Strawberries are in season during the warm summer months and pack a punch of flavor, so it is not surprising Americans eat them frequently in comparison to other fruits. These enticing berries have a luscious flavor whether you pick them at a farm, purchase a basket from a local farmer's market, or grab a package at the store. Strawberries contain a high amount of Vitamin C and small amounts of manganese and fiber, all essential nutrients for the human body. Try incorporating this healthy fruit into your diet by trying these 12 different ideas.

1. Create a healthier ice cream topping

Ripe strawberries pair well with plain, vanilla ice cream and even emphasize the flavor of strawberry ice cream. Slice strawberries either in circles or quarters and top the frozen delight with as many spoonfuls as you desire. Additionally, you can make a syrupy strawberry topping by following this homemade recipe, adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

2. Make a berry fruit salad

Fruit salads make great picnic sides on days with scorching hot temperatures. In addition, summer is berry season so the ripe fruits taste delicious mixed together. You can try strawberries with blueberries and blackberries or with other fruits like peaches and pineapple. Whip up this berry delicious fruit salad from Foodie Crush.

3. Dip them

Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic, but you can also dip them in other things. Substitute traditional chocolate for white chocolate, upgrade to a nuttier flavor like Nutella or peanut butter, or even try a fruit dip like this cream cheese dip adapted from Just a Pinch.

4. Place them on your favorite breakfast foods

Whether you prefer pancakes, waffles, or crepes, make their doughy goodness even more delectable with strawberries. Complete this breakfast plate by adding whipped cream or topping, if you prefer. Try combining strawberries with another fruit like bananas to make these strawberry banana pancakes from Flying on Jess Fuel. In addition, you can make a fruit compote using this recipe from Minimalist Baker. Strawberries also taste great on top of cereals or in yogurt parfaits.

5. Blend up a berry smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to meet the recommended daily servings of fruit and are additionally spectacular if too many fruits sit in the household fridge's produce drawer. Blend strawberries with other fresh or frozen fruits for a drink that tastes sweet with every sip. If you love Jamba Juice but don't want to spend extra money or leave the house, try making one of the few, strawberry smoothie recipes on MakeDrinks. One of my personal favorites is the Strawberry Surf Rider — a smoothie with strawberries, peaches, lime sherbet, and lemonade.

6. Make a jam or jelly

Love PB&J sandwiches, or hope to make that Costco box of strawberries last a long time? Jams are great for a variety of purposes, from sandwiches to yogurt fillings. Homemade jams require lots of effort, but the delicious results will not disappoint. Those with a extra time can attempt Whole Food's strawberry jam recipe.

7. Use as a salad topper

Sweet strawberries partner splendidly with leafy lettuces like kale, escarole, and arugula. Add nuts like pecans or walnuts along with goat, feta, or blue cheese for a healthy and superb summer salad. Finish the mixture with a raspberry vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter topping, or balsamic if you crave a denser dressing. Sample this simple arugula, strawberry, and blue cheese salad recipe from Gonna Want Seconds.

8. Grill a fruit kebab for dessert

Wanting to cut calories but refuse to sacrifice your daily treat? Grilling fruits draws out their sweet flavors and natural juices from summer fruits, tasting just as great as any high-calorie dessert. Still craving that pastry flavor? Add small slices of angel food cake for a tasty, yet low-calorie delight. Take a stab at these effortless grilled angel food cake kebabs from Betty Crocker.

9. Create frozen treats

Love ice cream but want to maintain a swimmer's figure? Sorbets and popiscles are just as tasty and counteract the effects of dehydration from sizziling hot temperatures. Step in an adventurous direction with this strawberry basil sorbet from Sassy Radish or savor these strawberry yogurt popsicles from The Kitchn.

10. Give water extra pizazz

Do you find yourself becoming dehydrated frequently on hot days, yet only like drinks with noticeable flavor? Try placing some fresh berries in a glass and stir them around after pouring the water. Its crisp flavor will help develop a love for water, an essential fluid for the human body. Follow these steps from New Health Advisor.

11. Make strawberry lemonade

Lemonade is a summer staple. The crisp, citrus zing refreshes parched throats and provides an extra boost of energy. Keep cool on calescent days with this fresh strawberry lemonade recipe from Deliciously Sprinkled. If you prefer iced rather than chilled lemonade, try these easy-to-make strawberry ice cubes from in a glass of your favorite lemonade.

12. Highlight them in an entree

What? Strawberries aren't reserved solely for breakfast or lunch? That's right! Change up the traditional, savory supper flavors and opt for a fruitier palate. Prepare this salmon with mixed berry glaze recipe from Driscolls or try a unique sandwich flavor like the California Strawberries balsamic chicken and California Strawberry panini . Don't worry if it's too hot outside to fix one of these delectable dishes — try this cool, strawberry soup if you're feeling adventurous.