10 Minute Strawberry Basil Dessert
Let’s be real—some nights just aren’t made for measuring, mixing, or baking. This 10 Minute Strawberry Basil Dessert is my go-to when I need something fresh, beautiful, and delicious fast. It’s not fussy, it’s not complicated—and it never fails to impress.
I’ve made this so many times for friends, family, and last-minute guests that I’ve stopped calling it a “recipe.” It’s really just the method I swear by when I want strawberries to taste like summer in a bowl. Sweet, juicy, zesty, and kissed with fresh basil—yes please.
Ten Minute Strawberry Basil Dessert
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Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries sliced in quarters
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
Instructions
- Wash and slice and strawberries. Toss strawberries in a bowl with sugar and lemon zest and set aside for 5-10 minutes.1 lb strawberries, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy.2 tbsp fresh basil
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More About This Recipe
My Tips for the Best Bowl of Strawberries Ever
- Don’t skip the rest time. Letting the berries sit in the sugar and lemon zest for 5–10 minutes draws out the natural juices. It makes the dish feel saucier, like it’s been working all day—but nope, it’s just been sitting there being fabulous.
- Chiffonade your basil. Fancy word, easy trick—just stack the basil leaves, roll them like a little cigar, and slice into thin ribbons. It looks beautiful and gives the best distribution of that sweet-savory herb flavor.
- Want to elevate it even more? Spoon the strawberries over a dollop of coconut whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla yogurt. You can even use it to top your morning oats or chia pudding. Yes, dessert can totally double as breakfast.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want
- Zester or microplane (a must for fresh lemon zest)
- Sharp paring knife for quartering the berries
- Pretty serving bowl (because yes, that matters too)
- Small mixing bowl
Here’s Why It Works (Especially for Women Over 50)
- Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help fight oxidative stress and support collagen production—something that naturally starts to decline as we age.
- Lemon zest adds brightness and is packed with polyphenols, which are powerful plant compounds that support healthy skin and digestion.
- Basil doesn’t just look pretty—it has natural anti-inflammatory properties and supports brain health. (Yes, your herbs are doing more than garnishing.)
And it all comes together with a sprinkle of sugar and a few minutes of marinating time—just enough for the berries to release their sweet juices and create that syrupy goodness we love.
My Tips for the Best Bowl of Strawberries Ever
Don’t skip the rest time. Letting the berries sit in the sugar and lemon zest for 5–10 minutes draws out the natural juices. It makes the dish feel saucier, like it’s been working all day—but nope, it’s just been sitting there being fabulous.
Chiffonade your basil. Fancy word, easy trick—just stack the basil leaves, roll them like a little cigar, and slice into thin ribbons. It looks beautiful and gives the best distribution of that sweet-savory herb flavor.
Want to elevate it even more? Spoon the strawberries over a dollop of coconut whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla yogurt. You can even use it to top your morning oats or chia pudding. Yes, dessert can totally double as breakfast.