Delicious and Healthy 4th of July Foods

As you all know by now, writing and reading are two passions of mine. I also LOVE food. I've always believed there is a healthy relationship between books and food. Palatable pages and delectable foods, one cannot exist without the other. Or can they?

With Independence Day around the corner, family and friends coming over to celebrate the big day, you may not have time to pull out The Goldfinch to finish those last few pages (Delicious Reads June book) or crack open The Golem and the Ginni (I get to moderate this book for our July book club!). But you HAVE to make time for that 4th of July food that will make everyone's mouths water. Now I know you want to wow your guests with your PATRIOTIC creativity without adding extra pounds. Here are some of my favorites:

Who doesn't like a salad that has a burst of flavor and color? This Red, White, and Blue Summer Salad is a crowd favorite and light on the calories.

Aren't these Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs fabulous looking? Everyone loves a classic deviled egg--adding some food coloring to make these into a bright holiday food will delight your guests and your mouth.

Blue Berries & Watermelon

Simple, fast, and healthy!

You can't have a 4th of July meal without the "rockets red glare." Not only are these Rocket Dogs tasty, but you can use turkey hot dogs (I love the Sara Lee brand!) and low fat Pillsbury dough to make these on the healthy side.

Use your cookies cutters and turn your watermelon into stars for a Patriotic Fruit Salad.

Or make them into 4th of July Wands. I know my daughter would love to wave these around before eating them up!

Why not make your vegetable tray fit the holiday as well? There are plenty of red and white vegetables that would make this American Flag Vegetable Tray perfect for your table. Make your own dill dip with fat free sour cream, light mayonnaise, and fat free cream cheese to keep the calorie count down. Or just buy a premade dip to make this fast and easy.

No one can resist this Festive Fourth of July Trifle from Craftaholics Anonymous. To make it even healthier, use fat-free sour cream and sugar-free jello. 

**Start this one a day or two in advance so each layer can set up properly**

There are so many healthy salsas out there. Why not make it red, white, and blue too? This Blueberry, Strawberry, and Jicama Salsa will add a little spice to your party. Buy some blue corn chips or multigrain baked chips from Costco. You can also make your own healthy chips by cutting corn tortillas with a pizza cutter, spray lightly with cooking spray, sprinkle with salt, and place them in a 400 degree oven for 8-12 minutes.

 I hope you enjoy your Independence Day this Friday and if you do have time, check out some recommendations of Summer Reads from my friend Brooke to make your day perfectly delicious.

Robin