3 Recipes for the 4th of July

4TH OF JULY FIREWORK FRUIT KABOBS

These eye-catching fruit kabobs are sure to bring many praises at your 4th of July festivities. This recipe is so simple and only requires two ingredients, but you can add as much fruit as you like to the platter to spruce up the dish.

Healthy Facts

Did you know watermelon is about 92% water, making it a great way to stay hydrated?

In 2012, a study was published in the Annals of Neurology showing that blueberries and strawberries aid memory retention and cognitive function, which usually deteriorate with age. (1)

Ingredients

1 large watermelon
1 carton of blueberries
12 kebob skewers
1 star-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions

1. Slice your watermelon into ½ inch slices. Be careful not to slice it too thin because the watermelon will fall off the skewer.
2. Cut 2-3 stars out of each watermelon slice.
3. Wash and rinse your blueberries.
4. Place 12-15 blueberries through each of the skewers.
5. Place the star-shaped watermelon piece on the top.

Festive Yogurt Bites

These festive yogurt bites are the perfect substitute for those 4th of July Creamsicles™. They keep you cool like ice cream but without all the calories.

Healthy Facts

Yogurt is high in protein, vitamin B, phosphorus, calcium, and riboflavin, which all contribute to a balanced diet.

Lactic acid in the yogurt helps maintain your immune system.

Ingredients

One 32-ounce container of vanilla Greek yogurt
1 carton of strawberries
1 carton of blueberries
1 star-shaped ice cube mold or chocolate mold

Instructions

1. Wash your fruit and dice your strawberries.
2. Put a few pieces of fruit in the bottom of the chocolate mold.
3. With a small spoon, fill the chocolate mold halfway with yogurt.
4. Add additional fruit.
5. Fill the remainder of the mold with yogurt.
6. Scrape off any access yogurt from the mold.
7. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

Easy Fruit Flag

It wouldn’t be a 4th of July barbecue without some sort of flag-shaped food. Fortunately, this flag is full of flavor and lots of healthy ingredients.

Healthy Facts

Raspberries are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Strawberries are high in vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B9, and potassium.

Ingredients

1 carton of strawberries
1 large carton of raspberries
1 carton of blueberries
2-3 cups yogurt-covered pretzels
1 large serving tray or cookie sheet
1 ramekin

Instructions

1. Wash your fruit and remove the tops of the strawberries.
2. Fill the ramekin with blueberries and place in the top-left corner of your tray.
3. Place a row of raspberries at the top of the tray.
4. Place a row of yogurt-covered pretzels below the row of raspberries.
5. Place a row of strawberries below the yogurt covered pretzels.
6. Place a row of yogurt-covered pretzels below the strawberries.

Bonus: Watermelon Caprese Salad

I couldn’t choose just three recipes, so I threw in a bonus recipe. The combination of watermelon and balsamic glaze is the perfect side for burgers, hot dogs, steaks, or chicken.

Healthy Facts

Arugula is high in calcium and vitamin K, which is good for your bones and may help prevent osteoporosis. (2)

Balsamic vinegar can improve your skin health and may reduce blood sugar.

Ingredients

1 watermelon
¼ cup arugula
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bottle of balsamic glaze
1 star-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions

1. Slice your watermelon into ½ inch slices and use the cookie cutter to cut out 12 stars.
2. Slice the mozzarella into thin slices and place on top of each watermelon star.
3. Top each piece of mozzarella with 3 pieces of arugula.
4. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each star.
5. Place a second watermelon star on top of each star.
6. Drizzle desired amount of balsamic glaze over each star.