At the center of every great gathering is food. It brings us together. I’ve got tons of 4th of july food ideas for you! Whether you’re hosting, going to a potluck, BBQ or picnic healthy July 4th recipes can be front and center.
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 4th of july food! Here are some of my favorite fourth of july recipes….some traditional and some modern twists on the classics!
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4th of July Appetizer Recipes
4th of July menu ideas wouldn't be complete without a bunch of appetizers. Sometimes when I entertain, I go with heavy apps....and skip right to the dessert afterwards. Healthy appetizers are my specialty, it's smart to let everyone fill up on the good stuff first. Vegan Hors-d'oeuvres are easy to make and these recipes are so delicious, everyone will love them.
Here you'll find some fun finger food, as well as heartier apps....a little something for everyone....because the connection and conversation is often best while folks have the opportunity to mingle.
A pineapple mango salsa recipe that's easy to make, super refreshing and super healthy too! This summer recipe uses just 6 ingredients and will take just a few minutes to make. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or serve on top of zucchini fritters.
Super easy healthy appetizer idea....and zucchini is totally in season right now! Simple low-carb recipe for Vegan Zucchini Pizza Bites. Nutrient dense and loaded with flavor to satisfy everyone. Plus you can get the kids to help you make them!
If you're going for a crudites platter...or even a charcuterie board, this dip is not to be skipped. Healthy Ranch Dressing takes about 2 minutes to make with simple pantry ingredients. This vegan ranch recipe is easy to make and is perfect as a dip or a spread for wraps or a salad dressing. One stop shopping for your holiday weekend!
Oh, there's a reason this is the number one recipe on my site! Mushrooms stuffed with tasty cauli-rice mixture are vegan and gluten-free. This super tasty appetizer is low calorie and low carb! Plus it's an easy recipe that is also paleo, whole-30 and delicious!
No holiday is complete without guac. Oh, let's be real, no WEEK is complete without guac! Why should fourth of July be the exception? This is THE BEST guacamole recipe out there. Trust me, guacamole is my love language!
Delicious vegetable spring rolls. Easy to make and customize. A healthy appetizer that's vegan and gluten-free. Super fun 4th of July food....and there are so many seasonal veggies available to put inside!
Baba Ganoush is the most underrated dip IMHO....it's tasty, easy to make and a nice alternative to the more traditional hummus that's always served with crudites. The Best Baba Ganoush is made with Roasted Eggplant and Garlic plus sauteed veggies. Tahini plus lemon juice provide a dairy-free creamy texture for a delicious dip.
Why is it that fresh salsa and chips seems like the ultimate american snack food? The best Salsa is made with fresh tomatoes and cilantro. This quick and easy recipe uses fresh ingredients for an authentic and delicious salsa. Definitely include this in your 4th of July plans! I mean, definitely!
Notoriously, it's hot and humid on the 4th of July....so if you're looking for a recipe that won't heat up the kitchen, this is it! Watermelon gazpacho is delicious and refreshing! A tasty balance between sweet and savory and perfect for a hot summer day. Pass around a tray of small gazpacho shooters for some fun.
July 4th Dessert Recipes
What would a July 4th menu look like without desserts? Oh, I don't know about you...but I'm not interested in finding out! There are so many awesome options for July 4th desserts. I like to take advantage of all the fresh fruit in season...and throw a little chocolate in there wherever I can.
By far, the most perfect 4th of July dessert! This easy vegan tart has an awesome gluten-free graham cracker like crust, a vegan creamy filling and you can top it with a combination of blueberries and either raspberries or strawberries for a red, white and blue theme. Plus it's out of this world DELISH!
No patriotic celebration is complete without chocolate! Super moist brownies with added nutrition from zucchini that's in season right now! Grain-free and simple to make with no refined sugar. Perfect for summer when the zucchini is abundantly available.
July is synonymous with stone fruit season! Homemade Peach Cobbler is easy to make with this delicious vegan and gluten-free recipe. Rave reviews are certain to follow!
No Bake Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is easy to make and so refreshing. Homemade, sugar free, vegan and delicious. Plus, you don't have to heat up the kitchen to make it!
Blueberries are my go-to patriotic recipe ingredient. You too? These healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars are easy to make with wholesome ingredients. Soft and chewy bottom, gooey, jammy center and a crispy crumble topping...perfect in every way!
Another winner if you want to enjoy the fruits that are in season....and you don't want to heat up your kitchen! You’re probably using your grill anyhow. Yes? Nutritious and delicious way to enjoy stone fruit....use peaches, nectarines, plums....whatever you can find that is ripe.
What's a get together without cookies? This easy recipe can be made ahead....they freeze beautifully too. Chocolate, pistachios and dried cherries make these vegan and gluten-free cookies fun and delicious.
Rich, decadent chocolate pie in a nutty crust. Healthy dessert for any occasion....this dairy-free creamy pie is perfect for 4th of July....decorate with berries for a festive presentation.
4th of July Menu Ideas: Dinner, Salads and Sides!
OK....if you're not having an appetizers only party for the 4th of July, here are some great ideas for meals....main course ideas as well as healthy sides and salads.
Because a good burger is as American as the 4th of July!! Quinoa burgers are a delicious vegan alternative to a classic burger. This veggie burger is hearty, healthy, high in protein and gluten-free.
These are the best fries to go along with your burgers. You can make crispy sweet potato fries in the air fryer or the oven, they'll be delicious either way! Serve them as a healthy side dish or enjoy as a healthy sweet potato appetizer recipe.
No BBQ is complete without potato salad...and this is The BEST potato salad EVER! No reason to heat up the kitchen when you can grill potatoes for a creamy, crispy, tasty and HEALTHY side dish.
Every great gathering has a salad....make sure yours in incredibly delicious. This simple lemony arugula salad with avocado and artichoke hearts is tangy, refreshing, tasty and satisfying. It will take you under 5 minutes to make and have everyone begging for more.
No BBQ is complete without kabobs! This mediterranean veggie kabob marinade means your shish kabob skewers will be so tasty, everyone will love them. Vegetable Kabobs are a fun and easy way to get in some extra veggies.
Zucchini Corn Fritters scream summer. They're vegan, gluten-free, easy to make and taste incredible!
If you're going with the burger and potato salad menu option, you'll want an easy slaw to go with. Delicious Miso Dressing turns ordinary cabbage into an extraordinary slaw. Simple and healthy recipe that's low in carbs and calories. OH....you're going to take this into the rest of the year with you, promise!
Salad as a meal? Oh, yes....THIS IS IT! A colorful salad that is also nutritious, delicious and TOTALLY satisfying. Vegans and Omnivores love this one.
The easiest and most tasty way I know to feed a crowd: Set up a fajita bar! Veggie Fajitas are simple to make on a sheet pan. They are vegan, gluten-free and use wholesome unprocessed ingredients.
Summer pasta salad with NO MAYO is perfect for a light dinner, a pot-luck side dish or a delicious lunch. It's easy to make and will stay good iIn the fridge all week.
If you're heading to the beach or a picnic for the 4th, this is the lunch to pack. Quick and easy recipe for vegan tuna. Perfect for a plant based sandwich filling, a vegan wrap or scoop it onto a salad for a healthy lunch.
When you're asked to bring a dish to the potluck, here's your "go to" each and every time.....because EVERYONE adores this recipe. Simple quinoa salad with wholesome vegan ingredients you probably already have. Southwest flavors from lime, cumin, chili powder and fresh cilantro drizzled onto quinoa, black beans, edamame for plant-based protein in a light and refreshing delicious recipe.
Let's not forget 2021s "it" salad of the year. This vegan salad has it all going on....crunchy, salty, chewy, sweet....tasty, nutritious, and easy to make. Plus, it's totally approved for every dietary "label".....so everyone can enjoy. No wonder it's so popular.
If you're making a simple salad as part of your fourth of July menu, then this is the dressing you must use. 5 Ingredients + 2 minutes is all you need for a super creamy, dairy-free delicious dressing. Use it for salad, grain bowls, roasted veggies, baked potatoes, or as a healthy dip.
'Tis the season for all things zucchini!!! Turn zucchini into a crave worthy meal with this easy recipe. The BEST plant-based filling EVER, with delicious meaty texture and tons of umami taste....topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection. These are sure to be the hit of the party.
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.