The blueberry glaze brightens salmon's rich texture, making for a surprisingly delicious combination.
Image Credit: iuliia_n/iStock/GettyImages They may be small in size, but blueberries are a super source of nutritional goodness. Just a single cup contains 16 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C as well as inflammation-reducing antioxidants.
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These antioxidants, also known as flavonoids, are linked to heart and brain health — and quercetin, a specific antioxidant found in blueberries, is also tied to treating metabolic and inflammatory disorders, according to extensive July 2016 research in Pharmacognosy Review.
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Blueberries are also packed with manganese, a mineral that aids protein and amino acid digestion, as well as fiber, which help keep us full and improves gut health, says Kimberly Bowman, a sports nutritionist for F45 Training.
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With all of these perks, blueberries deserve to do more than stud pancakes or top parfaits. Consider these savory blueberry recipes as noble options for dinner.
Want more healthy recipes? Download the MyPlate app and get simple, tasty meals and snacks tailored to your nutrition goals.
Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad
Broccoli and blueberries make for an awesome combo. Image Credit: Diabetes Food Hub Maybe you’ve never paired blueberries and broccoli, but you’ll soon discover they’re the perfect match. In addition to these two superfoods, the recipe also calls for creamy smashed avocado. All together, the ingredients create a nutritious meal, which includes iron, vitamin C, folate and magnesium and probiotics, Bowman says. This dish contains 6 grams of protein for every one-cup serving, so for a more substantial meal, you could eat at least two cups for 12 grams of protein and only 200 calories.
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Salmon Sliders With Blueberry Slaw
Skip the traditional burger recipe for this lighter alternative. Image Credit: Love and Zest Salmon is a lean source of quality protein and provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, Bowman says. “Topping these sliders off with a simple antioxidant-rich blueberry and cabbage slaw enhances the flavor while adding a source of dietary fiber to promote healthy digestion,” she says. And what’s more, this recipe offers 37 grams of protein — making it a hearty, nutritionally sound dinner option.
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Advertisement Get the Salmon Sliders With Blueberry Slaw recipe and nutrition info from Love and Zest here.
Blueberry and Goat Cheese Hand Pies
Easy to take with you on a busy work or errand-running day, these pies are packed with flavor and protein. Image Credit: My Heart Beets For a lunch that’s both portable and good for you, these blueberry goat cheese pies offer everything you need. They’re made gluten-free with an almond and tapioca flour crust, and they incorporate natural sweetness with raw honey. “The combination of coconut milk, goat cheese and blueberries not only tastes delicious but adds a hearty dose of quality fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as well as protein,” Bowman says. “Goat cheese is also a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, while coconut milk adds a boost of copper and potassium.”
Advertisement Get the Blueberry Goat Cheese Pies recipe and nutrition info from My Heart Beets.
Kale Fruit Salad With Blueberry Dressing
Find the blueberries in the dressing of this fruit-packed salad. Image Credit: Susan Marque/LIVESTRONG.com The combination of greens and fruit makes this salad an anytime sort of dish — so whether you’re craving it for breakfast, dinner or something in between, it’s totally appropriate. This salad gets its 10 grams of protein mostly from the dressing: You blend the tofu with olive oil, vinegar and half a cup of those nutritious blueberries for a creamy mix that you’ll want to douse on everything. This whole recipe is very versatile, so feel free to sub in whatever fruits and veg you have on hand.
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Blueberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon
A sweet, tart glaze reinvigorates salmon. Image Credit: The Wholesome Dish This light yet filling salmon recipe makes for a mouthwatering dinner that’s equal parts delicious and healthy. It incorporates sweet blueberries that fight against inflammation and salmon that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This dinner comes together fast, making it an ideal addition to your weeknight routine. And with 23 grams of protein, it’s a keeper.
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Advertisement Get the Blueberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon recipe and nutrition info from The Wholesome Dish.
Blueberry Eggs Breakfast Salad
Delicious and filling, this egg and blueberry breakfast will be your new staple. Image Credit: Eating Bird Food This salad might have “breakfast” in its name, but it makes for a delicious and healthy dinner, too.It has 3 grams of fiber and 17 grams of protein. Because both of these nutrients are key components to a healthy, balanced meal, Bowman says you’ll feel satisfied well into lunchtime. Plus the naturally sweet notes here will help battle sugar cravings. “The use of coconut oil or olive oil spray in combination with spices and herbs, including red chili flakes, basil and cinnamon enhance the flavor of this salad without adding excess calories,” she says. Get the Blueberry Eggs Breakfast Salad recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.
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references
Pharmacognosy Review: "Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid"references
Pharmacognosy Review: "Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid"The blueberry glaze brightens salmon’s rich texture, making for a surprisingly delicious combination. Image Credit: iuliia_n/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: iuliia_n/iStock/GettyImages
Want more healthy recipes? Download the MyPlate app and get simple, tasty meals and snacks tailored to your nutrition goals.
Broccoli and blueberries make for an awesome combo.
Image Credit: Diabetes Food Hub
Image Credit: Diabetes Food Hub
Get the Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad recipe and nutrition info from Diabetes Food Hub.
Skip the traditional burger recipe for this lighter alternative.
Image Credit: Love and Zest
Image Credit: Love and Zest
Get the Salmon Sliders With Blueberry Slaw recipe and nutrition info from Love and Zest here.
Easy to take with you on a busy work or errand-running day, these pies are packed with flavor and protein.
Image Credit: My Heart Beets
Image Credit: My Heart Beets
Get the Blueberry Goat Cheese Pies recipe and nutrition info from My Heart Beets.
Find the blueberries in the dressing of this fruit-packed salad.
Image Credit: Susan Marque/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: Susan Marque/LIVESTRONG.com
Get the Kale Fruit Salad With Blueberry Dressing recipe and nutrition info here.
A sweet, tart glaze reinvigorates salmon.
Image Credit: The Wholesome Dish
Image Credit: The Wholesome Dish
Get the Blueberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon recipe and nutrition info from The Wholesome Dish.
Delicious and filling, this egg and blueberry breakfast will be your new staple.
Image Credit: Eating Bird Food
Image Credit: Eating Bird Food
Get the Blueberry Eggs Breakfast Salad recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.
Pharmacognosy Review: "Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid"