Healthy 4th of July Recipes Your Family Will Love

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The 4th of July marks the birth of American independence — people celebrate with fireworks, parades, concerts and our favorite — family barbecues. While this year, we may not be able to attend big events, we can still make it special.  And we’ve got your Independence Day menu covered! Each of these star-spangled 4th of July recipes have a healthy twist so you can enjoy every bite — and feel good doing it. 

From delicious mains to sweet and savory sides, there’s a little something for everyone. Mix up your classic burgers with black bean quinoa burgers or grilled fish tacos. Grill up some garlic corn on the cob and carrots for a unique spin on traditional veggies. Switch up that heavy potato salad with an herby alternative or try a delicious mayo-free coleslaw. And don’t forget dessert — we have red, white and blue sweets that will dazzle your guests. Turn your backyard barbecue into a healthy 4th of July festive feast — and make some new memories this holiday.

• Peach Mango Salsa

  

  The sweetness of the peaches and mango make this salsa a refreshing twist to the traditional dip. (Via Eating Well)

  

• Layered Taco Dip

  

  Everyone loves a taco dip — and it’s a great way to layer in veggies! Get the recipe here.

  

• Vegan Cashew Cheese Ball

  

  Spice up your typical cheese plate with this creamy vegan cheese ball. It’s easy to make and you can make it your own with a variety of toppings.

  

• Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

  

  Forgo fried chicken wings and opt for baked buffalo cauliflower bites. You get all the spicy flavor with less calories and fat.

  

• Healthy, 15-minute Spinach Artichoke Dip

  

  Swapping Greek yogurt for mayo and sour cream give this spinach artichoke dip a healthy twist to the classic recipe.

  

• BELT Salad with Dairy Free Dilly Ranch Dressing

  

  Who doesn’t love the mixture of a BLT — enjoy it in salad form!  Coconut milk makes the ranch dressing creamy and light — without the dairy.

  

• Garlic Grilled Corn on the Cob

  

  Grilling corn enhances the sweet flavor — try out different spices like this recipe with a great garlic rub.

  

• Herby Picnic Potato Salad with Kale, Apple & Chickpeas

  

  Traditional potato salad can be extremely heavy loaded with saturated fat. Try out a fun twist packed with flavor.

  

• Grilled Carrots with Cumin-Serrano Yogurt

  

  You may never want to roast another carrot after trying these grilled carrots.  Plus you can make the yogurt sauce ahead to save time.

  

• Red White Blue Quinoa Salad

  

  This sweet and savory summer quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious side featuring seasonal cherries, blueberries, goat cheese and toasted pecans.

  

• Healthy Slaw

  

  Make this light and healthy summer side dish with just five ingredients total.

  

• Lightened Up Baked Beans

  

  Canned baked beans can be a sneaky high-calorie and high sugar dish. Making your own is surprisingly easy. Try this delicious recipe here. 

  

• Melon Basil Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

  

  Half Baked Harvest combined melon with crispy prosciutto and cherry tomatoes to make the ultimate summer garden salad.

  

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  

  Great for parties, this recipe can feed (and please!)  a crowd without a ton of work. This recipe calls for a lean boneless pork loin and a homemade BBQ sauce — with far less sugar and salt!  Plus, a crock pot main is a great way to save time for all the other items on the menu.

  

• Easy Grilled Fish Tacos

  Fish is fun and unexpected at a barbecue. Easy to assemble and packed with flavor —  try this grilled fish taco recipe. Set up a taco bar or have them presented on a beautiful tray for easy social distance sharing.

  

• Gluten-Free Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

  

  Instead of the typical burger, surprise guests with a flavorful veggie option. This protein-packed black bean quinoa burger is a crowd pleaser. For a lower carb option, skip the bun and use lettuce to wrap.

  

• Red White and Blue Cheesecake Cupcakes

  

  Who doesn’t love cheesecake? Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake cupcake bites made with Greek yogurt and topped with seasonal strawberries and blueberries!

  

• Banana Coconut Popsicles

  

  Tropical bliss is as simple as four ingredients and a freezer. Bananas and coconut just go together like sunshine and palm trees. These popsicles taste like a vacation in your own backyard.

  

• No-Bake Matcha Bites

  

  No one wants to turn their oven on in the heat. This light dessert is an energizing treat with a lot of flavor!