16 Superfoods You Can Keep in the Freezer—and How to Cook With Them

Berries

Small but powerful foods like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage by free radicals—unstable atoms that impair healthy cells and may contribute to the aging process, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease, among other conditions.

Stock up on frozen berries and toss them in a smoothie directly from the freezer, or let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and use them to top a yogurt parfait or a salad. Need a superfood fix ASAP? Defrost a handful of frozen berries in the morning and enjoy them as an afternoon snack.

Salmon

Salmon has earned its distinction as a superfood because of its impressive protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that your body doesn't make, which means they must come from food. They help with blood clotting, muscle movement, and can fight harmful inflammation throughout the body. And according to several studies, higher omega-3 intake is linked to decreased age-related mental decline, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

While you can freeze salmon, frozen salmon filets are easy to find at your local grocery store or online, and will keep in the freezer for about a year. The smaller ones (around 6 ounces) can actually be popped in the oven or air fryer directly from the freezer, so you don't even need to worry about letting them thaw first. However, if you'd rather let your salmon thaw overnight, that's fine too. You can use thawed salmon filets in this easy Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes and Broccolini recipe, which is ready in 25 minutes.

Tuna

Like salmon, tuna is an excellent source of protein, which helps build muscle, keeps you full, and contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fresh tuna steaks will maintain peak quality in the freezer for about two to three months, but you can also purchase frozen tuna steaks to put directly in the freezer. These will stay fresh for approximately nine months. Once thawed, feel free to cook the tuna steak as you normally would. This Seared Tuna with Tomato-Olive-Caper Salad recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that takes just 20 minutes to make.

Broccoli

Need a quick vegetable side for dinner? Frozen broccoli to the rescue! This cruciferous green veggie is a superfood because it's an excellent source of satiating fiber, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C. It also provides vitamin K, folate, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. Because it's so nutrient-dense, broccoli has many nutritional benefits, including giving your immune system a boost, safeguarding your heart, and protecting your joints.

Sauté frozen broccoli florets with garlic and olive oil for a simple side or pasta add-on, or add it to a decadent, veggie-packed lasagna.

Brussels Sprouts

Much like frozen broccoli, frozen Brussels sprouts are there when you need 'em in a pinch. What's more? These cruciferous veggies are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They're loaded with antioxidants, support gut health, can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and boost bone health, among other things. If you're tight on time, you can roast Brussels sprouts directly from the freezer for an easy side dish. This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Lemon pairs well with just about any main course, and if you've got any leftover sprouts you can toss 'em in a salad or grain bowl the next day as part of a superfood lunch.

Kale

This superfood has been trending for years, and with good reason. It's packed with vitamins K, A, and 71 percent of your daily value of immune-boosting vitamin C. Not impressed? The dark green veggie is also an excellent source of calcium and iron. While frozen kale won't thrive in a salad (let's leave that for fresh kale leaves) you can easily toss frozen kale in a smoothie or sauté it as part of a healthy side dish. (We love this heart-healthy recipe for Cod With Wilted Kale.)

Kimchi

Fermented foods like kimchi boast impressive ​​immune- and gut-boosting benefits, and while not all fermented foods freeze well, you can totally stick kimchi in the freezer without sacrificing much flavor or texture. If the kimchi is store-bought and unopened, it can go in the freezer as is, and if it's homemade, you can place it in an airtight container and then put it in the freezer. Once frozen, kimchi will stay at its crispiest and most flavorful for about three months. To use this frozen superfood, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, or sauté the frozen stuff using a little cold water. You can eat kimchi on its own, or use it to make Korean-Style Lettuce Wraps.

Açaí

If you've spent any time in the frozen foods section of your local grocery store, you've likely seen pouches of frozen (often puréed) açaí berries. The tropical fruits are packed with antioxidants, may improve "bad" cholesterol levels, and, per a 2014 study, can protect your brain from damage as you age. Keep packets of frozen açaí berries on hand to make vibrant smoothie bowls for breakfast or liven up some plain Greek yogurt.

Avocado

Avocado's distinction as a superfood that can promote heart health, lower blood pressure, and more is no secret. And while it might not seem like you can freeze a fruit known for its ability to brown quickly, freezing avocado is totally doable. In fact, a ripe avocado can be frozen mashed, puréed, or cut into chunks, and will stay fresh for about six months. To minimize browning, just add a bit of lemon juice and store the avocado in an airtight storage container or vacuum-sealed bag. You can also find frozen avocado pieces at the supermarket. Though an avocado's texture will change a bit once it's spent some time in the freezer, you can still use frozen avocado in a smoothie or, once it's thawed a bit, spread on a flavorful piece of toast or in guacamole. And this neutral-tasting superfood can even be blended in with chocolate to make a sneaky healthy treat, avocado chocolate truffles.

Lentils

If you've ever cooked with lentils before, you know just how easy it is to make too much of these little legumes. Cooked lentils, which are packed with fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals, will keep in the freezer for about six months. Once that lentil craving hits, just pop your frozen lentils in the microwave or add them to whatever hot foods you may be cooking, like a curry. Once thawed, lentils can add fiber to a grain bowl or salad, or be tossed in a soup for an extra protein boost. A Red Lentil Soup with Lemon and Dill is the perfect way to use lentils.

Cauliflower

This cruciferous cousin of broccoli is just as nutrient dense, offering 75 percent of your daily vitamin C in a single cup, plus vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, and choline. (And a whole lot of fiber, too!) Cauliflower is also a nice, mild veggie, that lends itself to being pureed and added into some surprising dishes.

Give mashed potatoes a nutrient boost by adding some pureed cauliflower to the mix, or give it the starring role in a curried soup. For this cauliflower mac and cheese, instead of popping the cauliflower into the pot with the pasta, microwave to thaw and then drain thoroughly.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids—but they start to lose their nutritional value if they're stored for a while in the pantry. Pop them in the freezer to extend their nutritional life. The frozen seeds can easily be used in any recipe that calls for chia seeds.

Chia seeds are often added to puddings and smoothies, but don't stop there! Whole Wheat Chia Seed Waffles are a wholesome breakfast option, and no-bake lemon chia bars make for a fast (and healthy) dessert. On the savory side, they add protein and help bind Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers, and give a simple pilaf a nutritional boost.

Edamame

Edamame offers loads of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, along with plenty of protein and fiber and a host of nutrients like iron, folate, and phosphorus. You can buy then frozen, either still in their pods, or shelled to make an easy healthy snack, but you can also try them in Edamame Pasta Salad, a colorful risotto, or blend them in lieu of chickpeas for a tweak on the traditional hummus.

Spinach

Like other leafy greens, spinach is a superfood, offering plenty of fiber, along with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Its mild flavor makes it an easy addition to both savory and sweet dishes. Pick up a few bags of frozen spinach so you always have it on hand to give your favorite pasta dishes, smoothies, and other favorites a boost. Use it in a tasty Creamed Spinach Casserole, a super-easy Slow-Cooker Lasagna, or spicy Slow-Cooker Enchiladas.

Peas

Peas are legumes like lentils, and offers similar nutrients—a great source of fiber, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Having a few bags of frozen peas on hand gives you plenty of options for healthy side dishes and main courses. Try them smashed on toast with ricotta and a sprinkle of pine nuts, mixed in with eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast casserole, or in a winter-perfect main dish like Shepherd's Pie. (It even makes an unexpected—and delicious—addition to pesto in this Pea-Mint Pesto Fusilli dish.)

Yogurt

Yogurt's probiotics can help boost your gut's microbiome, which will aid digestion and may boost immunity, too. It's a good source of calcium and phosphorus, along with antioxidants like vitamin A. Prepackaged frozen yogurt is likely to be high in sugar, but you can freeze your own yogurt—studies have found that the live bacterial cultures can stand up to a few weeks in the freezer, though the texture may change slightly. Freeze the yogurt in an ice cube tray, then add them to your smoothies for an extra dose of creaminess. You can also use thawed frozen yogurt in baking, like a Blueberry Yogurt Cake, or Whole Grain Blueberry Muffins, where the tang of yogurt pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of blueberries (another great superfood!). You can also whisk unsweetened yogurt into this superfood-packed Garlic, Leek, and Brussels Sprouts Frittata for a delicious (and healthy) brunch or dinner dish.