Berries are packed with fiber and antioxidants, and while the fruits are tasty fresh snacks and scrumptious in sweets, they're also delicious in an assortment of savory recipes—blueberries especially so. Plates like grilled chicken with blueberry-tarragon sauce and even fresh baked peach and blueberry focaccia prove blueberries should be a mainstay in every type of dish, not just dessert. Make the most of this sweet summer fruit in these healthy blueberry recipes that span every meal of the day—and maybe even a snack between.
Turkey Burger with Peaches and Blueberries
Bet you didn't think burgers were included in this list of healthy blueberry recipes. These sweet and smoky open-face sandwiches keep you fit without skimping on any flavor—in fact, they're one of the most flavorful summertime burgers out there. With chunks of peaches incorporated in the ground turkey patties and a chili-spiced mixture of sauteed peaches and blueberries topping the concoction, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good this healthy meal tastes.
Whole Wheat Chocolate-Blueberry Cake
Healthy blueberry recipes and chocolate cake do belong in the same category when it comes to this blueberry-infused cake. The batter features fiber-strong whole wheat flour, antioxidant-loaded unsweetened cocoa powder, and pureed blueberries. Ultra-moist, tender, and sneakily nutritious, this rich cake is crowned with more blueberries, melted chocolate, and fresh mint for a lightened-up dessert that will have everyone fighting for the last slice.
Lemon-Blueberry Pavlovas
Pavlovas are one of the lightest baked goods, and blueberries are a delectable complement to this gluten-free recipe. Whipped egg whites form the irresistible "crust" for these petite fruit pies, and light-as-air lemon curd, blueberries tossed in sugar, and fresh mint leaves create a sweet bite layered with mouthwatering flavors and interesting textures. It's a fantastic healthier substitute for traditional fruit tarts or pies that sacrifices none of the flavor you expect from a baked good.
Grilled Chicken with Blueberry-Tarragon Sauce
The secret to making succulent grilled chicken that fits well within your sodium budget? Whipping up a homemade sauce so you have complete control over every component of your dish. On the more savory spectrum of healthy blueberry recipes, two cups of fresh berries simmer with tarragon, red wine, chicken broth, and honey to create a bold and balanced sauce that bursts with flavor. Spooned over juicy paprika-spiced chicken thighs and a bed of zucchini noodles, you'll be astounded by how delicious this healthy dish is.
Sugar-Free Blueberry-Strawberry Jam
Jam is usually loaded with sugar, but not this healthy homemade version. The natural sugars from ripe blueberries and strawberries make this spread plenty sweet on its own. A dash of cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon elevate the flavors in the jam, which tastes mind-blowingly good on blueberry pancakes, cornbread, and even graham crackers for a blueberry pie-like snack.
Blueberry-Peach Focaccia
A more unexpected sweet and savory dish, this blueberry-peach focaccia is so incredibly divine you'll wonder why you haven't had it sooner. Every last bite of this stunning fruity focaccia tastes like summer. Juicy blueberries and sweet peaches are topped with a light dusting of sugar and salt and a drizzle of vanilla and olive oil before baking atop the pillowy homemade bread until they're soft. Slice this healthy blueberry-topped focaccia at your next get-together or keep it for yourself—at just over 100 calories per serving, you might not want to share.
Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Mini Muffins
Rolled oats and chia seeds are key ingredients in one of our favorite healthy blueberry recipes. While sugar is called for in the ingredient list, these mini desserts can be made even more nutritious by substituting sugar for Splenda. Don't be afraid to pop more than a few of the muffins—they're only just over 100 calories!
Corn and Blueberry Salad
Make the most of summer's sweet corn crop by turning it into a crunchy, colorful side salad. Sweet blueberries complement bold red onion, and a honey-lime dressing adds just the right amount of zip. While the healthy blueberry recipe calls for fresh jalapeño for a light kick of spice, you can forgo the pepper for a heat-free dish.
Prep this low-calorie blueberry recipe in advance for even more flavor. Simply mix the ingredients with the dressing, then chill for up to 24 hours.
Honey-Bourbon Pickled Blueberries
You may have never thought about pickling blueberries before, but this recipe will have you reconsidering the possibilities. Allspice and cinnamon-spiced vinegar combine with fresh blueberries and bourbon to reduce into a flavorful pickled compote. The mixture is strained and the juice is added to a pot with honey to simmer into a sweet blueberry syrup that's poured over the pickled berries. The unique sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to roasted meats like pork and turkey.
Citrus-Topped Double Blueberry Muffins
Brighten your morning with a batch of these citrus-infused, low-calorie blueberry muffins. Fresh berries are folded into the batter, and blueberry preserves are spooned into the center of each muffin before baking. At 263 calories per serving, one for breakfast or as a mid-day snack is the perfect indulgence to satisfy any sweets cravings. You can even swap the store-bought preserves for the blueberry-strawberry jam recipe above to cut calories further.
