice is best, and healthiest in this recipe. Most traditional margarita recipes have some sort of orange liquor which packs in extra calories and sugar. So by replacing the liquor with fresh-squeezed orange juice, we effectively turn this into a “skinny” cocktail!

Agave Nectar – Another key component to this skinny strawberry margarita recipe. The agave nectar replaces simple syrup, with a very similar taste and sweetness! Though if you don’t have agave nectar, you can use honey or simple syrup to sweeten your drink instead.

skinny strawberry margarita in a glass with fresh strawberries and lime wedges on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Craving a frozen strawberry margarita? Place all ingredients (strawberries, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar) in a blender with a small handful of ice! I love making a whole pitcher of frozen margs for friends and family on hot summer days.
  • If you don’t own a fancy-shmancy muddler, simply use the end of a mixing spoon to muddle your strawberries instead. Preferably one with a wide, flat end – but really anything that allows you to press and crush your strawberries will do!
  • Switch up this summer cocktail recipe however you’d like! Rim the glass with just salt, or just sugar, based on your preferences. You could even muddle in some fresh mint leaves to make it even more refreshing! Or for a skinny blackberry margarita, check out my recipe here.
overhead image of a skinny strawberry margarita in a glass.

Make It A Mocktail

For a virgin strawberry margarita, replace the tequila with 2 ounces of tonic or sparkling water!

Skinny Strawberry Margarita Recipe
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Skinny Strawberry Margarita Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DrinksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

serving
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

A lighter, but just as delicious skinny strawberry margarita! Shake up one of these ice cold cocktails at your next Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or summer party. Made with fresh-squeezed juice, good quality tequila, and fresh strawberries for an incredibly light and refreshing cocktail!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • lime wedge

  • 3-5 strawberries, stems removed

  • 2 ounces tequila

  • 3 tablespoons lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons agave nectar

Directions

  • Mix sugar and salt together on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip rim into sugar and salt mixture.
  • Place strawberries at the bottom of the glass and muddle until crushed, then fill the glass with ice.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add in tequila. lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar. Secure lid and shake for 30 seconds, then strain into glass. Gently stir to combine muddle strawberries and shaken margarita.

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Super EASY Grinch Fruit Kabobs

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grinch fruit kabobs in a glass, standing upright.

The easiest holiday treat of all time – Grinch fruit kabobs! Slide fruit onto skewers and you’ve got yourself a festive snack or dessert. Get the kids involved in this fun Christmas activity!

grinch fruit kabobs on a plate with green grapes, strawberries, mini marshmallows, and skewers on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Green Grapes – Green, not red grapes for this Grinch-themed treat!

Banana – Slice your banana into 1/2-inch pieces before sliding onto your skewers.

Strawberries – Hull your strawberries before using in this recipe! That basically just means remove the green leaves on top.

Mini Marshmallows – The perfect little Santa hat topping!

hand holding a grinch fruit kabob

How to Store Them

  • Store these Grinch fruit kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for one day. They may last longer than a day, but the banana will begin to oxidize and turn brown – not ideal! For best results, I recommend making them right before serving.
close-up image of grinch fruit kabobs on a plate

These Grinch Fruit Kabobs Are…

Grinch Fruit Kabobs
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Grinch Fruit Kabobs

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: Snacks, DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

The easiest holiday treat of all time – Grinch fruit kabobs! Slide fruit onto skewers and you’ve got yourself a festive snack or dessert. Get the kids involved in this fun holiday activity!

Ingredients

  • Green grapes

  • Banana, sliced

  • Fresh strawberries, hulled

  • Mini marshmallows

  • Mini skewers or toothpicks

Directions

  • Slide a grape onto a skewer, about 2-inches down from the top of the skewer.
  • Then, slide a banana slice on top of the grape, followed by a strawberry, followed by a mini marshmallow.
  • Continue this process with remaining ingredients.

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Berry Breakfast Crisp (for one!)

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close-up image of berry breakfast crisp.

This berry breakfast crisp tastes so indulgent, it might as well be dessert! But don’t worry, it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s super healthy with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber which will leave you feeling full until your next meal!

overhead image of berry breakfast crisp with coconut yogurt on top.

What You’ll Need To Make Berry Breakfast Crisp

Fresh Berries – Use any kind(s) of fresh berries you’d like! I used a combo of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – and OMG they were delicious. However, you can totally use whatever berry’s in season, or whatever you have on-hand. You could even use frozen berries if you’d like, just keep in mind they’ll yield more liquid once baked, resulting in a watery filling.

Rolled Oats – It’s super important you use rolled oats, instead of whole or steel cut oats. Rolled oats are flattened then toasted, and bake up beautifully in this berry breakfast crisp.

Almond Flour – Either almond flour or almond meal will work in this gluten-free breakfast recipe. I use and love the Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour, as well as Anthony’s Almond Flour. And if you’re interested in other almond flour breakfast recipes, check out my almond flour pancakes or almond flour banana bread – both are incredible!

Coconut Oil – A tablespoon of solid coconut oil gives the crumble atop this berry breakfast crisp its crumbly texture. If your coconut oil is liquid at room temperature (this happens when the weather’s warm), then simply place it in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes before using. Also, if you don’t have any coconut oil, you can use a tablespoon of cold butter or ghee instead.

close-up image of berry breakfast crisp with coconut yogurt on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Remember, this recipe makes a single serving. Therefore, you’ll want to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe when baking for others!
  • Finish off this berry breakfast crisp with a scoop of vanilla yogurt! I topped mine with a dollop of Cocojune’s unsweetened coconut yogurt and it was perfectly creamy and delicious. Though if you’re eating this for dessert, feel free to top it off with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream instead – YUM!
  • You can easily prep this healthy breakfast recipe the night before if you’d like. To do this, assemble the berries and crumble, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Then, in the morning, bake it off as instructed and enjoy a warm berry crisp for breakfast!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Paleo: For a paleo crisp, replace the rolled oats with finely chopped nuts and/or coconut flakes!

Make it Nut-Free: To make this a nut-free breakfast recipe, replace the almond flour with one tablespoon of brown rice flour or all purpose flour.

Berry Breakfast Crisp (for one!)

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

This berry breakfast crisp tastes so indulgent, it might as well be dessert! But don’t worry, it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s super healthy with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber which will leave you feeling full until your next meal!

Ingredients

  • For the berries:

  • 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc)

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • For the crumble:

  • 1/4 cup rolled oats

  • 2 tablespoons almond flour or meal

  • pinch of salt

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, solid

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all berry ingredients to a bowl and toss to evenly coat, then transfer into small oven-safe dish.
  • Mix all crumble ingredients together in same bowl as the berries, then sprinkle over top of the berries.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm with additional maple syrup and/or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Make this an apple breakfast crisp by replacing the fresh berries with fresh sliced apples!

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30 Minutes or Less

Strawberry Spinach Salad

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overhead image of strawberry spinach salad on a plate with a fork

This strawberry spinach salad is both light and satisfying! Sweet strawberries, hearty farro, fresh mint, and healthy spinach are tossed together in a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy this strawberry spinach salad as a quick and nutritious lunch or serve it alongside your favorite protein for a well-rounded lunch!

overhead image of strawberry spinach salad on a plate with a fork

I am SO here for strawberry season! I’ve challenged myself to eat as many strawberries in as many different ways as possible before this delicious season is over. And as someone who loves a good sweet and savory combo, I will forever be pro-fruit in salads. There’s also just something about a strawberry and balsamic combo that is SO incredibly perfect. Also, as someone who loves and needs more quick and easy salad options in her life – this strawberry spinach salad checks all my boxes!

What You Need To Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Farro – Farro is a grain that’s full of fiber, iron, protein, and magnesium. I know, it’s the total package. If you’ve never had farro before, I highly recommend you give it a try. It tastes like a heartier brown rice. Though it has more than twice the amount of protein as rice! Follow the instructions on the package for how to cook the farro. The method is typically similar to pasta or rice. You’ll boil it in water for about 10-15 minutes, then strain it and let it cool for this recipe.

Spinach – Spinach is another major superfood in this recipe! Along with protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals – spinach is chock-full of antioxidants. The antioxidants found in spinach have been shown to reduce the risk of common diseases and even cancer. Yup, Popeye was seriously on to something with the whole spinach thing…

Walnuts – Here we go again with another superfood! Walnuts are also rich in antioxidants, are an incredible source of heart healthy omega-3s and have also been studied and found to reduce the risk of some cancers. Not only are they good for you, but walnuts give this salad a delightful crunch. I’m telling you, this strawberry spinach salad is the most well-rounded salad in both flavor and nutrition!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

  • Add Protein: Feel free to add a flakey salmon filet or your favorite grilled/roasted chicken to increase the protein in this strawberry spinach salad recipe.
  • Make it Vegan: You can easily make this salad vegan by using maple syrup in place of the honey.
  • Use a Different Grain: Swap the farro for your favorite grain if you’d like! Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or even barley would taste great in this recipe.
  • Add Dairy: Sprinkle some crumbled feta over the top of your strawberry spinach salad.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
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Strawberry Spinach Salad

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

This strawberry spinach salad is both light and satisfying! Sweet strawberries, hearty farro, fresh mint, and healthy spinach are tossed together in a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy this strawberry spinach salad as a quick and nutritious lunch or serve it alongside your favorite protein for a well-rounded lunch!

Ingredients

  • For the salad:

  • 1 cup farro

  • 1-2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

  • 3 cups spinach, sliced

  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • For the honey balsamic dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Cook farro according to package instructions then set aside to cool completely.
  • Toss all salad ingredients together in a bowl, including cooked and cooled farro.
  • Whisk together salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl, then drizzle over salad and toss again to coat.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • If you don’t have strawberries, fresh blueberries or sliced apples would taste great in their place!

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