19 Recipes to Celebrate the 4th of July

By Rebecca Toback
June 06, 2013
What's July 4th without apple pie? Celebrate Independence Day with these healthy versions of classic American recipes.
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Great July 4th recipes

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Independence Day brings burgers, beers, and fireworks to mind. And don’t forget about the apple pie!

We have all the July 4th recipes you need to throw a healthy and delicious barbecue. (And if you crave some red, white, and blue desserts, we have those too!)
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Grilled Sirloin Sliders

Quentin Bacon
These four-ingredient sliders are topped with pickles and will be a party favorite whether you serve them as an appetizer or entrée.

Another reason to make them? (As if you needed one!) They can be ready in just 13 minutes. Now that’s easy cooking.

Try this recipe: Grilled Sirloin Sliders

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Powered Up Potato Salad

We love a potato salad, and a beautiful one is even better.

Tricolor baby potatoes liven up this dish, and mustard seeds (often used in Indian cooking) add a crunchy texture and great flavor to this can’t-miss side.



Try this recipe: Powered Up Potato Salad
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Grilled Corn with Chipotle Butter

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What would a barbecue be without some corn on the cob? This amped-up recipe uses homemade chipotle butter to add a metabolism-boosting kick to one of our favorite Independence Day foods.

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Red, White, and Blue Ice Pops

For a fun, refreshing 4th of July treat, try this recipe for red, white, and blue ice pops. Watch this All You video for the trick to creating this patriotic treat.

Watch the video: Red, White, and Blue Ice Pops  

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BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

A surprising combination of cider vinegar, agave syrup, light sour cream, and barbecue sauce add up to one irresistible BBQ chicken sandwich.

Another secret to its perfection? It’s topped with creamy coleslaw.

Try this recipe: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
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Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan Pesto

John Kernick
This 75-calorie-per-serving recipe takes only about 10 minutes from start to finish.

You can make it the morning of your party and pop it into the fridge until your guests are ready to gobble it up!

Try this recipe: Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan Pesto

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Fresh Berries with Maple Cream

Oxmoor House
This red, white, and blue dessert couldn’t be more fitting for the 4th of July.

This berrylicious treat offers a dose of antioxidants, and is a delicious, low-cal way to end your night.

Try this recipe: Fresh Berries with Maple Cream

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Chicken Burgers with Guacamole, Cheddar, and Charred Tomatoes

Ben Fink
Chicken burgers are great because they pack in tasty flavors with significantly less calories than traditional burgers.

We love this recipe, which combines ground chicken with breadcrumbs, guacamole, charred tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.

Try this recipe: Chicken Burgers with Guacamole, Cheddar, and Charred Tomatoes
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Grilled Shrimp with Lime, Orange, and Basil Oil

John Kernick
Perfect as an hors d'oeuvre or snack, these light and tangy shrimp are less than 10 calories each.

With only four minutes of cooking time, this citrus-filled recipe is a no-brainer.

Try this recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Lime, Orange, and Basil Oil

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Grilled Watermelon, Mint, and Feta Salad

Kana Okada
We declare this the perfect summer salad. Fruit, cheese, and herbs—what else do you need?

At only 122-calories-per-serving, your guests will eat it up.

Try this recipe: Grilled Watermelon, Mint, and Feta Salad

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Ultimate Apple Pie

Every 4th of July party needs some apple pie, the all-American dessert.

What makes our recipe special and a bit healthier, is the whole-wheat pie crust. We bet your guests won’t know the difference—and we won’t tell them if you don’t!

Try this recipe: Ultimate Apple Pie
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Grilled Salmon with Charred-Corn Relish

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Salmon is packed with omega-3s and cooks fast on the grill.

Top it with a delicious corn relish, and you've got a quick, easy, and healthy meal.

Try this recipe: Grilled Salmon with Charred-Corn Relish

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Barbecue Fries

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You make these barbecue fries by tossing them in hot pepper sauce, black pepper, barbecue sauce, paprika, and cumin and then baking them in the oven.

This simple recipe serves four, so be sure to adjust if you're cooking for a crowd.

Try this recipe: Barbecue Fries

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Original Potato Salad

A classic dish, potato salad is a must for Independence Day.

This is a traditional version, but you can lighten it up by using fat-free or low-fat mayo and only egg whites, skipping the cholesterol-rich yokes.



Try this recipe: Original Potato Salad
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Fresh Corn Salsa

Yunhee Kim
A low-calorie salsa goes perfectly with your favorite grilled foods.

This corn salsa contains jalapenos, fresh lime juice, and garlic, and it's only 29 calories per serving!

Try this recipe: Fresh Corn Salsa

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Yogurt and Spice Grilled Chicken Skewers

Tina Rupp
These grilled chicken skewers are flavored with a spicy, yogurt-based marinade and topped with a dipping sauce made from honey mustard and reduced-fat sour cream.

It's rich in protein and calcium, and as an added bonus—super-easy to make. You can make this tasty dish in just 20 minutes from start to finish.



Try this recipe: Yogurt and Spice Grilled Chicken Skewers

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Bean and Corn Salsa

Jan Smith
The perfect way to start a party, this 15-calorie-per-serving dip goes great with whole-grain chips.

Make it with fresh summer tomatoes, along with sweet onions, tomatillos, black beans, fresh corn, and lime juice.

Try this recipe: Bean and Corn Salsa
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Best Backyard Burger

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This easy-to-prepare burger is perfect for a summer barbecue.

It uses only five simple ingredients, including ground sirloin, Spanish onion, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and pepper. Delicious!



Try this recipe: Best Backyard Burger

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Grilled Ginger Fruit

Levi Brown
Grilled fruit is the perfect healthy addition to your party. It's sweet, light, and can go on the grill right next to your burgers.

What's easier than that? Plus, it's packed with nutrients!



Try this recipe: Grilled Ginger Fruit
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