As the fireworks light up the summer sky this 4th of July, ignite a culinary explosion of your own with our Firecracker Feast! These five healthy, mouthwatering entrees are as vibrant and exciting as the holiday itself. From Star-Spangled Skewers to Patriotic Portobello Mushroom Steaks, each dish is a celebration of flavor, a tribute to the nation’s melting pot heritage. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to savor the spirit of Independence Day with every delicious bite. Let’s get started!
1. Star-Spangled Skewers: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Shopping List
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- Fresh lemons
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Wooden skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve the skewers with a side of fresh salad and enjoy your Star-Spangled Skewers!
2. Liberty Bell Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa
Shopping List
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add the black beans and corn to the pan and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa until everything is well mixed.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are soft. If desired, top with shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve your Liberty Bell Peppers hot and enjoy!
3. Uncle Sam’s Veggie Burgers
Shopping List
- 1 can black beans
- 1/2 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Whole grain burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and other desired burger toppings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
- In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic, then stir into mashed beans.
- In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, and cumin.
- Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
- Preheat grill for high heat and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. Grill patties for about 8 minutes on each side.
- Serve on whole grain buns with your favorite toppings and enjoy Uncle Sam’s Veggie Burgers!
4. Freedom Fiesta Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Shopping List
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- 1 lime
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado
- 1 red onion
- 1 tomato
- Salt
- Pepper
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, taco seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and cooked through.
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble your tacos by placing a few grilled shrimp on each tortilla. Top with avocado slices, chopped red onion, chopped tomato, and fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve your Freedom Fiesta Grilled Shrimp Tacos with a side of fresh salsa and enjoy!
5. Patriotic Portobello Mushroom Steaks
Shopping List
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- Fresh rosemary
- Salt
- Pepper
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place the portobello mushrooms in a dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re tender and nicely charred.
- Serve your Patriotic Portobello Mushroom Steaks with a side of grilled vegetables and enjoy!
