Spark up Your 4th of July Table with 2 Festive Recipes

Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2023, 65% of Americans were expected to attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic. Some of the most popular foods include burgers, hot dogs and potato salads. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes for entertaining or bringing to a cookout:

Bang Bang Grilled Chicken Skewers with Spicy Slaw

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Medium

These skewers are packed with protein and feature a creamy, lightly spicy sauce that adds a zesty kick. Lightly marinated and grilled instead of fried, these are lighter than their traditional “bang bang shrimp” counterpart. Paired with the crunchy and refreshing cabbage slaw, it’s a perfect combination for a summer day.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. chicken breast, cut to uniform 1-inch cubes
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 large lime, juiced, divided
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1.5 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 3 Tbsp. Thai sweet chili sauce
• 3 Tbsp. sriracha
• 2 cups mixed cabbage and carrots, shredded
• 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
• Green onion, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, juice from ½ lime, spices and salt and pepper. Mix well, then add cubed chicken. Massage the mixture into the chicken. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes, while preparing slaw and the bang bang sauce.
2. In a separate bowl, make the bang bang sauce. Mix light mayonnaise, remaining lime juice, water, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Reserve 1/3 of the mixture for brushing on chicken for grilling, 1/3 for the slaw and the remaining 1/3 for extra drizzling and dipping.
3. In a medium size bowl, add bang bang sauce reserved for slaw. Add an additional 2 tablespoons of water and lime juice to thin. Add slaw mixture and shredded lettuce and mix until well-combined.
4. Heat the grill to medium-high. Once hot, brush the reserved bang bang sauce mixture for brushing on chicken then place on grill. Grill for about 15 minutes, flipping a few times and removing once internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
5. Serve chicken on top of a bed of the slaw. Drizzle and serve with remaining bang bang sauce and dress with chopped green onions.

Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

The red, white and blue salad provides a fresh and light option, showcasing seasonal produce with the sweetness of blueberries complementing the savory mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup basil leaves, roughly shredded
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 5 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced 
• 2 Tbsp. balsamic reduction
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Using a star-shaped cutting tool, cut stars out of the mozzarella cheese. Save the scraps for a pasta, dog treats or salad later. 
2. In a bowl, add tomatoes, basil, blueberries and mozzarella. Toss with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Finish by drizzling balsamic reduction on top.

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.