Woman in Real Life

11 Plant-Based Recipes I’m Loving Again, Thanks to a Local Strawberry Haul!

There’s something truly special about spending a morning at a local U-pick farm—especially during peak strawberry season. We went recently on a hotter-than-usual day, and I’ll admit, I felt a little lightheaded after wandering the rows under the sun. Thankfully, my husband stepped in and picked most of our overflowing basket while I took a breather. (I did manage to eat a few sun-warmed, chemical-free strawberries straight from the vine!)

Despite the heat, the experience was sweet in every sense—and we’ve already made plans to head back this week before the short Ontario strawberry season wraps up.

Back at home, with a kitchen full of juicy, sun-ripened berries, I found myself returning to some of my favourite plant-based recipes—dishes that showcase the fresh, vibrant flavour of strawberries in both comforting and creative ways. Whether you’re juicing up a strawberry lemonade, churning some easy dairy-free strawberry ice cream or baking a plant-based treat, these 11 recipes are perfect for helping to the most of every berry. Let’s dig in!

1. Classic Strawberry Muffins (Click on titles to get to the recipes!)

Start your day with these moist and fluffy vegan strawberry muffins. They’re dairy-free, egg-free and bursting with fresh strawberries—perfect with your morning coffee or packed as a snack on the go. I love muffins, and I think that what makes a muffin so great is its perfect balance of moistness, tenderness and just the right amount of sweetness—all wrapped up in a convenient, portable package. 

Muffins are incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix in fresh fruits like strawberries, nuts or even chocolate chunks to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed warm or packed for a workday energy boost, muffins bring comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Plus, making them vegan-friendly means everyone can enjoy these delicious treats guilt-free!

2. Vegan Strawberry Banana Muffins

These strawberry banana muffins are a great way to use overripe bananas and fresh berries. Soft, lightly sweet and totally plant-based! Strawberries and bananas make a fantastic pair in baked goods because their flavours complement each other perfectly—the natural sweetness and creaminess of bananas balance the bright, slightly tart juiciness of strawberries. Bananas also add moisture and a tender texture to baked treats, while strawberries bring bursts of freshness and colour, creating a deliciously harmonious bite every time.

3. Strawberry Scones

Craving something cozy and baked? These vegan strawberry scones are buttery, tender and deliciously simple. Perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. Great vegan scones can be a rarity because achieving that classic flaky, tender texture without butter and cream is tricky. Traditional scones rely on dairy fats for richness and structure, so vegan versions need the right balance of plant-based fats and careful handling of the dough to avoid toughness or dryness. When done well, vegan scones are just as delicious—but it takes a bit of skill and the right ingredients to get them perfect! If you're new to baking scones, this easy recipe will hook you!

4. Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Indulge in summer sweetness with this creamy vegan strawberry chocolate chunk ice cream. Made with coconut milk and real fruit, it’s rich and refreshing with pops of chocolate in every bite. It's simple to make and has none of the questionable ingredients that are in some store-bought plant-based ice creams.

5. Strawberry Maple Nice Cream

If you're looking for a healthy and fast frozen treat, this strawberry maple "nice" cream has you covered. It’s naturally sweetened and made with frozen bananas—no ice cream maker needed!

6. Strawberry Peach Green Tea Ice Pops

Stay cool with these strawberry peach green tea popsicles. They’re light, fruity and made with brewed green tea for an antioxidant boost. Green tea is a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle thanks to its rich content of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Green tea also contains a moderate amount of caffeine, providing a gentle energy boost without the jitters. If no caffeine is more your thing, try an herbal tea instead.

7. Strawberry Lemonade Juice

Summer is a great time to get your juicer back out of storage. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies straight from the farm make for an abundance of juice options. This homemade strawberry lemonade is a refreshing twist on a summer classic. Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a pitcher of sunshine-ready refreshment. All naturally sweetened, because it's just fruit!

8. Coco Chocolate Berry Mug Cake

Need dessert in a hurry? This vegan chocolate berry mug cake is ready in minutes and packed with cocoa and berry goodness. Perfect for on, but you can always make more!

9. Fast & Easy Chia Berry Jam

This quick chia jam is a no-fuss way to enjoy homemade jam. It comes together in 10 minutes and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Chia seeds are packed with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein, making them great for digestion and heart health. They're also rich in antioxidants and help keep you feeling full longer—perfect for a nourishing, plant-based diet.

10. Breadmaker Strawberry Jam

If you have a bread machine, this breadmaker strawberry jam is hands-off and foolproof. Great for beginners and jam lovers alike! This recipe has less sugar than conventional strawberry jam recipes but just as much flavour. It lets the strawberries shine. 

11. Anything-Goes Fruit Crisp

Round things out with a cozy vegan fruit crisp. Use strawberries alone or mix them with other fruits you have on hand—this flexible recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It's a classic you'll want to keep on making. Supplement with frozen fruits when you have no fresh berries, and you'll be ready for guests at a moment's notice.

🍓 How Strawberries Support a Plant-Based Lifestyle

Strawberries aren’t just tasty and beautiful—they’re a nutritional powerhouse that fits perfectly into a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. Here’s why:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Full of vitamin C, anthocyanins (pigments that create the red colour) and other antioxidants to help protect your body from oxidative stress.
• Great Source of Fibre: A cup of strawberries provides about 3 grams of fibre with very few calories.
• Naturally Sweet: Perfect for reducing added sugars in plant-based desserts and snacks.
• Hydrating & Low-Calorie: With over 90% water content, they help keep you hydrated without weighing you down.
• Versatile in Recipes: Add them to smoothies, muffins, salads, jams—you name it!

🍓 Caring for a Large Batch of Fresh-Picked Strawberries

Brought home a big basket of farm-fresh berries? Here’s how to keep them fresh and make the most of every one:

1. Don’t wash until ready to eat: Moisture can cause early spoilage, so wash only as needed.
2. Store them dry: Line a container with a paper towel, spread strawberries in a single layer and refrigerate.
3. Remove spoiled ones: Discard any mouldy or bruised berries to prevent spread.
4. Freeze for later: Hull, pre-freeze spread out on a tray, then transfer to bags for smoothies or baking.
5. Use in bulk recipes: Make jam, muffins or nice cream to use up berries quickly and deliciously!

Enjoy Every Sweet Bite!

Whether you're baking, blending or just snacking straight from the container, strawberries bring so much joy—and nutrition—to the table. Enjoy the season and make the most of every sweet, juicy bite! 🍓