July 24, 2019

Celebrate National Blueberry Month with Simple Recipes!

Did you know July is National Blueberry Month? I've been enjoying this sweet fruit by the handfuls, but in honor of the occasion, I'm sharing some other ways to treat yourself to this healthy and delicious berry.


Speaking of healthy, here's the lowdown on how blueberries can be beneficial for your body as well as your tastebuds:

  • Blueberries have more antioxidants than any other fruit
  • They are packed with fiber and vitamin C
  • Also a source for vitamin K & B6
Looking for some creative ways to enjoy blueberries for the rest of the harvest season? Here are three that you might want to try! 


Blueberry Salsa

 



Salsa is one of my favorite summertime foods and when I found a recipe for blueberry salsa, I knew I had to try it. It's so easy and incorporates lots of healthy ingredients to offset all the chips I will definitely be eating with it.

You can add or omit ingredients too, depending on your preference.

Here's what you need:

2 c. fresh blueberries
1 c. fresh corn (frozen or canned is okay if it's all you can get)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Corn chips, for serving

I chopped up some of the blueberries too, to help the flavors mingle a bit more. Mix it all together and serve. So tasty!

Blueberry Chia Pudding


I don't know about you, but chia pudding is one of those things I sort of forget I like until I see it on Pinterest and think, oh yeah, I should make that. It's so easy to make and can be healthy for you. Apparently, 1/4 cup of chia seeds have about as much protein as an egg. 

Of course, it is important to keep in mind added sugars, etc. 


For this recipe, I simply stirred 1/4 cup chia seeds into a cup of almond milk. I mashed up about a cup of blueberries (or you could use the blender or food processor), and stirred that in as well. Stick it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will give the chia time to expand and take on its more gelatinous consistency. Top with some chopped nuts or a bit of granola, and yum! 

Blueberry Orange Detox Water 


Infused water was a trend for a bit, but I have always loved this option as a way to add a bit of oomph to your already needed summer thirst quencher. 


Because of their antioxidants, blueberries are a great option to add to your water. And their flavor pairs nicely with slices of orange. Add in some mint leaves for a truly refreshing treat. 

If you can't spend your summer at a spa, bring flavors of the spa to you with this awesome infused drink!