These tasty and healthy menu choices aren’t just for the holidays.
Independence Day is right around the corner which means it’s time to grill out, enjoy some good food, spend time with loved ones, and catch some fireworks!
If you’re looking to make your holiday menu a bit leaner this year without skimping out on the flavor, we’ve gathered recipes from top food brands and nutritionally-minded doctors, who specialize in creating food products and recipes that are free from refined sugars, artificial flavorings, and are filled with good fats, lean proteins, and clean carbs — and did I mention, flavor-packed?
Primal Kitchen’s July Fourth recipes were curated based on a variety of factors including unique spins on the holiday’s foods, Primal Kitchen team members’ personal favorites and ease of use, showing all the way different ways you can use their clean food products that include dips and sauces which are perfect for holiday events. They also aim to incorporate what’s trending in the food world and what’s seasonally relevant; all while staying healthy and not compromising flavor.
From a bun-free “burger” option to summertime pops containing no chemical-laden sugars, here are five healthy and easy recipes that will bring a different type of fireworks to your holiday bash.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Breast
What’s a July Fourth celebration without firing up the grill! This easy and healthy buffalo chicken recipe is a perfect main dish and is packed with flavor. Bring the heat and keep it clean with Primal Kitchens Buffalo sauce, made with cashew, avocado oil, and cayenne pepper. Keto and Paleo certified and WHOLE30 approved!
GRILL IT
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Your Favorite Dry Rub
- Primal Kitchen Avocado Spray
- 1 cup Primal Kitchen Buffalo Sauce
Directions
- Preheat the grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Spray each breast and the grill with Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Spray.
- Place each breast on the grill and cook for 25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Coat the chicken with Buffalo Sauce, and continue grilling for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the grill, and coat with Buffalo Sauce again. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories 275 Carbs 2 grams Fat 12 grams Protein 38 grams
2 OF 5
2-Ingredient Grilled Potatoes in Foil
The perfect side dish for any occasion, grilled potatoes in foil are easy to make and add a hearty vibe to grilled meat. You can easily prep them the night before and toss them on the grill the next day. Add your favorite sauce and seasonings to this side, or try a creamy, yet clean ranch sauce to give the taters a huge pop of rich flavor.
GRILL IT
Ingredients
- 1 lb of baby potatoes
- Primal Kitchen’s Ranch Dressing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Set the grill or smoker to 500ºF, or a high-heat setting.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise, and assemble onto foil.
- Coat the potatoes in Ranch dressing.
- Wrap the potatoes in the foil, and then cover with a second layer of foil.
- Cook on high for approximately 30 minutes, turning the foil pouch over at least once to give each side equal time.
- Remove from the grill and the foil.
- Add more Ranch, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories 140 Fat 10 grams Carbs 10 grams Protein 1 gram
3 OF 5
Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Sliders
Did someone say BBQ? The blending flavors of pork and sweet potatoes mixed in a sweet BBQ sauce just might become a traditional dish for your 4th of July bash. Simple, tasty, and easy-to-make, this dish can be served as a side or an appetizer. The sweet potato “buns” only take 20-minutes to bake until golden and tender.
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cut sweet potatoes into ¼-inch to ⅓-inch rounds.
- Preheat the oven to 450ºF.
- Place sweet potato slices on a baking sheet and coat in avocado oil.
- Season with salt.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and tender.
- Flip potatoes once halfway through cooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly before adding pulled pork. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories 229 Carbs 17 grams Fat 13 grams Protein 7 grams
4 OF 5
Red Cabbage Slaw
A cool and tasty slaw partners well with many main dishes on a hot summer day. With colors that match the occasion, this festive dish is packed with nutrients and flavor. Bring this dish to a 4th party or serve at your home. Low in sugar for those looking to keep it clean, this recipe was created by Dr. Michael Goran; Ph.D. (Professor of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles + Scientific Advisor for Yumi Foods) and Dr. Emily Ventura, Ph.D. who co-authored “Sugarproof” ensuring a healthier option for the day!
Ingredients
- 1 small head of red cabbage; thinly sliced
- ½ cup grated carrot
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- 2 limes; juiced
- 1 tbsp kefir (optional)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
- Cover then refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition
Calories 85 Protein 2.3 grams Carbs 16 gram Fat 1.2 grams
Red White & Blue Summertime Popsicles
Popsicles aren’t just for the kids (but they will love them, too!) Cool off with these summer-time favs which are healthy and naturally sweet. Make these delicious, vibrant ice pops by plopping some blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries into popsicle molds and spooning some plain yogurt on top. Coconut yogurt, which is rich in probiotics and naturally sweet is a fantastic creamy addition to this pop. Dr. Emily Ventura; Ph.D., MPH created this recipe whose mission is to create yummy foods while skipping out on the sugar.
Ingredients
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh strawberries
- Yogurt of choice (Coconut for a dairy-free option)
Directions
- Evenly distribute berries into popsicle molds.
- Fill remaining space within the molds with yogurt of choice (we like coconut yogurt for its probiotics and natural sweetness).
- Freeze until solid.
Nutrition
Calories 72, Protein 1 gram Carbs 13 grams, Fat 2.5 grams