The Fourth of July is typically filled with fireworks, barbeques and lots of dishes to pass. As you head into your holiday weekend, consider bringing one of these healthy red, white and blue recipes to your Independence Day get-together.
Side dishes
While burgers, brats and hot dogs typically steal the show for main dishes, there are many delicious sides you can bring to add festivity and nutrients to your plate.
- Blueberry feta mint salad: You can never go wrong with a fruit salad, but if you’re looking for a new, unique take, try this recipe. Combining the sweetness of watermelon and blueberry with the freshness of mint, wrapped together with a balsamic glaze, this salad is sure to be a winner.
- Red, white and blue salsa: Pineapple, peach and mango are usually the go-to fruits to sweeten up a salsa, so this fourth of July give strawberries and blueberries a shot! The unique flavor is sure to have you grabbing another handful of chips.
- Patriotic blueberry tomato caprese salad: Add a sweet twist to your typical caprese with this red, white and blue variation. Adding blueberries to the traditional recipe gives it a whole new flavor and a more festive color palette, while also adding the many nutrients that blueberries carry.
- Red, white and blueberry bruschetta: Crispy baguette + creamy cheese spread + fresh fruit = a crowd-pleasing appetizer. These bite-sized snacks are packed with freshness and flavor and are sure to have everyone reaching for another.
Dessert
Finish out your Fourth of July celebration with a sweet treat that sticks with the holiday’s red, white and blue theme.
- Star spangled fruit kabobs: Festive and easy to assemble, these fruit kabobs are the definition of guilt free dessert. If you’re interested in adding more sweetness, consider adding some marshmallows or angel food cake bites to each skewer.
- No-bake berry cheesecake bars: Enjoy all of the goodness of cheesecake while cutting out most of the guilt with this lighter, berry filled recipe. Easy and delicious, you won’t even miss the real thing.
- Berry banana boats: A lighter take on the traditional banana split, these banana boats have the perfect mix of fruity deliciousness and fun toppings. Experiment with different sauces, fruit and more to find your favorite mix!
- Mixed berry mini trifles: These light and sweet trifles are the perfect grab-and-go dessert that gives you all the sweetness you need without filling you up. Lighten it up even more with these healthy food swaps.
This Fourth of July, enjoy a safe celebration with loved ones filled with delicious, healthy food. Find more ideas for lightening up your Independence Day BBQ here.
