Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that can be found fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or in jellies and jams. They are one of the only fruits with seeds on the outside and can have as many as 200 seeds for 1 strawberry. Their sweetness can depend on the weather, time of harvest, and the type of strawberry.

Strawberries are found year-round in grocery stores, seasonally at the local farmers’ market, or in the summer at many local farms. It is easy to grow your own strawberries in a garden or using planters.

• Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, and antioxidants.
• They are very low in calories, providing only 28 calories, 6.5 g of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of fiber for 1/2 cup of sliced berries.
• Add these sweet berries to salads, sauces, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, blend for a fresh smoothie, or dip in dark chocolate.

Strawberries are a low potassium food, containing 130 mg for ½ cup. They are also low in sodium and phosphorus making them a good choice for all the following kidney conditions and treatments:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Transplant
• Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
• Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis
• Kidney Stones

Strawberry protein salad*

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) of strawberries, divided
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 Tablespoons champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Pepper
• 6 Cups mixed greens of choice
• ¼ Cup nuts or seeds
• 3-4 Cups assorted sliced vegetables (red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, snow peas, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1 chicken breast (6-8 ounces) cooked and chopped

Directions:

1. Hull 5 or 6 strawberries and place in a blender or food processor.
2. Add oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and mustard. Blend on high speed until ingredients are incorporated
3. Taste dressing and season with pepper.
4. Set aside vinaigrette.
5. Divide vegetables between four salad bowls. 
6. Sprinkle with nuts or seeds.
7. Divide chicken between salad bowls.
8. Core and slice remaining strawberries. Garnish salads with sliced strawberries.
9. Drizzle vinaigrette over salads just before serving.
10. Store remaining vinaigrette in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
11. Serve salad immediately.

Nutrition

*Adapted from Driscoll’s Inc. Strawberry Protein Salad. 
Get an additional recipe.

Download the National Kidney Foundation’s Fact Sheet: Strawberries

Toll-free helpline: 855.NKF.CARES or email: nkfcares@kidney.org

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.