Serves 4

• 250g punnet strawberries, sliced into rounds

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 lemon zested

• 1 cup smooth ricotta

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Pinch of salt

• 4 slices sourdough toasted

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ bunch basil leaves picked

• Cracked black pepper

1. Macerate the strawberries
   In a medium bowl, toss strawberries with sugar, balsamic and lemon zest. Set aside for 10 minutes, the berries will glisten and release a gorgeous syrup.

2. Whip the ricotta
   In a small bowl, whisk with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

3. Toast the base
   Brush bread lightly with olive oil and toast until golden and crisp, either in a pan or under the grill.

4. Build it up
   Spread each slice generously with whipped ricotta. Spoon over the macerated strawberries and drizzle with their syrup.

5. Finish with flair
   Top with fresh basil or mint and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and the berries are juicy.

Snapshot!

At 1270 kJ per serve, these strawberry & ricotta toasts deliver a gentle energy boost, just right for breakfast or a mid-morning pick-me-up. With 11 g of protein, they’ll keep you feeling satisfied, while 13 g of total fat (mostly heart-friendly monounsaturated) adds richness without overdoing it. Carbs sit at 32 g, balanced by 3 g of fibre and the natural sweetness of strawberries rather than added sugars.
Sodium and saturated fat are moderate, making this a smart choice for everyday eating, proof that simple, seasonal food can be both nourishing and deliciously doable.

What it means on the plate

A light, nourishing brekkie or snack that balances carbs for energy, protein for satiety, and heart-friendly fats for flavour and function. Pair with a coffee or herbal tea and you’ve got a joyful mid-morning moment that fuels without feeling heavy.

Food group balance →

• Grains 1 serve (toast)

• Dairy ½ serve (ricotta)

• Fruit 1 serve (strawberries)

CWJ Takeaway

Sweet, simple, and balanced. This toast is a reminder that healthy doesn’t have to mean plain, a little ricotta, a few berries, and a drizzle of love bring joy to every bite.