7 Ways With Strawberries

It's hard to want to do anything with fresh strawberries but eat them. Still, it's worth voyaging into new realms and adding the berries to sweet and savory dishes like beverages, tarts, gelato, or even a salsa-topped fish. The berry presence shines loud and clear but is still in perfect symphony with the other flavors.

Cool off with a south-of-the-border style smoothie made by blending water, fresh strawberries, lime juice and a little sugar. Although non-alcoholic, agua frescas ("fresh water" drinks) make a nice base for cocktails. Just add a splash of tequila or vodka.Recipe: Strawberry Agua Fresca

Stuffed with a homemade strawberry-cream cheese filling, these scrumptious roll-ups are a real treat while fresh strawberries are in season. Serve for breakfast, or switch things up and enjoy them as a dessert.Recipe: Strawberry Pancake Roll-Ups

Put an Asian spin on the classic spinach-strawberry salad classic by adding shredded Napa cabbage, crunchy sliced almonds, and a spicy sesame-five spice vinaigrette. It's a little fiery, a little sweet, and a lot satisfying.Recipe: Sichuan Strawberry Slaw

Fresh sliced strawberries tossed with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar and pepper make a gorgeous salsa for just about any grilled fish. But it's the side of rhubarb compote that lends a sweet, tart contrast to the smoky fish.Recipe: Grilled Pacific Halibut with Rhubarb Compote and Balsamic Strawberries

Not your traditional custard-style gelato, this easy recipe combines homemade sugar syrup, buttermilk, and pureed fresh strawberries to make a creamy, light treat. Make sure to freeze the canister 24 hours in advance if you're using a countertop ice cream maker.Recipe: Strawberry Buttermilk Gelato

Fresh strawberries shine in this simple tart with a graham cracker crust and cream cheese base. Don't worry about shape; the recipe adapts easily to multiple size pans including a 9-inch spring form pan and 10-inch pie plate.Recipe: Strawberry-Almond Cream Tart

This grown up version of strawberries and cream is the perfect ending to an elegant party or romantic meal. The berries, which steep in a sugar and Merlot mixture, are topped with a lush, airy concoction of Italian mascarpone, cream, sugar, and pure vanilla.Recipe: Merlot Strawberries with Vanilla Cream

Watch this how-to video to learn a new trick for removing the hull from fresh strawberries.