5 Healthy Dishes to Take to the 4th of July Gathering

You'll see red, white, and blue cookies and cupcakes. Red, white, and blue cakes, puddings, and even nachos.

But what if you want Fourth of July food that is red, white, and blue and healthy? Well, you can have that, too!

1. Four Tomato Salsa

For another recipe that incorporates some of the colors people want to see on this day, try out this Four Tomato Salsa recipe. It's one of the patriotic dishes you don't want to miss! It is relatively easy to make and should only take you about 30 minutes to put together.

You will need:

• 7 plum tomatoes
• 7 red tomatoes
• 3 yellow tomatoes
• 3 orange tomatoes
• Salt
• Lime juice
• Oil
• White onion 
• Red onion 
• Sweet red, orange, and yellow pepper
• Pepper rings
• Parsley

You are going to chop up the tomatoes and mix them with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Once you do that, you can then combine everything else together.

Enjoy it with tortilla chips or just by itself! The salsa is one you'll be asked to make for future parties!

2. Star-Spangled Parfaits

As we said, everything has to be red, white, and blue on the 4th of July. We just want to make sure they're healthy recipes!

Why not try out a star-spangled parfait? They are refreshing for a hot, summer day, and are all the colors you want them to be! Not to mention, they are a healthy option for your event or party (and they are perfect for adults and kids!).

Here's how to make them:

1. Slice up the strawberries into small 1/4 inch pieces
2. Spoon a layer of the strawberries into the container you are using
3. Put a layer of yogurt on top of the strawberries (we recommend vanilla or plain!)
4. Layer blueberries on top

It's that easy! You now have a healthy, red, white, and blue treat to bring to your party! It's always best to bring something healthy to your event if you are trying to eat healthy, as this ensures you have something to eat. Here are a few more healthy eating tips as well.

3. Confetti Corn

While it may not be exactly red, white, and blue, it is red, white-ish, and festive! It's also a great way to make sure you are getting your vegetable servings in for the day (and everyone else at the event, too!).

So what's actually in confetti corn? It's basically corn, water chestnuts, sweet peppers, and carrots!

Here are the steps to make this delicious recipe for the Fourth of July:

1. Sauté the carrots until tender, and then add the corn, water chestnuts and the red pepper
2. Mix it all together and put it in a festive bowl

That's it! It's a simple yet healthy recipe that people will love! If you wanted, you could add any seasoning that you like.

4. Coconut Milk Strawberry Banana Pops

If you want another refreshing treat at the party, don't forget to make these coconut milk strawberry banana pops to bring! They are sure to make a hit as well.

In a blender, you'll want to put a can of coconut milk, 1 and 1/2 cup of strawberries, one banana, and a sweetener of your choice (like honey). Blend until smooth.

Once it is smooth, evenly distribute the mixture into different pop cups to make the popsicles. Freeze them for at least 4 hours before eating them to make sure they are frozen through! They will last up to 6 weeks in the freezer, so you have time to enjoy all of them if there are leftovers!

This is a perfect recipe to continue to eat healthy whenever you crave a dessert, even if it is not the 4th of July!

5. Summer Salad

While this one has nothing to do with red, white, or blue, it's a healthy option to bring to the 4th of July event that everyone will be sure to love! And let's face it, the burgers and hot dogs are also not red, white, or blue, so this won't stand out too much!

This summer salad is full of nutrients and absolutely delicious. It's garlicky, sweet, and zesty all at the same time. Here's how to make it.

1. At 425 degrees, cook the garlic, sweet peppers, and oil for about 15 minutes
2. While that is cooking, cook the quinoa and couscous on the stove
3. When both are done, mix together
4. Add arugula, pineapple, peas, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, and parsley
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad

For exact measurements of all ingredients, check out the full recipe here.

Healthy Dishes for Fourth of July Recipes

While the 4th of July is one of those days where you think you'll be stuck eating cookies, cake, other desserts, burgers, and brats, it doesn't have to be that way! You can make sure that you have healthy dishes at whatever event you go to by bringing your own!

Whether it is extremely festive or not, all of these 4th of July recipes will be a hit at the event! 

If you are looking for more everyday recipes, we have many more on our website. You can check them out right here!

Happy cooking and healthy eating!