11 Berry Recipes to Make This Summer

Embrace berry season with these nutritious recipes.

Berry photo via jpellgen/flickr

Berry photo via jpellgen/flickr

From strawberries to blackberries, the abundant summer berry crop makes a refreshing addition to healthy meals. Below, 11 berry recipes to try while the harvest is ripe.

1. Lemon Scented Quinoa and Millet Breakfast with Blueberries
via Choosing Raw

Instead of traditional oatmeal, this hearty breakfast uses quinoa and millet to provide filling whole grains. Double the recipe to for a big batch that will last all week.

2. Spicy Berry Summer Salad
via Pasta and Pastries

A dressing made with jalapeño olive oil and blackberry balsamic vinegar gives this salad some spice and extra berry flavor. If you don’t have jalapeño olive oil or blackberry vinegar, make your own by placing some jalapeños and berries in the olive oil and vinegar and allow the mixture to infuse for a few days.

3. Berry Salsa
via Sweet, Sour, Savory

Made with juicy strawberries, blueberries, and a variety of pepper, this salsa is perfect for dipping with pita chips or on top of grilled meat. If the salsa is sweet enough with the fruit, leave out the honey in the dressing.

4. Berry Quinoa Salad
via Two Peas and Their Pod

Quinoa provides protein and whole grains, making this a great breakfast or healthy side dish. The recipe uses honey roasted almonds, but raw or lightly salted almonds would also work.

5. Blueberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
via Pure Grace Farms

Blueberries are sautéed with onions, vinegar, maple syrup, and spices to create a fruity glaze. The chicken is cooked on the stove, but grilled chicken is a smoky summer option.

6. Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt
via Salad Menu

On hot days, this sweet and sour cold salad is an easy meal. For added crunch, try adding some chopped celery.

7. Blackberry Paleo Fruit Roll-Ups
via Paleo Grubs

Filled with fresh blackberry and only three other ingredients, this all-natural fruit roll-up makes for a healthy snack. To combine the ingredients, all that’s needed is a blender.

8. Five-Ingredient Strawberry Red Wine Glazed Salmon
via Cupcakes and Kale Chips

A strawberry and wine reduction is made on the stove, along with some sautéed onions. After drizzling the salmon with the reduction, the broiler will help transform it into a sticky glaze.

9. Turkey, Avocado, and Strawberry Sandwich
via King Arthur Flour

This nourishing sandwich is full of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Substitute the mayonnaise for mustard or greek yogurt.

10. Kale Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
via Iowa Girl Eats

Massage the kale after washing it to make sure that it’s tender and not too hard. A homemade berry vinaigrette tops the kale, made out of blueberries, dijon mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.

11. Mango Strawberry Black Bean Wraps
via Home Skillet

Protein from the beans make this an ideal vegan and vegetarian recipe. Use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps if you’re trying to go low-carb.