Strawberry Syrup

Homemade strawberry syrup is so easy to make and it tastes great in and on everything from yogurt and ice cream to waffles and pancakes!

The post Strawberry Syrup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Strawberry season is so fleeting and I’m always tempted to buy a ton of strawberries when they’re on sale at the height of the season. So I like to make a quick batch of this strawberry syrup to enjoy that fresh strawberry flavor a little longer. You can use it in all sorts of things from strawberry lemonade, to homemade ice cream (recipe coming soon), or just as a topper for your yogurt, ice cream, waffles, and pancakes. Bonus: if you cook it down a little longer it will thicken up even more and make a delicious homemade strawberry jam!

Side view of a jar of strawberry syrup with a spoon.

What’s in Strawberry Syrup?

Strawberry syrup, at its most basic, is just fresh strawberries and sugar cooked down until they form a delicious and vibrant syrup. I’ve added a little bit of vanilla extract and salt for depth, which really gives the strawberry syrup more dimension. It’s so good that you’ll want to just eat it by the spoonful!

Make it Chunky or Smooth

I like my strawberry syrup to be a little bit chunky with bits of strawberry still in the syrup, but if you prefer a smooth and clear syrup, simply strain the mixture through a fine wire mesh strainer to remove the remaining strawberry flesh. The total volume of the syrup will be slightly reduced after straining.

How to Use Strawberry Syrup

I love spooning strawberry syrup over pancakes, waffles, French toast, ice cream sundaes, or yogurt parfaits. But you can also use it to make lemonade, mix it into cocktails and homemade popsicles, drizzle it over cakes, or blend it into smoothies.

A bowl of ice cream with strawberry syrup on top.

Make Strawberry Syrup or Strawberry Jam

With this one simple recipe you can make either strawberry syrup or strawberry jam! The only difference is how long you simmer the strawberries. A shorter simmer time will have less evaporation and a more syrupy consistency. Simmer longer to evaporate more water and create a thicker, jam-like consistency. And if you accidentally simmer too long and make the syrup thicker than you’d like, you can simply stir in a bit of water to thin it out again.

How Long Does Strawberry Syrup Last?

You can keep this homemade strawberry syrup in the refrigerator for about three weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.

Overhead view of strawberry syrup in a jar with a spoon.
Side view of a jar of strawberry syrup with a spoon.

Strawberry Syrup

Homemade strawberry syrup is so easy to make and it tastes great in and on everything from yogurt and ice cream to waffles and pancakes.
Course Dessert, Sauce
Cuisine American
Total Cost $2.37 recipe / $0.40 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 ¼ cup each
Calories 121kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh strawberries $1.99
  • 3/4 cup sugar $0.12
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract $0.25
  • 1/8 tsp salt $0.01

Instructions

  • Wash and chop the strawberries into ¼-inch pieces.
  • Add the chopped strawberries and sugar to a saucepot. Stir and cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their liquid and form a syrup in the saucepot.
  • Let the strawberries simmer in the syrup, stirring occasionally, until they break down and lose their shape and the syrup has thickened to your desired consistency (5-10 minutes). Keep in mind the syrup will thicken more after cooling.
  • Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the syrup cool. Use the syrup as-is, or strain through a wire mesh strainer for a clear, smooth syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 49mg | Fiber: 2g
Strawberry syrup being spooned over waffles with whipped cream.

How to Make Strawberry Syrup – Step by Step Photos

Strawberries being chopped on a cutting board.

Begin by washing and chopping one pound of fresh strawberries into ¼-inch pieces.

Chopped strawberries and sugar in a saucepot.

Add the chopped strawberries to a medium saucepot along with ¾ cup of sugar.

Strawberries and sugar being stirred in the pot.

Begin to stir and cook the strawberries over medium heat. The sugar will immediately start to draw the water out of the strawberries, creating a syrup.

Simmering strawberries in the saucepot.

Let the strawberries simmer over medium to medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the strawberries have broken down and lost their shape, and the syrup has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the syrup will thicken further as it cools.

Thickened strawberries in the pot being stirred with a spoon.

Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract and 1/8 tsp salt. You can either use your syrup as-is with the strawberry chunks in it or strain it through a fine wire mesh strainer to make a clear, smooth syrup. I like the bits of strawberry in mine. ;)

Finished strawberry syrup dripping off a spoon into a jar.

Keep your strawberry syrup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Spoon it over all of your favorite summer foods!

The post Strawberry Syrup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

The Best Chipotle Black Bean Burger (MorningStar Copycat)

This chipotle black bean burger recipe inspired by MorningStar’s spicy black bean burger is packed with flavorful ingredients like black beans, sweet corn, adobo sauce, and spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, basil, and oregano. These patties m…

This chipotle black bean burger recipe inspired by MorningStar’s spicy black bean burger is packed with flavorful ingredients like black beans, sweet corn, adobo sauce, and spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, basil, and oregano. These patties made with leftover rice are easy to handle, and perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. They make for...

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The post The Best Chipotle Black Bean Burger (MorningStar Copycat) appeared first on My Pure Plants.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding

This Mango Coconut Chia Pudding is made with coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, shredded coconut and mango; a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert loaded with protein, fiber and omega-3! Mango Coconut Chia Pudding I absolutely love chia seeds and chia pudding! I’ve been chia pudding for years and this coconut mango combination is always […]

The post Mango Coconut Chia Pudding appeared first on Skinnytaste.

This Mango Coconut Chia Pudding is made with coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, shredded coconut and mango; a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert loaded with protein, fiber and omega-3!

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding
Mango Coconut Chia Pudding

I absolutely love chia seeds and chia pudding! I’ve been chia pudding for years and this coconut mango combination is always a favorite. It’s also my daughter Karina’s favorite chia pudding. If you would like to try some of my other chia puddings, try this Triple Berry Chia Pudding, Coconut Lime Raspberry Chia Pudding, or these frozen Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding Pops!

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The post Mango Coconut Chia Pudding appeared first on Skinnytaste.

The Easiest Cream of Spinach Soup (Vegan)

This spinach soup is creamy, delicious, and absolutely vegan without adding any dairy-free milk or heavy cream. The not-so-secret ingredient is the potato. Yes, it is whole foods all the way. It is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet …

This spinach soup is creamy, delicious, and absolutely vegan without adding any dairy-free milk or heavy cream. The not-so-secret ingredient is the potato. Yes, it is whole foods all the way. It is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet without compromising flavor. I love having a collection of vegan soups handy,...

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The post The Easiest Cream of Spinach Soup (Vegan) appeared first on My Pure Plants.

Almond Flour Cake with Strawberry Jam Topping

This article is from Delicious Everyday.
If you are looking for a simple and delicious dessert try this almond flour cake with a strawberry jam topping. This almond flour cake is light, fluffy, and topped with a homemade strawberry jam that is made wi…

This article is from Delicious Everyday.

If you are looking for a simple and delicious dessert try this almond flour cake with a strawberry jam topping. This almond flour cake is light, fluffy, and topped with a homemade strawberry jam that is made with just 3 ingredients. This is a gluten free cake!  Make sure to head over and check out...

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©2017 Delicious Everyday.

All content in this feed (including photographs and text) are copyrighted to Delicious Everyday and may not be republished in part or full without written permission and appropriate credit. Please contact me for republication or syndication rights.

If you suspect copyright infringement please contact me.

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a deliciously fresh bean salad with a colorful mix of beans and vegetables, plus a zesty lime dressing.

The post Cowboy Caviar appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This super fresh and colorful Cowboy Caviar combines two types of beans, delicious summer vegetables, and a sweet and tangy lime dressing to make a bold and versatile dish that you’ll find yourself making over and over. From a party dip to a salad topper, Cowboy Caviar has become a go-to healthy meal prep item in my kitchen. It’s the O.G. refrigerator salad. 😄 Read on for more ideas on how to use this amazing cross between bean salad and salsa!

Originally posted 7-19-2016, updated 6-1-2022.

Close up overhead view of cowboy caviar in a bowl with chips on the side.

What is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy Caviar, sometimes called Mexican Caviar, is like a cross between a bean salad and a fresh salsa. It combines two types of beans (black beans and black eyed peas) with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and a tangy balsamic-lime vinaigrette.

Where Do You Find Black Eyed Peas?

If you can’t find black eyed peas in the canned bean aisle, check with the canned vegetables. Because they’re a “pea” they’re sometimes found with the canned vegetables rather than the beans. And if you can’t find black eyed peas, you can substitute pinto beans or navy beans.

How Long Does it Last?

Well, if you don’t eat it all in one sitting (it can happen!), Cowboy Caviar holds up extremely well in the refrigerator and will be just as tasty after about 4-5 days of refrigeration. While the vegetables will let off a little water, most of the ingredients are very sturdy. Just be sure to stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing. This salad will probably not freeze well, due to the fresh herbs and vegetables.

Close up of Cowboy Caviar on a chip.

How to Serve Cowboy Caviar

There are SO many ways to eat Cowboy Caviar that you’ll probably find yourself adding it to everything you eat. But here are a few ideas anyway:

  • Serve it as a side dish with dinner
  • As a chunky dip for chips
  • As a topping for tacos
  • Stuffed into a burrito or as part of a burrito bowl
  • Sprinkled over a green salad
  • Spooned on top of scrambled eggs
  • Stuffed into a quesadilla with some cheese

…and so much more. If you have a favorite way to eat your Cowboy Caviar, feel free to share it with the rest of us in the comments below!

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Cowboy Caviar is that it is extremely versatile. You can customize this recipe to give it your own personal touch. Here are a couple of substitutions and add-ins that will make it your own:

  • Add avocado for a creamy finish
  • Skip the jalapeño to make it mild, or keep the jalapeño and add a few dashes of hot sauce to make it extra spicy
  • Substitute green onion for the red onion to make the salad milder
  • Add sweet corn for more color and flavor variation
  • Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the dressing for a smokier finish

Can you Freeze Cowboy Caviar?

I don’t suggest freezing this dish because it has multiple delicate fresh vegetables that will become limp and soggy upon freezing and reheating. You want those veggies to be fresh, juicy, and crunchy to give the salad its amazing texture! :)

close up side view of cowboy caviar in a bowl.

Close up overhead view of cowboy caviar in a bowl with chips on the side.

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a deliciously fresh bean salad with a colorful mix of beans and vegetables, plus a zesty lime dressing.
Course Dinner, Dip, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine Southwest
Total Cost $5.30 recipe / $0.53 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10 (1/2 cup each)
Calories 140kcal

Ingredients

DRESSING

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 fresh lime (2 Tbsp juice) $0.33
  • 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder* $0.05
  • 1 tsp ground cumin $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp sugar $0.02

Salad

  • 1 15oz. can black beans $0.89
  • 1 15oz. can black eyed peas $1.09
  • 1 bell pepper (any color) $1.50
  • 2 Roma tomatoes $0.86
  • 1 jalapeño $0.12
  • 1/4 red onion $0.20
  • 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro $0.20

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 2 Tbsp of juice from the lime, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and sugar.
  • Rinse and drain both cans of beans in a colander. Once well drained, transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Finely dice the bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño, and red onion. Try to dice the vegetables into pieces that are roughly the same size as the beans. For a less spicy salad, scrape the seeds out of the jalapeño before dicing. Roughly chop the cilantro.
  • Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the beans.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad, then stir until everything is well coated. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Video

Notes

*This chili powder is a mild blend of chiles and other spices.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5Cup | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 122mg | Fiber: 7g

How to Make Cowboy Caviar – Step by Step Photos

Dressing ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.

Make the dressing first so the flavors have a few minutes to blend. Whisk together 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp lime juice, ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt.

Rinsed and drained beans in a bowl.

Rinse and drain one 15oz. can of black beans and one 15oz. can of black eyed peas in a colander. 

Fresh vegetables on a cutting board.

Gather one bell pepper (any color), two Roma tomatoes, one jalapeño, 1/4 of a red onion, and 1/4 bunch of cilantro. While any color bell pepper can be used, I like the colorful pop of a yellow or orange bell pepper. 

Chopped vegetables in the bowl with the beans.

Finely dice the bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño, and red onion. The idea is to get the pieces close in size to the beans so that you have a “caviar” type appearance in the end. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves. Place the chopped vegetables in the bowl with the rinsed beans.

Dressing being poured over the salad in the bowl.

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

Finished cowboy caviar in the bowl.

Stir the salad until everything is coated in the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. This is one of those salads that tastes even better after it has time to chill in the fridge, so it’s great to eat over the course of a few days!

Finished cowboy caviar in a bowl with a chip.

Cowboy Caviar makes a great snack with tortilla chips, a topper for tacos, bowl meals, or salads, or spoon some onto baked or grilled fish for a nice light meal!

Try These Other Bean Salad Recipes:

The post Cowboy Caviar appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Easy Mexican Slaw (with Cilantro-Lime Dressing)

Whip up this easy Mexican slaw for a weeknight side dish, topper for tacos, burgers, and more. Sweet, subtly spicy, with a nice crunch factor. This cilantro lime dressing really elevates the flavors of this Mexican coleslaw recipe.  It takes only …

Whip up this easy Mexican slaw for a weeknight side dish, topper for tacos, burgers, and more. Sweet, subtly spicy, with a nice crunch factor. This cilantro lime dressing really elevates the flavors of this Mexican coleslaw recipe.  It takes only 30 minutes to chill down the coleslaw once it is made, so it is...

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This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The original article can be found here: Easy Mexican Slaw (with Cilantro-Lime Dressing).

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These vegan egg rolls have a delicious filling of carrots, cabbage, scallion, and mushrooms wrapped in crunchy rice paper wrappers. You can prepare the filling in 10 minutes and bake the whole batch in one in 20 minutes. Or deep-fry or air-fry them for…

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The post Rice Paper Egg Rolls (3 Ways) appeared first on My Pure Plants.

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Marinated Portobello Burgers are a great way to use up portobello mushrooms! A marinated portobello that then gets pan seared or tossed on the grill and cooked perfectly. Then pair with a creamy pesto sauce, bun, and your favorite burger toppings. This…

Marinated Portobello Burgers are a great way to use up portobello mushrooms! A marinated portobello that then gets pan seared or tossed on the grill and cooked perfectly. Then pair with a creamy pesto sauce, bun, and your favorite burger toppings. This is the ultimate mushroom burger recipe.  A vegetarian burger that is perfect for...

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This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The original article can be found here: Marinated Portobello Burgers with Creamy Pesto Sauce.

Strawberry Chia Jam

This article is from Delicious Everyday.
Looking for a healthier twist to a classic strawberry jam? This strawberry chia jam is loaded with sweet refreshing berries and thickened with chia seeds. This is a great quick and easy jam recipe that doesn’t …

This article is from Delicious Everyday.

Looking for a healthier twist to a classic strawberry jam? This strawberry chia jam is loaded with sweet refreshing berries and thickened with chia seeds. This is a great quick and easy jam recipe that doesn't use all the added sugar.  This spreadable strawberry chia jam is one we make when we have a surplus...

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This content is copyrighted protected by DeliciousEveryday.com.

©2017 Delicious Everyday.

All content in this feed (including photographs and text) are copyrighted to Delicious Everyday and may not be republished in part or full without written permission and appropriate credit. Please contact me for republication or syndication rights.

If you suspect copyright infringement please contact me.