Florida strawberry season is coming to an end next month. But don't despair! Today, I'm going to show you how to make the most delectable pickled strawberries and save the goodness of the harvest. Then, I'm going to show you how to layer them in a gorgeous yogurt parfait! Pickling strawberries is a super simple way to extend fresh strawberries as well as give them a punch of extra flavor. Pickled strawberries are so versatile and delicious in so many things. But, I love them in this simple recipe for Yogurt Parfait with Pickled Strawberries!

This post is sponsored by Florida Strawberry in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of fresh Florida strawberries. I have been known to travel from local market to local market in search of them. I love that we can have fresh, grown in the USA, berries in the winter up here in Ohio. While I enjoy eating them straight up, I also love finding ways to incorporate them into recipes. I first discovered fresh Florida strawberries at my local Buehler's and used them when I made this scrumptious Triple Chocolate Shortcake. Since then, I've used them in a bunch of strawberry recipes such as Fresh Strawberry Pretzel Dessert and this zesty Strawberry Apple Salsa. And, that's just scraping the surface of what I've done with these gems over the years!

With the Florida strawberry growing season going from December to April, they truly are a taste of summer in the winter! You can still find Florida strawberries on your grocer's shelves right now. Stock up while you can!

Now if you've taken my advice and stocked up, you probably have a boat load of fresh strawberries (like I do) and you'll want to make their goodness last as long as possible. I'm going to show you one way to extend their lives: Pickled strawberries.

Have you ever had a pickled strawberry?

Oh my word, are they tasty!

This was my first time trying my hand at pickling strawberries and it will not be my last. Pickling strawberries is so easy!  They have great intense strawberry flavor that I love. They are slightly tart and sweet at the same time and they can be used in sweet or savory applications.

One way to enjoy pickled strawberries is in a yogurt parfait. I really enjoyed these pickled strawberries in this yogurt parfait made with layers of creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, sweet and tangy pickled strawberries, and the added crunch of granola. A yogurt parfait makes a great snack or light dessert the whole family will enjoy!

You'll find that pickling strawberries give the berries a vibrant red color. This color is so pretty layered in glasses in this yogurt parfait.  Who doesn't love a beautiful yogurt parfait?

Tips for Pickling Strawberries for a yogurt parfait and more!

• Make sure the container you are going to pickle the strawberries in is clean and dry. Glass containers (like mason jars) work best with the acidic brine.
• When making the brine, be sure all sugar and salt is completely dissolved into the liquid before pouring onto the berries.
• Pack the berries very tightly in the container you are using to store your pickled strawberries in. Add more berries if needed. The berries have a tendency to float once the liquid is added. Making sure they tightly packed will ensure they all get the goodness of the liquid.  
• Once you use up your first jar, save the brine and add more berries! Keep the pickled strawberry cycle going! 
• Use your pickled strawberries in a yogurt parfait, strawberry shortcake, martinis and margaritas, salads (use the brine to make a dressing), pizza, and so much more! 

Yogurt Parfait with Pickled Strawberries

By Renee Paj

Sweet Pickled Strawberries are layered with creamy vanilla Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a delicious snack or light dessert full of flavor.

Ingredients

• For Pickled Strawberries:
• 1 pound fresh Florida Strawberries, washed, hulled and either halved or quartered
• 1 cup champagne vinegar (or any vinegar you like)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 TBS kosher salt
• For Yogurt Parfait:
• 2 cups nonfat vanilla Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 cup of your favorite granola
• 2 cups pickled strawberries (above)

Instructions

1. To pickle the strawberries: In a med saucepan, heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt on med heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Place strawberries in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. Make sure the container is just big enough to tightly pack the strawberries. (otherwise they will float to the top). Once the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, pour the liquid over the strawberries and put the lid on. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ready to use in about an hour.
2. For the Yogurt Parfait: Spoon 1/4 of the pickled strawberries (juices drained) into each highball glass. Top with 1/4th of the yogurt and repeat layers. Divide the granola evenly between the two glasses. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 00 hrs. 10 mins.

Cook time: 01 hrs. 00 mins.
Total time: 1 hrs. 10 mins.

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