July 4 Recipes: Red, White, Blue and Healthy

Do July 4 recipes make you think of red, white blue and healthy  OR burgers, brats, and creamy coleslaw every. single. year?

Here are a few Patriotic recipes that will have you celebrating our great nation and a healthy waistline.

Red, White and Blue Turkey Burger Sliders with Blueberry Balsamic Reduction

Ingredients (Makes 6-8 sliders)

image from Brandi Koskie

Blueberry Reduction

• 6 ounces fresh blueberries
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 packages Truvia

Sliders

• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat feta cheese
• whole wheat slider buns
• 1 tsp. coriander
• 1 tsp. cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Muddle the blueberries over medium heat in a sauce pan until completely broken down and the juices start to bubble. Add the balsamic vinegar and Truvia. Stir until it thickens.
2. Add all burger ingredients in a bowl and fold until well combined. Form six to eight small patties. Place on a low-to-medium heat grill for about 5 minutes, then turn and cook about 3-5 more minutes.
3. Place each patty on a slider bun and top with the blueberry balsamic reduction. Serve and enjoy!

Shrimp Poppers

Ok, so this recipe only has the color red, but you can pair it with any number of colorful vegetables to get your patriotic theme on the plate. The tasty shrimp are a tasty and healthier alternative to breaded and fried shrimp poppers.

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Skewers or grill basket

Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together first seven ingredients, then add shrimp and stir until evenly coated. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring once or twice.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers or toss into a grill basket. Discard marinade.
3. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook shrimp on preheated grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque.

Red, White and Blueberry Quinoa Salad

image from yummymummy.com

Red quinoa is a whole grain that packs a good nutritional punch when partnered with feta cheese and the berries. This recipe is simple, fast and delicious.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 5 ounces salad greens
• 3  cups cooked, cooled red quinoa
• 1.5 cups blueberries
• 1.5 cups raspberries
• 6 ounces feta cheese
• Sliced watermelon cut into stars with a cookie cutter (optional)
• Favorite salad dressing, served on the side (any flavor will taste great)

Directions

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and set aside to cool completely.
2. You can arrange the ingredients in layers or you can mix all the ingredients together. Serve the dressing on the side.

Berries and Coconut Cream

Packed with antioxidants, berries are naturally sweet so you shouldn’t need to add sugar unless you get a sour pack.

image borrowed from Real Simple

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that are a good source of energy for your brain (the small amount should not boost your saturated fat intake too high for the day).

Ingredients (Use Quantities to Make the Number Needed)

image from superhealthykids.com