Hosting a big bash this July 4th? Or maybe you’re a party guest and looking to bring a little something yummy along with you. Whichever the case, here’s some good news: Your waistline doesn’t have to suffer just because of one indulgent day. Check out this collection of healthified party foods that are bound to wow a crowd!
Hot Off The Grill
BBQ Burger With a Sweet Potato Bun
You will likely see a lot of hot-off-the-grill hotdogs and hamburgers sliding into a big, fat, bread bun this holiday. There’s always the option of simply go naked (I mean the burger – not you). OR, you can have some fun with a creative sweet potato bun. Just slice a sweet potato length-wise, drizzle with some oil and add a pinch of salt, then pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes. Voila – you have a low-carb and yummy bun!
Beef Lettuce Cups
Another way to healthify the burgers at your holiday get-together? Chop up the cooked beef, stuff it into a lettuce leaf, add a few other veggies to color and flavor, and top it all off with a little dressing! Here is a recipe to spark your flexible side. Or use this idea for leftovers the next day.
Salmon and Spinach Burgers
Swap beef for salmon for your non-carnivores. While I typically whip these nutrient-packed burgers up in a skillet, they can easily be tossed onto your grill. These would be delicious on a cedar plank too for a satisfying July 4th dish.
Dips
Guacamole
Who doesn’t love a good guacamole? In my humble opinion a good guacamole is one the greatest dishes on the planet — a dip, a side, a garnish and, I confess, sometimes even a snack on its own with a spoon. Check out this recipe to unlock my secrets for the best guac ever!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Upgrade your classic hummus with this special variation. The subtle pink color hints at a hummus twist and there are always oohs and ahhs followed by the question, “What’s in this that makes it so good?” Swap roasted red peppers for the sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Mango Salsa
Have you ever made a fruity salsa? Well, let me warn you that this homemade mango salsa is crazily addicting! The contrasting flavors of mango, jalapeño, lemon, cilantro, and spices make this salsa the perfect BBQ accompaniment. Serve it straight up, scooped onto a tortilla chip, paired with chicken, or served on top of a summer steak.
Drinks
Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon is a summertime favorite and can be served up so many different ways. Enter this refreshing frozen watermelon mojito! With natural sugars from the watermelon and a refreshing contrast of lime juice and mint, this drink is a real winner. Watch how easy it is to whip up a batch and how quickly it gets devoured.
Summer Sangria
I’ve tried red sangria with brandy, white sangria with liquor, and tested versions with various mixtures of wine and fruit and — tough job. Let me tell you, humbly, of course, this recipe truly ROCKS! It’s the perfect combo of sweet, acidity, and alcohol. Plus it’s gorgeous to look at and you feel kinda sexy just sipping it.
Red, White, and Blueberry Granita Cocktails
These festive frozen drinks by the team over at LaurenConrad.com are inspired by those sweet icy lemonades you see at amusement parks. You know, the ones where you sip melted lemonade from a straw and then spoon out the leftover ice. Don’t worry — you won’t need a fancy ice machine to make this satisfying recipe. Just grab your ice cube tray and a blender — you’re good to go!
