Monday, June 29, 2020

4th of July Meals: Healthier Choices Without Adding Dye

Soon the 4th of July will be here.  It is a fun time to celebrate with loved ones if we are fortunate enough to be able to in the midst of this pandemic.  As I looked at ideas online to find some fun things to make, I couldn't not believe how many things had red and blue dye in them.  They may look festive, but they probably aren't too healthy for you!  I thought of ideas and found some as well to make some fun foods without any dye.

Potato Salad:  You could add red pepper, black olives or pimentos to this to add some color.  I also thought of making a potato salad with purple potatoes that look a bit bluish and then adding mayonnaise, red peppers, onions, egg whites, or pimentos if desired.

Beets:  These can be fresh beets or pickled beets.  Either way, it's healthy red color to add to your festivities.

Strawberries, banana slices and blueberries on a skewer or toothpick.

Grilled cheese sandwiches cut into star shapes.

Blue corn chips, seeded crackers, red salsa and/or white ranch dip.  Make sure to look on the package of tortilla chips to make sure there isn't any dye in them.  You want blue corn not blue dye.

Red, white, or blue smoothies for breakfast.  Or, combine them all into these smoothies.

Strawberry or Vanilla shakes.   

Frozen yogurt bars.

Red, white, and blue yogurt parfaits.

If you aren't wanting to grill, try spaghetti and marinara sauce.

Blueberry Lemon scones.

Blueberry or raspberry muffins.

Firecracker hot dogs with a cheese star.  These are really fun for kids.

Star Shaped Pancakes with strawberry, blueberry or raspberry syrup or berries and cream.  Syrup is easy to make yourself with some berries, sugar, water, and cornstarch.

Charcuterie Board with any of the following:

Crackers
Cheeses - white or pepper jack
Red meats
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Purple grapes
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Peppers

Small watermelon cut fancy with strawberries, watermelon, blueberries and raspberries.

There are a lot of fun things you can make to add some holiday cheer to your food this July 4th.  hatever you choose to make for the 4th of July, we wish you a very happy holiday!


Do you have some ideas to share about foods you have made on the 4th of July?

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