Twelve Healthy Memorial Day Recipes
Memorial Day in Boston photo via David Eby / Shutterstock.com
Summer is upon us! It’s time to dust off the patio furniture and break out the short sleeves for a Memorial Day party. You can find all the recipes you’ll need for appetizers, lean meats, side dishes, and even a sweet finish right here. Mix and match the below courses for your perfect Memorial Day party.
Appetizers:
1. Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
via Honest Cooking
Every good party needs fresh salsa, and this recipe can be served with baked chips, roasted veggies, or even peel and eat shrimp. Make extra to serve on chicken, as a spread on crostini, or grilled fish.
2. Gazpacho
via Honest Cooking
A spicy cold soup is just the thing to kick of summer. What’s fun about gazpacho is the garnish. Toast points, pickled veggies, or a skewer of melon and low fat mozzarella cheese are all great options. Serve in a stemless wine glass for easy eating while mingling.
3. Asian Chicken Meatball
via Kim’s Healthy Eats
A warm appetizer is always a great addition to a party spread. This recipe is a good choice because it’s quick to cook and easy to keep warm. Try serving in a slow cooker with extra sauce, or bake them in batches.
Sides:
4. Fresh English Pea Salad with Mint and Pecorino
via Cooking Light
Finding fresh spring peas will make all the difference in this salad. After shelling, make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove the sand and dirt. Pecorino is a hard Italian cheese that lends a tangy creaminess to this salad. Since the dressing is so light, the cheese also gives the salad body.
5. White Bean Salad
via Epicurious
This salad is a great side dish. The beans and snow peas will add protein and substance, and the herbs and sliced radish brighten the flavors. The vinaigrette is light, but be sure to wait to dress the salad at the last minute, or serve on the side so your guests can pour their own. Your best bet is to pair this with seafood.
via Bakers Royale
This salad screams summer, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Pick and choose your favorite veggies, or go to the farmer’s market and select what looks best. Everything works. Prep all the vegetables the night before and then dress with lemon juice before serving.
Main Dishes:
7. Grilled Halibut and Fresh Mango Salsa
via Cooking Light
What better way to greet summer than with fresh seafood and a bright salsa? If its too cold for grilling, sear the fish in a hot pan, and finish it in the oven. The sear will give the fish a nice crust similar to a piece of grilled meat, which will give the dish texture.
8. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes
via Confections of a Foodie Bride
Here’s your potato salad and barbecue chicken all in one dish. This recipe includes a barbecue sauce, but use your favorite brand if you don’t want to make your own. This will yield two servings, but it’s easy to do the math to accommodate however many guests you have.
9. Shrimp Tacos with Watermelon-Apple Salad & Goat Cheese-Cilantro Cream
via Yes to Yolks
These shrimp are marinated first in cumin and chili powder before hitting a hot skillet and sautéing. Instead of making the goat cheese-cilantro cream, cut calories by dolloping low fat sour cream and topping with cilantro leaves.
Dessert:
10. Very Berry Raw Pie
via Girl Eats Greens
A no-bake pie that’s good for you? Yes, please! This recipe celebrates all the sweet things of summer without any of the guilt. If you don’t like dates, or want to try a different crust, use graham crackers and a little melted coconut oil. Put both in a food processor until the crumbs begin to stick together, press into a pie plate, and bake until it sets for about 10 minutes.
11. Kiwi Watermelon Popsicles
via Mom Endeavors
The kids will love these popsicles and it’s a breeze to whip up. You can also use strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. Add a little lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
12. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars
via Peanut Butter and Peppers
This classic fruit combo is perfect for vegans and people who eat gluten-free. When baking with oats, be sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of “quick cooking” or instant. Old-fashioned oats hold their shape better and add texture; instant oats will fall apart and become mushy.
