Memorial Day is the unofficial start of Summer for me and that means more days at the beach and fun cookouts with friends. It is hard not to over do it and indulge at your friends or families party so I have put together a few of my favorite healthy go-to’s for your cookouts this long weekend.
Also if you have a recipe that you love to make at your cookout but are unsure as to how to make it healthier, email me the recipe and I can help you create a healthier and still yummy version of it. I bet your guests wouldn’t even know the difference. 🙂
Enjoy these yummy recipes!
The Usual: Cook Out Condiments: Mayo/Ketchup
Healthier Twist: AvocadoÂ
I put avocado in almost everything that I eat, I just love it so much. I use avocado instead of Mayo when I make tuna or pasta salad, I just use a fork to get rid of the avocado chunks.It also makes a delicious cookout dip as guacamole instead of the typical heavy ranch dip. Here is a yummy & easy guacamole dipÂ
Grocery List:
- 4 Large Avocados (add more depending on how many people will be at your cookout)
- 2 Limes
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1 chopped tomato
- 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple
Directions:
- Cut the avocados in half, squeeze out the pit (just gently squeeze till it pops out) and scoop the fruit into a bowl.
- Add the onions, tomato, limes, pineapple. Mash it together with a fork (I like to leave some chunks).
- Enjoy!
Katie B Tip: If you enjoy different fruit add mango’s or your favorite fruit to give it a sweet taste!
Regular Cookout Main Dish: Hot Dog or Hamburgers
New Healthy Twist: Grilled Portabello MushroomsÂ
Grocery List:
- 2 Large Portabello Mushrooms (1 Mushroom per person)
- Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Large Plum Tomatoes
- 2 Cups of Argula
- 1 cup of Spinach
- Olive Oil
- A dash of Sea Salt
Directions:Â
- Sprinkle a little bit of olive oil and sea salt on the mushrooms
- In a dish safe to use on the grill place the tomatoes & spinach, drizzle with some olive oil
- On medium heat grill the veggies for about 15 minutes
- Remove from the grill and put some sun dried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar on the mushrooms
- Place the mushroom on top of the argula on your plate
- Â Add everything to your plate and enjoyÂ
Katie B Tip: Add more toppings of your choice, goat cheese is tasty with this recipe!
Regular Cookout Snack: Chips/DoritosÂ
Healthier Twist: Spicy Kale ChipsÂ
Grocery List:Â
- 1 bunch of Kale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. With a sharp knife, remove the stem and middle rib of each kale leaf so that all you have left are leaves. Wash the leaves, then dry thoroughly. With a knife, cut the leaves into small pieces
3. Transfer the leaves to a medium-size mixing bowl and add the olive oil, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika and pepper. With your hand, coat leaves with the seasonings; the leaves will glisten a bit.
4. Place the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet, giving the leaves plenty of room to roast. Bake for 8 minutes, maybe a few seconds more. Remove from the oven and enjoy.
Katie B Tip:Â They are best eaten within 24 hours, stored in a paper bag. If you are not in love with these spices try other spices you might enjoy more!
If you have a favorite cookout food and you wish it to have a healthy twist just email me your recipe today and I will help create a healthier version of your favorite foods
Happy Long Weekend!
Big Hugs & Health,
Katie
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