Blueberries are often celebrated for their sweet, tangy flavor and antioxidant properties, typically starring in desserts or breakfast dishes. But did you know that blueberries can be a vibrant and unexpected star in vegan main courses?
Incorporating blueberries into savory vegan recipes adds a delightful burst of color and a subtle fruity depth that elevates everyday meals to something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or curious about plant-based cooking, blueberry recipes for main courses offer a unique blend of nutrition and flavor that’s sure to impress.
In this post, we’ll explore three delicious vegan main course recipes featuring blueberries. From a hearty Blueberry Balsamic Tempeh Stir-Fry to a refreshing Blueberry Quinoa Salad and a flavorful Blueberry BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich, these dishes showcase how versatile and exciting blueberries can be beyond the usual sweet treats.
Get ready to add a splash of creativity and health to your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Blueberries bring a natural sweetness that balances savory and tangy flavors beautifully, making them perfect for vegan main dishes.
Each recipe is packed with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients that provide protein, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
These meals are easy to prepare, vibrant in color, and impressively flavorful, perfect for weekday dinners or entertaining guests.
Plus, they demonstrate creative ways to use blueberries, expanding your culinary repertoire beyond smoothies and desserts.
Ingredients
Blueberry Balsamic Tempeh Stir-Fry
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 oz tempeh, cubed
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Blueberry Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Blueberry BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
- 1 can young green jackfruit in water, drained and shredded
- 1/2 cup blueberry BBQ sauce (recipe below)
- 4 vegan sandwich buns
- 1/2 cup sliced red cabbage
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Strainer (for quinoa)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
Blueberry Balsamic Tempeh Stir-Fry
- Prepare the tempeh: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed tempeh and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, and blueberries.
- Sauté vegetables: Add garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli to the skillet with tempeh. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add sauce: Pour the blueberry balsamic sauce over the tempeh and vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely.
- Season: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Blueberry Quinoa Salad
- Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions. Let cool completely.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, blueberries, walnuts, mint, and red onion.
- Toss: Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Blueberry BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
- Make blueberry BBQ sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, mashing berries occasionally until thickened. Cool.
- Prepare jackfruit: Shred the drained jackfruit with your hands or forks, removing seeds if desired.
- Cook jackfruit: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add shredded jackfruit and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add BBQ sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup of blueberry BBQ sauce and cook for another 5 minutes until well coated and heated through.
- Prepare slaw: In a small bowl, mix vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss with sliced red cabbage.
- Assemble sandwiches: Toast buns lightly. Layer jackfruit mixture and cabbage slaw inside each bun. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For a nuttier flavor in the stir-fry, try adding toasted almonds or cashews just before serving.
If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen ones work perfectly in these recipes—just thaw before use.
Experiment with the quinoa salad by adding other fruits like diced apples or pomegranate seeds for extra texture.
To make the blueberry BBQ sauce spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blueberry Balsamic Tempeh Stir-Fry | 320 | 20g | 12g | 28g | 6g |
Blueberry Quinoa Salad | 280 | 8g | 14g | 30g | 5g |
Blueberry BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich | 350 | 7g | 10g | 50g | 7g |
Serving Suggestions
These blueberry vegan main courses pair wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed greens, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
For the stir-fry, serve it over your favorite grain—brown rice, millet, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully.
The quinoa salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish complementing grilled vegetables or tofu skewers.
The jackfruit sandwich is ideal for casual meals and pairs well with sweet potato fries or a crisp pickle on the side.
Don’t forget to check out other creative recipes like our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to add rich flavors to your plant-based dishes, or cool down with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
For a savory snack, you might want to try the Cheese Penny Recipe.
Conclusion
Blueberries are not just for desserts or breakfast anymore! These vibrant and nutrient-rich fruits can make an exciting addition to your vegan main courses, creating dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.
From the tangy blueberry balsamic tempeh stir-fry to the refreshing quinoa salad and the smoky blueberry BBQ jackfruit sandwich, you have a range of options to impress your family and friends with unique flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Exploring these recipes will not only diversify your meals but also introduce you to the fantastic versatility of blueberries in savory cooking. So next time you shop for blueberries, think beyond the usual—try these scrumptious vegan main courses and enjoy the burst of flavor and health benefits they bring to your table!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Blueberry Quinoa Salad
Description: A refreshing and nutritious main course featuring quinoa, fresh blueberries, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfectly balanced with protein and antioxidants for a wholesome vegan meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Combine quinoa and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Add quinoa, blueberries, cucumber, bell pepper, mint, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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