July 4th: warm weather, sun shining, and hopefully, some delicious food to eat.
Whether you’re hosting a 4th of July party, attending one, or just want something delicious to eat, these recipes hit the spot.
From savory appetizers, to crunchy salads, to rich dessert and more, this roundup has got it all.
Just remember this: July 4th is one day. It’s okay if food looks a little different than it normally does on a holiday.
It’s okay if you don’t eat many vegetables or fruit. It’s okay if you don’t hit your protein goal. And it’s definitely okay if your abs aren’t visible in your bathing suit.
Holidays are for enjoyment, not stress. So please, try to enjoy the delicious food, the hopefully beautiful weather, and the time off instead of stressing over things that are so small in the big picture.
Appetizers:
1. Roasted Hot Honey Feta with Za’atar Pita Chips
This might be one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. It’s sweet, salty, savory and spicy all in one.
2. Fresh Peach Salsa
Peaches are the star of the show in this recipe – they’re cut into the biggest pieces so that they really shine. When paired with diced tomato, bell pepper, and red onion, it all comes together in the most perfect savory and sweet blend.
3. Smashed Feta Flatbread
Meet the most delicious way to eat feta cheese this summer. These flatbreads are super satisfying and refreshing at the same time.
Mains:
4. Crispy Tofu Sliders
I decided to pair these sliders with mashed avocado, coleslaw, and a homemade buffalo mayo.
The buffalo mayo is almost like a cross between buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. It’s herby, creamy, savory, and sweet. It’s the perfect complement to this meal.
5. Blackened Salmon with Peach Salsa
This blackened salmon is made by marinating the salmon in a mixture of olive oil, peach cider vinegar, honey, and spices. The key is to not move it all when searing it – you really want it to get a deliciously crisp blackened top.
6. Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
The salad is simple: romaine lettuce, fresh parmesan, and the Caesar dressing that you made to marinate the chicken. I like to add tomatoes for a little extra pop of flavor and color, but if you’re a Caesar salad purist, you do you 🙂
7. Charred Corn & Spice-Rubbed Chicken Salad
The salad also has cojita cheese – a delicious, salty cheese that adds a little Mexican flair – plus fresh green bell peppers and red onion for crunch.
Everything is tied together with a creamy, smoky yogurt dressing. I made it from scratch in my blender, but you can easily buy this store-bought if you prefer to save time. Marzetti just came out with a spicy ranch that’s so good!
Sides:
8. Smashed Cucumber Salad with Marinated Feta
This might be one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. It’s sweet, salty, savory and spicy all in one.
This salad is loaded with flavor. If you’re looking for something totally satisfying and refreshing as the weather gets warmer, this is it.
9. Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Meet your new favorite way to eat broccoli: Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Toasted Breadcrumbs. Roasting broccoli already makes it so delicious. I dk what it is about freshly roasted broccoli but it’s gotta be up there as one of my favorite foods.
10. 15-Minute Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salad
I’m sure you can tell that I’m super into lettuce-less, scoop-able salads lately.
There’s something just so good and refreshing about salads with a ton of chopped veggies and different textures. And then, of course, scooping everything up with crisp, salty chips.
11. Strawberry Burrata Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
Not only is this salad super nutritious, but it’s also just SO GOOD. It’s packed with crunchy lettuce, creamy burrata cheese, nutty toasted pine nuts, tangy pickled onion, and of course, sweet seasonal strawberries.
Everything is tied together with a simple but flavorful vinaigrette.
Desserts:
12. 4-Ingredient Cookies & Cream Truffles (use red, white, and blue sprinkles!)
These truffles are fun, delicious, and so easy to make. They have just 4 main ingredients (plus sprinkles!) and you can decorate them however you want.
I love a version with red, white and blue sprinkles for the Fourth of July. But of course, you can never go wrong with rainbow sprinkles for any other day of the year.
13. Easy Peach Cobbler
Your summer needs a good peach cobbler recipe. And this one is not only super easy, but also so delicious.
14. Easy Strawberry Ice Cream
This strawberry ice cream is a really delicious, super easy, simple, and nutrient-dense way to enjoy homemade ice cream on a hot summer day.
I absolutely love it with some chocolate syrup on top. Add some whipped cream if you like too!
15. Holiday Cookie Bars (use red, white, and blue sprinkles!)
I know the holidays are all about cookies. But cookie bars? Up the delicious factor by 100.
If I had to pick, chocolate chip cookies are easily one of my all-time favorite foods. And I love cookie bars even more.
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If you want to create a healthy relationship with food, feel better in your own skin, and set the foundation for your kids to do the same, I highly recommend checking out my course, Food Freedom for the Whole Family. It’s my most thorough guide – there’s even an entire section on body image in it!
Check it out here: Food Freedom for the Whole Family.
Not ready for that yet? Check out any of these free resources below:
How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Food blog
I’m an Intuitive Eating Dietitian and This is What I Do When My Body Image is Bad blog
How to Stop Obsessing About Weight While Working Towards Food Freedom blog
