4th of July Round Up
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Not sure what to cook for the 4th of July? Here is a round up of some of my favorite recipes to make your 4th memorable and delicious.
Appetizers & Sides
Perfect Guac
Have you ever tried using a stand mixer to make perfectly creamy guac? It's so easy and only takes 4 ingredients. It is really all about the ratio with guacamole so depending on how much you have to make use this ratio and go up from there. Of course, Guac is personal so make sure to taste and adjust lime and salt ratios to your liking.
Fresh Watermelon Wedges
Nothing says the start of summer like a slice of fresh ripe watermelon. Top it with a little squeezed lime and chopped mint to spice things up.
Simple Amazing Corn
This may not be 100% paleo, but if you tolerate corn on occasion, this is the way to eat it. Get the recipe that all our party guests rave about on the blog now.
Grain Free Vegan Cauliflower Wings
My Cauliflower Wings are a favorite recipe and perfect for the big game weekend. You don’t need to be a football fan or vegan to enjoy these exceptionally tasty wings. This recipe is simple to make and shows a new way of using cauliflower.
Make sure to also catch Crystal Hefner and I making this recipe! It is live now on YouTube and we share some extra tips on how to perfect your cauliflower wings!
Simple Ceviche
Ceviche is a tasty dish that involves marinating seafood in acidic ingredients like citrus for a short time. This version is bright and refreshing with shrimp, lemon, and lime, and is great served on warm, summery days.
Kalamata Olive Tapenade
Tapenade is an easy Provencal dip consisting of olives and olive oil. This dip is excellent served for a summer holiday appetizer or picnic with crackers or vegetables for dipping, but it can also be spread onto sandwiches, tossed into pasta or dolloped on Buddha bowls as well.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Most people love spinach artichoke dip and with these two recipes, most will be able to enjoy it without any issues to their diets. Moreover, the prep on this dip is so easy that you will be able to whip it up for any last-minute plans.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These tasty mushroom caps can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge before to plan you plan to serve and roast them for your event on Super Bowl weekend. They have a lovely, buttery, and herbaceous crab mixture that will leave your guests wanting more.
Italian Kale Chips - 3 Ways!
Kale chips are a great replacement for potato or corn chips this long weekend and these zesty kale chips will satisfy all your cravings between Sea Salt, Truffle oil and Parmesan!
Orange Honey Glazed Drumsticks
Drumsticks are a delicious and easy appetizer to enjoy or easy long weekend appetizers. These drumsticks are packed with flavor between the orange honey marinade and the flavorful herbs and spices packed in them.
Grain Free Spanakopita
Spanakopita is one of my absolute favorite Greek recipes but gluten free Phyllo is hard to find or make and grain free Phyllo is even harder to create! I decided to try and make these tasty spinach feta pies with the use of Cappello’s Grain Free Lasagna Sheets and they tuned out amazing!
Marinated Olives
Anytime I am out to dinner and Marinated Olives are on the menu I always have to order them. They seem like such a fancy luxurious way to eat olives. This recipe is so simple and delicious and will elevate your olives each time you present them to your long weekend guests!
Celery Root Truffle Fries
Celery Root is one of the most underrated vegetables and is so versatile. It is a great root veggie that can be used in place of potatoes with much fewer carbs. Enjoy this alternative to traditional fries and indulge in the truffle flavor that these fries offer this July 4th.
Pizza Chaffles
What if I told you that you can enjoy all of the pizza flavors without any of the carbs and enjoy it as a waffle format? Well good news! You can with this delicious Pizza Chaffle recipe! Chaffles are delicious Keto waffle concoctions of cheese and eggs and you can enjoy them as a traditional waffle with butter and maple syrup or as a savory Chaffle like this masterpiece.
Tapenade Cucumber Bites
Tapenade is a delicious treat to have as a topping on baked fish or a perfect, refreshing long weekend appetizer. This recipe uses cucumbers instead of bread or crackers to maintain a crunch while being entirely plant based and a much healthier alternative to grains.
Whipped Cream Cheese & Cucumber Salmon Bites
Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon are a match made in heaven and pair perfectly on this grain free “bagel bite” that uses a sturdy and hydrating slice of cucumber as it’s base. Pair with the recipe above for a perfect finger food platter!
Alligator Bites
This tasty dish is probably one of the most unique recipes on the blog! I remember in my younger days there was a cajun restaurant in Portland called Montage that used to serve up alligator! I have always been an adventurous eater and enjoyed it there many times but have yet to see it anywhere else.
I was very excited to see that Wild Fork Foods has some unique meats including Alligator and its a great protein. It has a very unique taste and texture and pairs great with my cajun sauce. If you are looking to impress meat eaters this long weekend these alligator bites are just the thing!
Salads
Watermelon Cucumber Mint Salad
Want to take your watermelon to the next level? Try this simple and refreshing watermelon, mint and cucumber salad with a light lime and mint dressing. It is sure to be a healthy party pleaser this holiday.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Noting says summer like ripe stone fruit. Peaches are one of my favorite summer treats and trying them grilled in my peach and burrata salad is a perfect addition to your holiday BBQ. If you are dairy-free, you can skip the burrata and pair it with the arugula instead.
Paleo Potato Salad
Whip up a batch of my easy homemade potato salad using Primal Kitchen Mayo. It Is the only mayo I use since it’s made with avocado oil and not a bunch of toxic oils like canola or soy. The addition of olives and celery gives this salad flavor and crunch.
Cauliflower Pasta Salad
I love using Cali’flour Foods pasta since it is cauliflower based and allows you to get a nice serving of veggies in. This summer salad is so light and refreshing with Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, Kasandrinos olive oil and fresh basil and oregano. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese is totally optional since the recipe barely needs it, but it is a delicious addition nonetheless. Get the recipe on the blog.
Mint, Dill and Cucumber Salad
Cooling mint and fragrant dill add complexity of taste to this simple salad. Coconut yogurt makes this salad dairy-free and vegan, which means you can serve it to almost anyone you choose. Find this recipe and more in my book Wandering Palate.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar is a favorite among so many and here it gets a new treatment with the addition of caper berries and toasted tortillas instead or croutons. Find this recipe and more in my book Wandering Palate.
Chicken Cobb Salad
This chicken cobb salad is a refreshing combination of crisp vegetables and plenty of protein on top of a bed of greens. Enjoy this lunch or dinner salad with a tangy, bright-tasting lemony dressing any night of the week when you don’t want to do a lot of cooking. Find this recipe and more in my book Wandering Palate.
Cucumber, Avocado, Jicama Salad
Jicama has a sweet taste which pairs incredibly well with refreshingly crisp cucumbers and creamy avocado. Find this recipe and more in my book Wandering Palate.
Dairy Free Chicken Caprese Salad
This chicken caprese salad has everything you would expect minus the cheese. It is vibrant and colorful with your choice of tangy, lemony dressing or a basil pesto drizzle. Serve this as easily for a lunch main as a side dish to go along with a barbecue menu.
Grain Free Tabbouleh Salad
The secret to this grain-free tabbouleh salad is to use riced cauliflower instead of the usual bulgar. Otherwise, expect the herbal freshness of traditional tabbouleh with copious amounts of parsley and mint. Cherry tomatoes add some sweetness, color, and a fruity note.
Tuscan Kale Salad
This simple Kale Salad is packed with flavors and a perfect side to any grilled meat or fish. Add some avocados if you want to make it extra filling or top it with steak from your July 4th bbq. The lemon massaged kale comes to life in your mouth the zesty and herby dressing.
Mains
Grass-fed Burgers
Burgers are a quintessential part of any holiday BBQ. Opt for an avocado bun and top them with Primal Kitchen mustard, ketchup or BBQ sauce to make a burger your holiday guests won’t forget about! Want the bacon wrapped, avocado bun version? You will have to snag that recipe in Wandering Palate.
Grilled Tri-Tip
You can’t go wrong with grilling your full meal on the 4th. Make sure to snag the recipe for the perfectly grilled Tri-Tip in my cookbook, Wandering Palate.
Grilled Steak
You can’t go wrong with a good grilled steak. And you can find all the perfect cuts in Wandering Palate and on here on the blog; including, Flank Steak, Flat-iron, New York Strip, Ribeye, and Skirt Steak.
Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
The Instant Pot does the trick to fully tenderize beef short ribs so that they are fall-apart tender with a beefy, slightly tangy sauce.
Kalamata Lamb Kofta
Try infusing the unique, briny taste of Kalamta olives in this lamb kofta recipe. Olive lovers will rejoice as the olive’s fruity taste permeates through the meat, while a combination of fresh herbs and zesty lemon balances out the flavors.
Crab Cakes
These crispy crab cakes are prepared with almond flour for a gluten-free alternative. Plenty of fresh herbs and lemon juice makes these cakes taste healthy and fresh even though they are fried. Find this recipe and more in my book Wandering Palate.
Fish Tacos with Roasted Green Salsa
Fish Tacos are a California staple. The filling is always the star of the dish, but equally important is the delivery method - the tortilla! For those of us who are gluten-free my favorite taco is a Cassava taco and I was able to share this delicious recipe in collaboration with Coyotas. This dish is so flavorful and bright. It packs the punch of summer and sun and July 4th goodness.
Barbecue Pork Ribs
Ribs are typically the star attraction of summer cookouts and perfect for the July 4th long weekend. Here is an easy recipe for ribs you can make at home any time. The beauty of ribs is that they are a blank canvas. While traditional barbecue is the most common flavor, you can get creative with customized rib rubs and sauces. Try a sweet and spicy or an Asian flavor profile. How about a coffee-based rub? The only limit is your imagination.
Bakery and Dessert
Almond Flour Pie Crust
This recipe is awesome because you can use this for any pie recipe you want and it will be gluten free! Whether you require a gluten-free sweet or savory pie crust, this Almond Flour Pie Crust will fit the bill perfectly. By adding a few dessert-friendly ingredients like maple sugar, cinnamon or vanilla, this crust can be a base for all of your favorite fruit or cream fillings. Omitting those, however, will allow you to use this crust for savory tarts or quiche.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf is a combination of fresh blueberries and tart lemon making it a beautiful bread for your Thanksgiving table. The coconut glaze is unique because it uses maple syrup for sweetness rather than powdered sugar and the use of coconut butter gives the glaze its creaminess, as well as its coconut taste. It will make a perfect breakfast bread for your out of town guests this week.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Want a slightly healthier yet decadent option? These chocolate covered strawberries have a light coating of chocolate allowing for something rich and healthful at the same time.
Creamsicle Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Nothing says summer like refreshing creamsicle ice cream. The best part is this is that it is dairy-free and you can even start with your own homemade coconut milk.
Dairy Free Vanilla Ice Cream
Ice cream lovers can rejoice with this healthy version flavored with vanilla extract and vanilla bean. This easy recipe includes just five ingredients that you may already have a home meaning that you won’t require any specialty foods to make it. Once you have mastered this, you can even try mixing in some favorites like dark chocolate chips or toasted walnuts for the ultimate sweet treat.
Pili Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pili nuts are one of my go-to nuts to snack on. They have a rich, creamy and buttery texture that make these cookies to die for. Due to the richness, you can usually only eat one at a time, which is helpful to not overdo it on indulgences. Make sure to use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% off your order at EatPiliNuts.com.
R-Bar Sundae
R bars are great and most of the flavors have 3 ingredients or less. I have also tested them with my Nima Sensor and they are 100% gluten free which makes me very happy. They have so many flavors and they are all super clean and delicious! I definitely keep these in my purse for an on the go snack!
Pavlova
Pavlova is among the simplest, yet most elegant desserts to make, consisting of egg whites, sugar, cream and fruit. White sugar is commonly added to build the structure, but maple sugar works just as well producing a crispy and chewy meringue. Serve with your favorite berries or whatever is in season where you live.
Cranberry Orange Paleo Muffins
Most muffins are full of sugar and carbs which make them not ideal for starting your long weekend on the right foot, but these Cranberry Orange Muffins are grain free and absolutely delicious! They are so light and fluffy and bright and fruity from the orange juice and fruit.
Meyer Lemon & Blackberry Paleo Muffins
Pair the muffins above with these Meyer Lemon and Blackberry Muffins for even more holiday weekend delicious! The sweet Meyer Lemon juice and fruit is bright and fresh.
Grain Free Peach Cobbler
This grain free Peach Cobbler comes together quickly with fresh peaches, lemon, and a cinnamon streusel baked on top with Beths Blends Grain Free Flour! Your guests will be asking for seconds and not missing the grains in this cobbler!
Beverages
Watermelon Cooler
This refreshing watermelon cooler with mint is delicious whether you drink it as a mocktail or make it festive with the addition of tequila, mezcal or vodka. It is sure to be a party pleaser either way.
Rosemary Blood Orange Cocktail
This sweet and savory cocktail has festive flair with the taste of ruby blood orange juice and rosemary’s piney scent. Although this recipe serves only two, it is easy to scale up in a pinch, especially when hosting during the summer bbq season.
Rosemary Paleo Simple Syrup
This Rosemary Paleo Simple Syrup is sweet and flavorful with the use of honey rather than super-refined white sugar. It is a wonderful addition to any cocktail during the holiday season, but could also be a unique addition to lemon loaves or other citrusy cakes.
Banana Protein Shake
Smoothies are a great treat on a warm Summer day and this banana protein shake is packed with plant based protein to help you start your three days of celebration.
Cranberry & Rosemary Spritzer
Nothing says bright and refreshing like cranberry and this tasty cocktail uses the best citrus and cranberries and herbs for a delicious flavor in a glass.
Blood Orange & Mandarin Ving
There is nothing more refreshing than a fresh squeezed citrus cocktail and the perfect pairing for this one is with Ving Vodka! I am so glad I discovered this Vodka, known as the worlds cleanest Vodka! It is women owned, local here in LA, organic and all of their produce is wax free!
Strawberry Lemonade
For the non-alcohol drinkers, fresh strawberry lemonade perfect for sipping this summer! This refreshing strawberry lemonade recipe comes together quickly in your blender. Garnish with fresh mint!
Blackberry Lemon Spritzer
This is a refreshing and easy spritzer to make for the July 4th long weekend! With fresh blackberries, mint and lemon your tastebuds will sing. Simply muddle, shake, and pour to enjoy this refreshing blackberry cocktail with your favorite spirit or make it a refreshing mocktail.
Cucumber, Lime, and Thyme Cooler
Looking for a refreshing cocktail to make on July 4th? This cucumber cooler with fresh lime juice and thyme is the perfect drink to sip for those hot summer days and nights! The best part is you can drink it as a refreshing mocktail or as a fun cocktail with your choice of spirit.
Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane is a fun and festive cocktail that was invented at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans. It is a staple for Mardi Gras and though a bit gimmicky, it can be quite tasty and refreshing when made with fresh ingredients. Enjoy this as a cocktail or mocktail for your long weekend celebration!
Strawberry and Cream Smoothie
This strawberry smoothie is made with frozen strawberries and banana, and coconut milk to make for a creamy dreamy smoothie to start your long weekend off right. I find the fruit is sweet enough but if you want more sweetness add some honey or maple syrup. If you want to get festive with this smoothie you can add some rum.
Pina Colada Smoothie
If you want a tropical way to start your July 4th weekend, then this Pina Colada smoothie is it. Enjoy with or without alcohol depending on what your long weekend plans are.
Mango Lassi
Mango lassi is a refreshing Indian beverage including tangy yogurt and brilliant orange mango. Lassi is the name of Indian yogurt drinks, but the mango version is definitely the most popular in the Western world. The best part about this drink is that it is intensely easy to make, so go ahead and add this to your holiday weekend spread and refresh throughout the day.
