July 4th Celebration

By:  Maria

If you are searching for some fun and festive recipes that won’t leave you running for the antacid, look no further.  I have a compilation of recipes that will help. (pssst – for those of you that are sensitive to gluten, these recipes are all gluten free…but nobody will even guess!)

Veggie Snack w/ Avocado Dip
Serves 4

This snack is easy and tasty.  A great starter for your celebration. Take any combination of vegetables and arrange around a bowl of avocado dip.

Ingredients:
3 medium avocados
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cumin

Cut the avocados in half, then remove the pits, reserving 1 to a medium bowl
Scoop avocado meat into bowl with pit (pit will lessen browning of avocado)
Gently mash avocados with a spoon
Add lemon juice, salt, chili and cumin
Stir lightly to combine

No-Potato Salad
Serves 6-8

Replacing potato with cauliflower is a tasty and healthier switch.  Any potato recipe can be exchanged by using cauliflower and the health benefits are notable.

Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower chopped into smal florets (1/2 inch)
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
2 eggs, hard boiled and diced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon sea salt

Steam cauliflower on the stove until fork-tender, not more or a stronger “cauliflower” smell develops
Allow cauliflower to cool then place in a large bowl
Add celery, onion, parsley and egg
Stir in olive oil, mustard and salt

Cucumber Salad
Serves 4

This salad is extra refreshing and incredibly easy, which makes it perfect for summer bbq’s.

Ingredients:
2 cucumbers, peeled
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon sea salt

Cut the cucumber into ¼ inch slices
Place in a medium bowl
Cover with vinegar and sprinkle with salt

Green Chili Turkey Burgers
Serves 4

Sometimes, being a minimalist with ingredients, produces the best flavors.

Ingredients:
2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sea salt

In a medium sized bowl mix diced chiles with turkey, cilantro, onion, cumin, chili powder and salt
Form into burgers and grill

Easy Fruit Salad
Serves 6

Do a search on fruit salads and most of them will have sugar as an ingredient!  Fruit should never be accompanied by added sugar, it has enough of it’s own naturally occurring sugars!  This salad will delight the taste buds.

Ingredients:

Coconut Macaroons
Serves 6

Yes, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth, without sabotaging your health.  These 4 simple ingredients fit the bill and the result will impress!

Ingredients:

Dump batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet