Healthy editor-approved recipes to make on the Fourth of July

7/4/2017

Healthy, editor-approved recipes to make on the Fourth of July

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Healthy, Editor-Approved Recipes to Make on Fourth of July

Hot dogs, burgers, and beers—that pretty much sums up the average Fourth of July menu. And there's not a damn thing wrong with it—except that they're not exactly healthy meals.

So if you're willing to break the holiday tradition in the name of health, fitness, or simply the sake of doing something different, we've got a line-up of delicious, good-for-you meals to try.

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Check out these Fourth of July-inspired diet-friendly meals, which have been prepared by Kristi Keating, a contributing expert to Men's Fitness and HUMANFITPROJECT.

Healthy, editor-approved recipes to make on the Fourth of July

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How to Make the Fourth of July Fruit Salad — Courtesy Image

1. The Fourth of July fruit salad

Fresh fruits and veggies are a must if you don't want to jeopardize your fitness gains over the summer by eating too much fried chicken and potato salad. Enjoying fresh, quality foods when they're at their peak for nutrition is among the most nurturing things you can do for yourself and others.

Start your day with this healthy fruit-based breakfast to keep yourself from filling up on the bad stuff. And remember, whether you're enjoying breakfast with vegans or omnivores, almost everyone enjoys a festive fruit salad.

Check out the recipe for Fourth of July fruit salad here.

How to Make Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Chickpeas — Courtesy Image

2. Quinoa lettuce wraps with spicy chickpeas

It doesn't take much to create a vegetarian wrap—you'll do fine with just about any combination of raw veggies, a few legumes, and/or whole grain. With a bit of fresh herb and some spice, however, you can create outrageously tasty lettuce wraps—like this recipe, which features raw cucumber, tomato, green onion, and basil.

Check out the recipe for quinoa lettuce wraps here.

How to Make a Farmer's Market Thin Crust Pizza — Courtesy Image

3. Farmer's market thin-crust pizza

By keeping a stash of brown rice tortillas, flatbreads, or pitas in your freezer, you always have a ready-to-go base for your homemade pizzas.

Just whip up your homemade pizza sauce and cashew cheese spread ahead of time, and your fresh pizzas can be ready in less than 10 minutes.

Check out the full farmer's market thin crust pizza recipe here.

How to Make Cherry and Peach Almond Milk Popsicles — Courtesy Image

4. Cherry and peach almond milk popsicles

This recipe starts with almond milk that's sweetened with dates and flavored with vanilla, bringing a depth of flavor to these healthy pops. The dark-colored fruits pair perfectly with the sweet almond milk, adding a creative flare that takes this dessert to the next level.

Check out the recipe for cherry and peach almond milk popsicles here.

How to Make a Dairy-Free Chocolate-Coconut Parfait — Courtesy Image

5. Chocolate-coconut parfait

These plant-based parfaits are not only elegant and tasty, but also ridiculously easy to make and actually pretty good for you (for a dessert, anyway).

While the combination of chocolate pudding and coconut yogurt make this healthy dessert deliciously rich, this dairy-free treat can substitute as a healthier option at your next potluck or barbecue.

Check out the full chocolate-coconut parfait recipe here.

How to Make an Orange Turmeric Smoothie — Courtesy Image

6. Orange turmeric smoothie

This refreshing smoothie provides a solid hit of vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber to help your body detoxify after a weekend of beers and fatty meat. The added turmeric root also delivers anti-inflammatory benefits, and assists in elevating the body's liver detoxification enzymes to help aid the cleansing process.

Check out the full orange turmeric smoothie recipe here.