Healthy 4th of July Recipes

Looking for healthy yet easy 4th of July recipes? Whether attending a BBQ, having a picnic, or staying home, these 25 classic American dishes with a twist have you covered from drinks and appetizers to sides, mains, and desserts!

Update: This post was originally published in July 2017 and has been updated.

Happy Birthday, America!

It’s time to celebrate with some of our favorite patriotic, classic American dishes that always make their way to our parties, picnics, potlucks and backyard BBQs! Our faves are traditional recipes that have gotten a healthy and creative makeover.

To wit, here are 25 healthy yet easy and still delicious 4th of July Recipes–perfect for your holiday get-togethers and all around summer festivities!

Healthy 4th of July Recipes: Drinks

Superfood Frose Recipe (aka a Frozen Rosé Wine Slushy)

This refreshing Superfood Frose is the perfect summertime beverage. Made from watermelon, strawberries, organic rosé wine and superfood powders, this frose recipe is sure to please at BBQs or any summer get together! It’s delicious as it is nutritious, and a fun way to get whole fruits in while imbibing.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tonic

This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tonic is a true healing elixir filled with vitamins, minerals and superfoods! Naturally sweet, spicy, and bubbly, this recipe is a refreshing summer virgin cocktail (or feel free to add some vodka or rum if you choose!).

Healthy 4th of July Recipes: Appetizers

Blueberry Guacamole with Roasted Corn

This unique Blueberry Guacamole spiked with sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes and lots of zesty spices proves that blueberries aren’t only for breakfast and dessert! This is summer in a bowl right here.

Healthy Chips + French Onion Dip

Looking for the perfect party appetizer or picnic food? This lactose-free French Onion Dip recipe is easy, delicious and full of Vitamin A + K. Serve with healthy chips from Jackson’s Honest, low-heat fried in organic coconut oil.

Crostini with Canned Sardines, Sherry Pickled Chiles + Herbs

This may look and sound fancy, but it’s far from it! Impress your friends with this bright and tangy crostini, made with canned sardines, sherry pickled chiles, and fresh herbs. Can swap in gluten-free or Paleo bread or crackers, if needed. What’s easier than canned fish?

Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins with Chipotle Beans

This Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins recipe is loaded with savory chipotle beans and guacamole for an easy, healthy and tasty appetizer perfect for a backyard party. This Mexican-inspired recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free and DELICIOUS!

Healthy 4th of July Recipes: Sides + Salads

Easy Cauliflower Potato Salad (Paleo + Low Carb)

What’s the 4th of July without potato salad? This Cauliflower Potato Salad recipe uses part potato, part cauliflower (or substitute all cauliflower to make this paleo and lower carb) with a creamy, tangy dressing.

BLT Chopped Salad with Corn, Feta + Avocado

The BLT – a classic American sandwich, now in salad form! This BLT Chopped Salad with Corn, Feta + Avocado is a simple yet delicious recipe from How Sweet Eats.

Grilled Baked Potato Bar

This fun idea for a Grilled Baked Potato Bar from Platings and Pairings is sure to please a crowd, and is totally customizable. Simply grill the potatoes and assemble with your toppings of choice!

Citrus Kale Salad with Maple Granola and Pancetta Vinaigrette

This sweet, tangy, salty and crunchy Citrus Kale Salad may just be the best salad I’ve ever had. Seriously – try it.

Barbecued Sweet Corn with Roasted Pepper, Honey + Sumac Salsa Dressing

This Barbecued Sweet Corn recipe from J Cooking Odyssey jazzes up traditional boiled corn on the cob with a flavorful char from the grill, plus a bit of a sweet and spicy kick from the roasted pepper, honey and sumac salsa.

Red, White and Blue Quinoa Fruit Salad

How festive is this Red, White and Blue Quinoa Fruit Salad from Well Plated? This sweet yet wholesome creation is sure to please people of all ages.

Simple Sweet Potato Fries with Turmeric Tahini Dip

Here’s an easy recipe from Nutrition Stripped for Simple Sweet Potato Fries. Just slice ’em, bake ’em and eat ’em – and don’t forget about the healthy turmeric tahini dip!

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Cabbage, Mango, Carrot + Tamarind Sauce

Swap out the classic mayo-based coleslaw recipe with this healthy, Asian inspired Crunchy Slaw with Cabbage, Mango + Carrot from Posh Journal, accompanied by a sweet tamarind sauce.

Grilled Corn Summer Salad with Peaches, Tomatoes, Burrata + Arugula Pesto

Salads like this Grilled Corn Summer Salad with Peaches, Tomatoes, Burrata + Arugula Pesto show that salads don’t have to be boring and certainly deserve a place among the other patriotic dishes.

Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Beans

These Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Beans from a Virtual Vegan prove that you can make rich, sweet and smoky baked beans without pork. Start them in the morning, then forget about them until they’re ready for your celebratory meal!

Healthy 4th of July Recipes: Mains

Thai Grilled Chicken

This Thai Grilled Chicken recipe is a fun twist on BBQ chicken with a bright and tangy Thai marinade. Thai chicken is easy, healthy and bursting with authentic flavor, the perfect American meets Thai food recipe for summer grilling.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Banh Mi Bowls

This recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Banh Mi Bowls (gluten-free) puts a healthy twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Made in the crockpot with pork shoulder (or pork butt) with a delicious Asian marinade, this tender pulled pork is topped with fresh pickled veggies and served over heirloom rice–but the flavorful pork alone makes a great alternative to traditional BBQ pulled pork!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Looking for a keto or Whole30 approved holiday app? These paleo slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs are gluten-free, dairy-free (blue cheese is optional), low carb and absolutely delicious with an all-natural hot sauce! Made in the crockpot, this quick + easy meatball recipe is the perfect healthy party food.

The Best Lamb Burgers Loaded with Nachos

An upgrade to the classic beef burger, these Lamb Burgers Loaded with Nachos from Two Purple Figs combine succulent lamb with an American classic – nachos! – quite likely to become a new favorite.

Grilled Tempeh Sliders with Vegan Pesto Spread

For my vegan and vegetarian friends, these Grilled Tempeh Sliders with Vegan Pesto Spread courtesy of Pasta Based are bound to please vegans and carnivores alike.

Healthy 4th of July Recipes: Desserts

Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

You didn’t think I’d forgotten about dessert now, did you? These mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches from Beaming Baker will satisfy just about everyone with their gluten free, dairy free and vegan accolades!

Red, White + Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles

What’s more festive than these Red White + Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles from The View From Great Island? Better yet, they’re made with just 3 ingredients – raspberries, blueberries and vanilla Greek yogurt!

Strawberry Crisp with Almond Butter Crumble

This delicious recipe for Strawberry Crisp with Almond Butter Crumble comes from Bakerita. The pairing of fresh strawberries with a lightly sweetened, crisp and rich almond butter cookie crumble on top is gluten free, paleo and vegan, so this definitely needs to be on your ‘must make’ list!

Blueberry No Bake Dairy Free Cheesecake

These gluten and dairy free Blueberry No Bake Cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and decadent – not to mention adorable and personal-sized! Who wouldn’t love to have one of these beauties for dessert?

There you have it–25 recipes guaranteed to make your 4th of July healthy, fun and pleasing to all palates without sacrificing flavor. Happy Independence Day!

About the Author

Kate Kordsmeier

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