Fourth of July Recipes

July Fourth is all about BBQs and celebrating outdoors, so whether you are having a party or going to one and need a dish to bring, here are some of my favorite recipes for backyard parties. Hopefully the weather will cooperate this year!

STARTERS

Pico de Gallo Salsa - Zero points. If you are lucky to have fresh tomatoes in your garden here is a great recipe that everyone will love and is easy to make. Serve with some baked chips for a perfect appetizer.

Chick Pea and Roasted Pepper Dip - This healthy dip is easy to make and taste great with crudites such as cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and celery. Pita chips are also great on the side.

Guacamole - Your guests will devour this. Serve with light tortilla chips on the side and watch it go!

HEALTHY SIDES

Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes - What's a BBQ without the macaroni salad! Everyone will love this, I promise!

Potato Salad with String Beans - This is my friend Julia's recipe who is a great cook! She can make dirt taste great and this potato salad is amazing. Light with no mayo, just really good extra virgin olive oil.

Baby Red Potato Salad - An absolutely delicious potato salad, especially if your not a fan of traditional potato salad loaded with mayonnaise and celery like you find in the deli and it's only 2 pts per serving.

Southwest Black Bean Salad - Corn, cilantro, black beans and avocado. A perfect summer side dish for grilled meat, fish or chicken.

ON THE GRILL

Filipino BBQ Skewers - Everyone loves these skewers. I make these at every bbq. Works great on chicken, pork or beef. Best if you marinade overnight.

Grilled Rosemary Lamb Chops - If you're a lamb lover like myself, these are simple to prepare and taste great.

Swordfish Burgers - Also works great with tuna or salmon. Very healthy alternative to beef burgers.

Asian Flank Steak Skewers - Ginger, garlic and sesame oil give these skewers a wonderful flavor.

DESSERT

Blueberry Cream Pie - A no bake pie that is super light and takes 5 minutes to make.

No-Bake Cheese Cake - Low in points and delicious.

Strawberries and Cream - Strawberries are sweet this time of year and when filled with fat free whipped cream, this makes a delicious low point dessert you won't feel guilty eating!

COCKTAILS

Mango Bellinis - What's a party without cocktails! These tropical bellinis are very summery.

Skinny Mojitos - My personal favorite cocktail!! If your like me and have lots of mint growing in your garden, here's a great way to use it!

Wine Spritzers - If you're a wine lover, lighten them up and make spritzers!