The 4th of July is synonymous with vibrant fireworks, joyful gatherings, and of course, a feast of delicious food! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a cozy celebration at home, the right spread of food and delightful side dishes elevates the entire day. While traditional 4th of July fare often includes hot dogs, hamburgers, and indulgent treats, those mindful of their macros can absolutely partake in the festivities with equally delicious and macro-friendly options.
Finding balance is key! Enjoying 4th of July food that leaves you feeling energized and satisfied, rather than sluggish, is definitely a win.
Here are 5 fantastic macro-friendly dishes to enhance your 4th of July menu this year!
#1 Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche Salad
This macro-friendly Shrimp Ceviche Salad is an ideal starter for any 4th of July gathering. Shrimp, a lean protein source, forms the base of this vibrant salad. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate for ultimate convenience when catering to a crowd.
The Shrimp Ceviche Salad is incredibly fresh and light, boasting nearly 18 grams of protein per serving. Serve it in wraps for a light meal, or present it with tortilla chips as a zesty dip. It’s a perfect appetizer to enjoy while guests mingle and wait for the main course from the grill.
For those who aren’t keen on shrimp or have allergies, consider a similar macro-friendly alternative: cowboy caviar. This is another flavorful and easy-to-make dip option for your 4th of July spread.
#2 Flavorful Peach and Goat Cheese Turkey Burgers
To maintain a balanced approach to your 4th of July feasting, incorporating turkey burgers into your BBQ lineup is a smart move.
While you can certainly top your turkey burgers with standard burger fixings, for an extraordinary flavor experience, try this Peach and Goat Cheese burger. It’s especially delightful when you can find ripe, juicy peaches at their peak summer flavor. This unique burger is a sophisticated twist on classic 4th Of July Foods.
Burgers are a perennial favorite, and there are numerous delicious burger variations to explore.
Here are a couple more burger recipes to consider for your 4th of July menu:
- Fig and Blue Cheese Turkey Burger with Caramelized Onion
- Bacon Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce
If burgers aren’t your preference, grilled chicken is always a fantastic and versatile 4th of July food alternative.
#3 Zesty Apple Cider Dijon Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken tenderloins are a go-to for many, thanks to their versatility and ease of cooking. There’s a wide array of chicken tenderloin recipes available on the blog to inspire your 4th of July cooking. Chicken’s adaptability makes it a perfect protein for various dishes. This Apple Cider Dijon marinade is a standout – simple to prepare and consistently delivers perfectly flavored chicken every time.
These chicken tenderloins are delicious on their own, but you can also incorporate them into salads, sandwiches, or wraps. They’re an excellent way to enjoy lean protein while still leaving room for other 4th of July treats.
Grill these chicken tenderloins and serve them alongside your favorite fresh green salad for a complete and balanced 4th of July meal.
#4 Vibrant Strawberry Summer Salad
This Strawberry Summer Salad embodies the freshness of summer and is a wonderful addition to your 4th of July celebration. It’s quick to prepare, refreshingly delicious, and visually appealing.
While the full recipe isn’t yet on the blog, a condensed version is available on Instagram. The complete recipe can be found in the meal plan.
This salad recipe conveniently serves 6, making it an ideal dish to bring to a 4th of July potluck. Simply combine the ingredients in a large bowl and serve with your preferred dressing on the side, allowing guests to customize their portion.
A recommended dressing is Baker and Olive’s Lemon or Peach White Balsamic Vinegar, which complements most salads beautifully.
If you are looking for a side dish beyond the usual chips or salad for your 4th of July menu, consider these satisfying loaded smashed potatoes!
#5 Macro-friendly Loaded Smashed Potatoes
These Macro-friendly Loaded Smashed Potatoes are incredibly tasty and easy to track for those monitoring their macros. Even if you aren’t counting macros, their delicious flavor makes them a crowd-pleasing 4th of July side dish.
Loaded smashed potatoes are best served fresh, so preparing them close to serving time is recommended. If your 4th of July celebration is nearby or at home, this dish is a perfect choice.
While the recipe is relatively quick, you can save time by making the homemade chive dressing in advance and using pre-cooked bacon from Costco for the toppings.
Serving these Loaded Smashed Potatoes alongside grilled protein is a guaranteed hit for your 4th of July gathering.
Enjoying Macro-friendly Food on the 4th of July
Maintaining a macro-friendly approach during holidays like the 4th of July is absolutely achievable. You can enjoy your favorite 4th of July foods while incorporating healthier options into the mix. This way, you can celebrate and still feel great the next day! 👍
The blog, cookbooks, and meal plan offer a wealth of macro-friendly and delicious recipes to help you feel your best while enjoying flavorful food.
For those short on time before the 4th, signing up for the meal plan grants instant access to hundreds of balanced and tasty recipes! Plus, you can try it with a 7-day free trial.
If you already have the meal plan or cookbooks, you’ll find excellent recipes to enhance your 4th of July cookout. Examples from the meal plan (with cookbook references) include the BLT Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette (OMT), Corn and Avocado Salad, Chipotle Garlic Grilled Chicken (PLANNED), and Burger Bowls (PLANNED).
Explore the meal plan today for more 4th of July food inspiration!
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