Tomorrow's the big 4th of July celebration! It's the perfect opportunity to gather with close friends and family and bask in the glorious weather. Many Americans across the nation will fire up the grill and cook processed meats, concoct sugary beverages and devour unhealthy desserts, but that doesn't mean you have to! We have plenty of delicious and healthy options you can try without going against your primarily raw, plant-based diet.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes that'll help you ring in Independence Day with a bang:
1. Hallelujah Blue Salad
Start things off with this sweet and seasonal salad paired with Rhonda's delicious dressing! This recipe calls for one serving, so be sure to multiply it by the amount of guests you plan on hosting:
Ingredients:
For the salad (1 serving):
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1/2 handful of Romaine lettuce
- 1/3 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
- 1/4 red bell pepper - julienned
For Rhonda's Raspberry Vinaigrette (4 servings):
- 3/4 cup raspberries - fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup organic apple juice
- 2 Tbsp. raw unfiltered honey or agave nectar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
First, make your dressing. Simply place all ingredients except for the oil in a food processor and blend until smooth. Slowly pulse the machine and add the oil until well combined.
To make your salad, combine all vegetables and then top with blueberries and walnuts. Serve the raspberry vinaigrette on the side, or toss the salad 20 minutes before serving.
Sunflower Burgers
No ground beef or poultry is necessary to make these tasty burgers.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sunflower seeds
- 4 carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. ground sage
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 2 tsp. sea salt or to taste
Directions:
First, mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Gradually place mixed ingredients into a food processor, in 2-3 batches until well combined. Scrape the sides of the processor frequently.
Shape mixture into burger patties and place into the oven to bake at 350 degrees, or cook on your grill!
Serve with all of your usual burger fixings. Enjoy!
Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio
This refreshing seasonal side will complement the burgers perfectly. Grab some fresh local tomatoes from your farmer's market!
Ingredients:
- 2-4 ripe heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced approximately 1/8"
- 1-2 Tbsp. fresh dill - chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh oregano leaves - torn or whole
- 1-2 Tbsp. capers
- 1-2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1-2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- Small pinch of sea salt & fresh cracked pepper
Place the thinly sliced tomato on a large platter. Lightly drizzle with red wine vinegar, then olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, and then evenly distribute the capers and fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Fuzzy Mango Ice Cream
Need a refreshing dessert to cool off with? Finish the meal with this tasty, non-dairy "ice cream" treat!
Ingredients:
- Frozen mango pieces
- Frozen peach pieces
Directions:
Place mango and peach pieces into a juicer or blender, mixing until smooth and creamy. Place back into the freezer to set for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy!
For more delicious Hallelujah Diet meals, look through our fulfilling recipes that are sure to make you fall in love with food again!
