11 Strawberry Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Admit it: This is your favorite time of year. The time when the produce section at the grocery store and your local farmers' market is bursting at the seams with fresh, juicy, just-picked strawberries. The time when you have to figure out what to do with all these beautiful berries before they get too ripe.

We've got plenty of ideas for using strawberries. Here are 11 recipes that will have you eating strawberries for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert — doesn't that sound like the best day ever?

Breakfast

The possibilities for strawberries first thing in the morning are endless. Add two cups of sliced strawberries and a bit of lemon zest to your favorite pancake and voila! Strawberry-Lemon Pancakes. Riff off the classic lemon poppy seed breakfast treat with this one for Strawberry & Poppy Seed Muffins. Or pair with cream cheese, orange zest, and whipped cream in this decadent Strawberry Stuffed French Toast.

Lunch

A simple yet healthful lunch can be had with strawberries and just a few additional ingredients. Make Strawberry Bruschetta by spreading a crusty baguette with ricotta cheese, then topping it with arugula, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Or, toss them with baby spinach, pecan halves, and goat cheese for a fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Dinner

Strawberries for dinner? Now we're talking! Just because the seasonal fruit is sweet doesn't mean it can't be used in savory recipes. Serve fresh Strawberry Salsa over grilled fish. Add berries to risotto (trust us, it's good). Or for something really different, try this recipe for Steak With Strawberry Black Pepper Balsamic Glaze.

Dessert

Everyone's heard of Strawberry Shortcake, of course. But Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles are something special. Cheesecake in a jar is really trendy these days, so why not throw in some fresh berries for good measure. Another idea for berries? Muddle 'em with mint in a Strawberry Mojito and drink up your dessert!

Image via Mr. T in DC/Flickr