Exert a bit of independence with your 4th of July menu this year! Sure, standard fare like hot dogs, grilled chicken and potato salad are ever-popular, but truth be told, can be a bit boring for me. So I revved up my creative juices and put together this fun and healthy 4th of July Menu for you featuring my favorite kabobs. And for time-crunched cooks, much of this menu can be prepared ahead of time.
Go “Retro” for Your Starter
Let’s begin by turning back the clock with one of the most popular dishes served at potlucks, picnics and BBQ’s years ago…the Layered Picnic Salad! The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing your veggies, so raid your farmers’ markets and start layering.
Introducing MPM’s Kabob Collection
Herbed Salmon ‘n Tomato Kabobs are as easy as they are delicious. Just marinate salmon chunks and veggies in a simple combination of olive oil, herbs and spices and grill! Easiest Veggie Kabobs are a great way to take advantage of the season’s bounty. Keep a lookout for unique veggies like Japanese eggplants, heirloom cherry tomatoes or miniature bell peppers which add lots of interest and flavor.
Chicken ‘n Veggie Souvlaki pairs chicken and colorful veggies with an aromatic marinade highlighting classic Greek flavors like oregano, dill, garlic, green onions and fresh lemon. Beef Kefta Kabobs feature ground beef infused with savory Moroccan spices such as cinnamon, mint, cumin and coriander. Stuffing the kefta meat into baby bell peppers and threading them onto skewers along with the veggies elevates the fun factor.
Not-Too-Sweet Endings
What screams Summer louder than juicy Homemade Frozen Fruit Pops melting in your mouth? What a great cooking project for “little hands” as no special equipment is needed except paper cups and popsicle sticks. Or keep a watch out for those fun to use frozen popsicle molds. In a rush? Try one of those cool ice pop makers that will freeze your refreshing creations in about 10 minutes!
Get ready for my Choco-Oat Cookie Bars to be gobbled up in a flash! Traditional bars and cookies are often laden with excess calories and fat. Check out my healthier tweaks that will allow you and your guests to indulge without deprivation.
Complete 4th of July Kabob Party Menu
4th of July Kabob Party Highlights
So this year, think about treating your guests to a surprising twist on the “typical” by serving up some of MPM’s 4th of July goodies! Decorate your table with festive red, white and blue and enjoy a healthy feast that’s fun for all.
Hungry for More?
I invite you to visit my Recipe Collections where lots of goodies such as Sizzling Summer Dishes, Healthier Frozen Treats, Dinner in a Flash, Freezer-Friendly Meals, Crockpot Dishes, Pack ‘n Go Lunch Favorites, and MORE await your discovery!
Can You Become a Meal Planning Maven Success Story?
YES! Contact me for more information about my services. I would love to share my healthy eating secrets you can use, today, tomorrow and always. My specialties include creating customized meal planners and one- on- one food coaching using tried ‘n true methods. Whether your goal is to feed your family healthier meals, build a collection of quick ‘n easy recipes, “go gluten-free,” or perhaps knock off that pesky “pudge” this summer …I’d LOVE to help!
MPM’s Success Stories
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Wishing You a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
Linda Shapiro, Meal Planning Maven
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