Make this 4th of July delicious and nutritious with healthier versions of your favorite patriotic dishes. From the grill to the picnic table, these recipes honor beloved 4th of July classics while keeping things light and fresh.
Fire up the grill for a leaner take on BBQ favorites like juicy grilled chicken drumsticks, perfectly seasoned BBQ tri-tip, and grilled pork chops. Transform traditional sides with wholesome grilled cornbread, spicy jalapeño poppers, and colorful veggie skewers.
Classic summer salads get a fresh spin with our tomato feta, white bean salad, and strawberry walnut salad. Cool off with patriotic frozen yogurt popsicles or enjoy a slice of blueberry-lemon angel food cake for dessert.
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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein, these grilled drumsticks are a perfect healthy option for your 4th of July BBQ. Simple to season and quick to cook, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Grilled Pork Chops
Baked Sweet Potato
Grilled Smoked Zucchini
Lightly charred and packed with smoky flavor, this grilled zucchini is a healthy and delicious side that pairs well with any BBQ dish.
Grilled Smoked Zucchini
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Grilled Whole Chicken
A whole chicken on the grill stays juicy and flavorful while developing a crispy, smoky skin. It’s a perfect main dish for a big gathering.
Grilled Whole Chicken
Grilled Broccoli
This smoky, slightly crispy broccoli is a great way to add greens to your BBQ spread. It’s simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor.
Grilled Broccoli
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
These sweet and smoky grilled carrots, finished with a touch of brown butter, make a delicious and unique side dish.
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Grilled Cornbread
Grilled Cod
Light, flaky, and packed with protein, this grilled cod is a great seafood option for a healthy 4th of July meal.
Grilled Cod
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
These naturally sweet and creamy potatoes are enhanced with a smoky flavor, making them a great side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Burgers
Baked Feta Potatoes
A gorgeous and flavorful summer side dish! These baked feta potatoes are easy to prepare and make a delicious complement to any grilled meal.
Recipe
Grilled Lamb Burgers
A flavorful and protein-rich twist on classic burgers, these lamb patties are juicy and full of aromatic spices.
Grilled Lamb Burgers
Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
A spicy and cheesy appetizer that’s a little lighter than the deep-fried version. These poppers are smoky, crispy, and delicious.
Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Creamy Chipotle Corn and Black Bean Salad
A smoky, creamy salad packed with chipotle flavor, sweet corn, and hearty black beans. It’s the perfect side dish for a BBQ or summer gathering.
Recipe
Pan Seared Mahi Mahi with Basil Butter Sauce
Mahi mahi is seared until golden brown and flaky, then topped with a warm, buttery basil sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright and refreshing seafood dish.
Recipe
Veggie Skewers
Light up your 4th of July grill with these colorful veggie skewers! Featuring zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, they’re finished with a tangy balsamic drizzle and garlic herb sauce.
Recipe
Patriotic Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
It is time for some red, white, and blue! These healthier popsicles are perfect for both kids and adults, making them a fun and refreshing summer treat.
Recipe
Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs
This light and fresh summer salad is a sweet and savory combo that will wow your guests. It can be made with any kind of tomato, and the drizzle of honey ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Recipe
BBQ Tri Tip
Delicious marinated tri-tip grilled to perfection for an impressive and flavorful main dish. Ideal for sharing with friends and family at a summer cookout.
Recipe
Grilled Chicken Breasts
Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, these grilled chicken breasts are a crowd-pleaser for any BBQ.
Recipe
Strawberry Walnut Salad
A fresh and easy side dish featuring juicy strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and a light dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings.
Recipe
Tender Grilled Pork Chops
These grilled pork chops are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Learn how to grill them perfectly every time.
Recipe
Grilled Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers
Full of protein and flavor, these naturally sweet skewers pair perfectly with a sugar-free BBQ sauce for a healthier twist.
Recipe
Melon Prosciutto Salad with Arugula
A light and refreshing salad featuring juicy melon, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula. It’s a great mix of flavors for summer dining.
Recipe
Tomato Feta White Bean Salad with Arugula
This salad is packed with protein and bursting with flavor, making it a healthy and hearty summer meal option.
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Roasted Beet Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Earthy roasted beets paired with a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette make a delicious and nutritious salad.
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Blueberry-Lemon Angel Food Cake Recipe
This light and refreshing dessert is decorated in red, white, and blue. It’s low in fat and filled with healthy summer fruit, making it a perfect summer treat.
Recipe
Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk and Berries
Start your Fourth of July with a nourishing red-white-and-blue breakfast! This chia pudding is a healthier copycat of the A.M. Superfoods Bowl at First Watch Restaurants.
Recipe
Patriotic Blueberry Sourdough Muffins (Long Ferment)
Make these healthy, long-fermented patriotic berry muffins for a delicious breakfast before your celebrations.
Recipe
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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