Celebrate Independence Day with our easy, healthy 4th of July recipes.

1. July 4th Appetizer -- Simple Lemon Fruit Dip!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold almond milk
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• Assorted fresh fruit

Preparation:

In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Whisk in sour cream. Chill until serving. Serve with fruit. Yield: 1-2/3 cups.

2. July 4th Salad Recipe -- Pina Colada Fruit Salad !

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups green grapes
• 1-1/2 cups seedless red grapes
• 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1-1/2 cups halved fresh strawberries
• 8 ounces pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 10 ounces frozen non-alcoholic pina colada mix, thawed
• 1/2 cup pineapple-orange juice
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract

Preparation:

In a serving bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the pina colada mix, juice and extracts. Pour over fruit; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

3. Lemon Vinaigrette Potato Salad Recipe !

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Preparation:

1.Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, herbs, vinegar, lemon peel, salt and pepper.

2.Drain potatoes. Place in a large bowl; add onion. Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss to coat. Serve warm or chill until serving.

4. 4th of July Grilling Recipes -- Grilled Vegetable Recipe !

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Dash salt
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 3 small carrots, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 medium yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges

Preparation:

In a small bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients. Place 3 tablespoons marinade in a large resealable plastic bag. Add vegetables; seal bag and turn to coat. Marinate 1-1/2 hours at room temperature.

Transfer vegetables to a grilling grid; place grid on grill rack. Grill vegetables, covered, over medium heat 8-12 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally.

Place vegetables on a large serving plate. Drizzle with remaining marinade. Yield: 6 servings.

Advice: If you do not have a grilling grid, use a disposable foil pan. Poke holes in the bottom of the pan with a meat fork to allow liquid to drain.

5. 4th Of July Healthy Snacks !

-- Fruit Kebabs – Strawberries, Blueberries & Banana make a perfect snack on the 4th of July, & it’s healthy and easy!

-- Toast Layered with blueberries, banana and raspberries! mmmm yummy!

-- Thin pieces of watermelon and blueberries! interesting, healthy and easy!
Enjoy !