Yes! Healthy Fourth of July Recipes exist. I’ll meet you on the corner of Healthy and Delicious any day….July 4th included. At the center of every great gathering is food, and I’ve got tons of 4th of July food ideas for you! Whether you’re hosting, going to a potluck, BBQ or picnic, healthy summer recipes can be front and center.
This post has been updated from the original posted in 2015.
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My best advice for those attending or hosting 4th of July parties is that healthy options and delicious recipes aren’t mutually exclusive. Yes, you can have it all….enjoy delicious and wholesome, healthy recipes for July 4th, and share them with friends and family.
4th of July Appetizers
For me, this is where it’s at! Healthy Vegan Appetizers are a must for any 4th of July celebration. It’s a day to hang around with your favorite peeps and snack along the way! Some of my favorite hearty vegan appetizers are listed here….just what you need to go with all the fun snackeroos!
1. Artichoke “Crab” Cakes
Artichoke “Crab” Cakes
2. Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
3. Tofu Satay
Tofu Satay
4. Falafel Balls
Falafel Balls
5. Baked Samosas
Baked Samosas
6. Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon Gazpacho
Vegan Dips to Impress
Vegan dips are where it’s at! These are all flavorful and easy to make, proven winners at all the parties. Perfect for crudites, charcuterie boards, chips, veggies, crackers, or snack boards. Delicious dips are a must for a summer get together menu!
7. Dairy-free Tzatziki
Dairy-free Tzatziki
8. Guacamole
Guacamole
9. Pineapple Mango Salsa
Pineapple Mango Salsa
10. Vegan Ranch Dressing
Vegan Ranch Dressing
11. Vegan White Bean Dip
Vegan White Bean Dip
12. Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush
Vegan Main Dishes for July 4
Who’s coming to the 4th of July party? It’s all about options and not just in the shoe department! Don’t forget about those who don’t eat meat…there are tons of awesome vegan main dishes to serve on the 4th, and all summer long!
Delicious vegan main dishes for summer get togethers are a must. These Healthy recipes that are easy to make for your BBQ, Potluck or Picnic have universal appeal….for those who are fully plant-based, and those who just want to include more plants (as long as they’re tasty)….there’s something for everyone in this assortment.
13. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Vegan Sloppy Joes
14. Tofu Shawarma
Tofu Shawarma
15. Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Quinoa Veggie Burgers
16. Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Flatbread Pizza Recipe
17. Sheet pan Veggie Fajitas
Sheet pan Veggie Fajitas
18. Lentil Salad
Lentil Salad
Summer Salads
4th of July is the perfect time to serve your favorite summer salads. Everyone loves a good salad…seriously, they do…so give them what they came for. Here are a few of my favorite salads for summertime get togethers.
19. Summer Slaw
Summer Slaw
20. Nectarine Salad with Arugula
Nectarine Salad with Arugula
21. Kale Caesar
Kale Caesar
22. Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad
Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad
23. Lemony Arugula Salad
Lemony Arugula Salad
Fourth of July Sides
Side dishes for 4th of July that everyone will love. Healthy upgrades to all your favorite traditional summer sides. These recipes use wholesome ingredients with delicious results!
24. Grilled Potato Salad
Grilled Potato Salad
25. Sesame Noodles
Sesame Noodles
26. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn
27. Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Kabobs
28. Southwest Quinoa Salad
Southwest Quinoa Salad
29. Bean Salad
Bean Salad
30. Cilantro Chimichurri
Cilantro Chimichurri
Desserts for 4th of July
If you’re staying home with the family, or having a small group of friends over, you’re still going to want some fun and fabulous healthy Fourth of July Desserts too! Here are some of my favorite Healthy Vegan Desserts….some traditional and some modern twists on the classics!
31. Blueberry Tart
Blueberry Tart
32. Vegan White Bean Blondies
Vegan White Bean Blondies
33. Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
34. Homemade Peach Cobbler
Homemade Peach Cobbler
35. Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate Brownies
36. No-bake Strawberry Pie
No-bake Strawberry Pie
37. Vegan Fruit Dip
Vegan Fruit Dip
38. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
39. Chocolate Pie
Chocolate Pie
40. Grilled Peaches with Chocolate Balsamic Drizzle
Grilled Peaches with Chocolate Balsamic Drizzle
Friends, never forget that food has the power to bring you closer to or farther away from your health goals. Whether you’re gathering with friends or eating alone, make choices that help you feel your best. When you get invited out, always bring a wholesome dish to share. When you have guests in your home, make sure you have healthy options that everyone can enjoy!
Enjoy the holiday…go to the picnics, the BBQs, the potlucks…and don’t forget, always spread the sunshine…have fun in the kitchen!
LJ
Great Post!
Debra Klein
Thanks! Have a happy and healthy 4th!
Evelyn
We love all these ideas, no reason to eat unhealthy during the holidays!
Debra Klein
Well said, and thank you. No reason to deprive yourself of good nutrition EVER!!
Robin
Love these!
Debra Klein
Thank you Robin! Have a fabulous holiday, filled with delicious food.
Bonnie
Hi Debra,
So many of your recipes using lentils look delicious. Due to a low protein diet for health reasons do you have a recommendation for a substitute for lentils?
Debra Klein
It depends which recipe and which type of lentils..but I”m thinking diced mushrooms, or maybe eggplant.