Introduction
July 4th, the American independence day, is known for backyard barbecues, parades, and, of course, food. This doesn’t mean derail your eating habits altogether. Make a fresh and healthy meal by adding a few creative twists and you can have all the taste without the tradition. That’s why we offer recipes for salads, grilling favorites, and sweet treats to make your July 4 celebration both delicious and healthy!
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Refreshing Salads to Start
The perfect summer party is not complete without some sort of light, a fresh salad. Seven Ways, All Healthier Than Usual Mayonnaise.
Dill Potato Salad Recipe
Unlike most picnic potato salads, this one gets its creaminess not from a ton of mayo, but a modest amount of olive oil and some tangy vinegar. A note of brightness and an herbaceous quality from fresh dill.
Dill Potato Salad Ingredients:
Yukon gold potatoes (2 lb), cubed
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tb apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup diced celery
Dill Potato Salad Instructions:
Boil potatoes until cooked; drain and cool slightly.
Combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Toss the warm potatoes and celery in the dressing.
Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Watermelon – naturally sweet, while the feta and mint gives this salad a nice salty and minty balance that compliments the citrusy balsamic glaze.
Watermelon Feta Salad Ingredients:
4 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup romaine, torn into small pieces
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Watermelon Feta Salad Instructions:
Place the watermelon, feta and mint in a large bowl and toss to combine gently with your hands.
Just before you are ready to serve your dish drizzle with your balsamic glaze.
Grilled Mains That Sizzle
Ain’t nobody doesn’t love firing up the grill on the 4th. If veggie burgers are all you’re finding at your favorite BBQs, give one of these a try.If you’re tired of all the vegetable patties that your favorite grills can provide you.
Chicken Shish Kabobs Recipe
Shish Tawook features tender chicken, bell peppers, and red onion threaded onto skewers then brushed with a zesty lemon-garlic marinade before grilled to perfection.
Chicken Shish Kabobs Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 1 inch
Bell peppers, sliced into 1-inch pieces (1 red, 1 green)
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken Shish Kabobs Instructions:
Mix the chicken, pepper, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Stir and let it marinate for 30 min.
Skewer the chicken and veggies.
Heat grill to medium-high, then grill, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Portobello Mushroom “Burgers” Recipe
Portobello mushroom caps are large and meaty, making them an excellent meat-standing for when you want a vegetarian “burger.” Grill until soft and succulent, basting them with a savory balsamic-herb mixture.
Portobello Mushroom “Burgers” Ingredients:
4 large portobello mushrooms, stems replaced with a piece of string cheese
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Portobello Mushroom “Burgers” Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, oil, rosemary, sea salt, and pepper.
Brush both sides of the mushroom caps with the balsamic mixture using a basting brush
Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Serve on white or whole wheat buns with your favorite toppings.
Lighter Sweets to Savor
On July 4th, go ahead and satisfy your sweet tooth but do so in a healthier manner. These desserts shine a light on fresh, seasonal fruit.
Mixed Berry Parfaits Recipe
Create a beautiful, healthy parfait with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries and a little granola.
Mixed Berry Parfaits Ingredients:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup granola
Mixed Berry Parfaits Instructions:
Combine the yogurt and honey in a small bowl.
In a parfait glasses or mason jars, layer yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and granola until all ingredients are used.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cream
These grilled pineapple ring caramel sundaes take a simple dessert and elevate it with the caramelization of the pineapple, and the tropical addition of the coconut cream drizzle!
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cream Ingredients:
1 pineapple, peeled and corer, cut into ring
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut cream
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cream Instructions:
Place pineapple rings on grill over medium heat; cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until grill marks appear and fruit is caramelized.
Whisk coconut cream, honey, and vanilla in a small bowl.
Serve the warm, grilled pineapple with the coconut cream sauce poured over it
Independence Day is known as a day of celebration with friends, family, and amazing meal choices. These recipe ideas will allow you to taste those good, always-have-once flavors, but light, fresh and yummy. So before you start grilling, get a salad chopped and chilled, and toast to your good health and good taste buds!
