There is no shortage of food on Fourth of July. Whether it’s burgers on the grill, roasted corn on the cob, loaded potato salad or decadent American flag cake, we Americans know there is no better way to let freedom ring than with a slew of July 4th food staples. However, while there’s certainly no shortage of food on July 4th, there’s also no shortage of calories. Here are some healthy alternatives to your favorite Fourth of July staples to indulge in without tossing your summer diet out the window.
Appetizers
-Black Bean salad http://www.onceuponachef.com/2010/08/black-bean-salad-with-corn-red-peppers-avocado-lime-cilantro-vinaigrette.html
-Greek Yogurt Onion Dip “Indulge in the creamy onion dip you love without the added fat” http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/greek-yogurt-onion-dip.html
-Kale and Artichoke Dip http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/kale-and-artichoke-dip-recipe.html
Buffalo Cauliflower “ditch your deep-fried chicken wings for this healthy alternative that’s still packed with spicy buffalo flavor”http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/buffalo-cauliflower-with-blue-cheese-sauce.html
-Watermelon, feta and mint scewershttp://bitesofbri.com/2014/05/watermelon-feta-mint-skewers/
White bean and roasted eggplant hummushttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/white-bean-and-roasted-eggplant-hummus-recipe.html
Main Courses
-Honey Chicken Kabobs http://allrecipes.com/recipe/yummy-honey-chicken-kabobs/
-Portobello Mushroom Burgerhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/portobello-burgers-recipe.html
-Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burger http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-chipotle-turkey-burgers/
-Teriyaki Grilled Salmon http://allrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-salmon-i/
-Fish Tacos http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/fish-tacos-recipe.html
-Chicken Apple Sausage Patties http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Apple-Chicken-Sausage-Patties-1178411?columns=3&position=5%2F65
Side Dishes
-Kale Caesar Salad http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Spicy-Kale-Caesar-Salad-with-Roasted-Garlic-976245?columns=3&position=23%2F80
-Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries http://damndelicious.net/2014/06/21/baked-parmesan-zucchini/
-Kale Chips http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/kale-chips-recipe.html
-Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Saladhttp://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/southwestern-grilled-sweet-potato-salad/#_a5y_p=1576904
-Red White and Blue Quinoa Fruit Salad http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Red-White-and-Blue-Quinoa-Fruit-Salad-1110920?columns=4&position=27%2F35
-Chili Garlic Roasted Potatoes http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/chili-garlic-roasted-potatoes/
-Roasted Broccoli with Parmesanhttp://www.simplyscratch.com/2014/02/perfect-roasted-broccoli.html
Desserts
-Coconut Water and Fresh Berry Popsicleshttp://www.yummly.com/recipe/Refreshing-Summertime-Fruity-Popsicles-1120994?columns=3&position=26%2F49
-Blueberry Oat Squares http://www.food.com/recipe/blueberry-oat-squares-starbucks-copycat-386937
-Skinny Red White and Blue Margaritahttp://www.yummly.com/recipe/Skinny-Red_-White-And-Blue-Margarita-1195943?columns=4&position=24%2F35
-Merengue Cookies http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/meringue-cookies-forgotten-kisses-recipe.html
-Berry Patriotic Chia Seed Pudding http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Berry-Patriotic-Chia-Seed-Pudding-1126681?columns=4&position=23%2F35
-Red White and Blue Fruit Salad http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Red-White-and-Blue-Fruit-Salad-1190687?columns=4&position=12%2F35
-Mini Patriotic Fruit Tarts http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Mini-Patriotic-Fruit-Tarts-1121133?columns=4&position=6%2F35
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About Emma
Emma Grubman is a senior at Indiana University studying Journalism and Marketing, and is interning at Boca Magazine this summer. In addition to her passion for writing, she loves pizza, coffee and her dog Charlie. You can reach Emma at grubmane@gmail.com.
