Is there anything blueberries can’t do? This round little fruit is remarkably versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, offers exceptional nutrition, and tastes truly delicious. It’s mellow, yet just sweet enough to provide a great foil to sharp, spicy and salty ingredients like cheese, veggies and grains. Blueberries are also capable of stealing the spotlight as a bright, sweet-tart centerpiece in breakfasts and desserts. Blueberries are a major crop in Pennsylvania, available at farm stands and pick-your-own farms and orchards, many of which accept SNAP, and easily frozen or preserved for use at any time of the year.
We also love blueberries for their status as a superfood. These nutrient-packed berries are low-calorie, high in fiber, rich in powerful antioxidants, full of vitamins and proven to support healthy heart and brain function… all while tasting incredible!
Read on for five ways to incorporate blueberries into your next dish, starting with blueberry salsa.
Blueberry Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen and thawed blueberries
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice, or lemon juice (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or 1 teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
Method
- Combine blueberries, red onion and lime juice (if using) in a small serving bowl.
- Season with salt, and toss mixture to coat evenly.
- Garnish with parsley (if using) and serve.
Other easy ways to use blueberries:
3-Ingredient Blueberry Sauce: Combine blueberries, sugar and lemon juice in a pan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes as the berries break down and the ingredients meld. Serve with dishes like pancakes, granola or ice cream.
Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a twist on the traditional sandwich, include fresh or thawed blueberries in your next grilled cheese. The sweetness contrasts with salty, creamy cheese of your choice, like sharp cheddar or mozzarella.
One-Mug Blueberry Cobbler: Enjoy this classic, comforting dessert in under 10 minutes. Toss blueberries in sugar (and cinnamon, if you have it), then combine oats and nuts and microwave it all together for a scrumptious breakfast or dessert.
Microwaved Blueberry Yogurt Cheesecake: Graham crackers, butter, Greek yogurt, cream cheese and, of course, blueberries combine to make this fabulous cheesecake that cooks for a couple of minutes in the microwave before chilling to set in the refrigerator.
- Recipes and photos: Dish Works
