Diversify Your Meal Palette With These 4th of July Recipes!
The 4th of July is one of our favorite holidays ever! Aside from the fireworks, grilling and beach activities, it’s just the best summer holiday period. And the best summer holiday comes with the best eats. Diversify your palette if you’re tired of the typical burger, ribs, fruit salad, potato salad, etc. Whether you’re omnivore, vegetarian or vegan, here’s some tasty meal options to try out that are sure to satisfy. Check them out below!
MEAL OPTION 1: CARNE ASADA TACOS
You should try making this paleo-friendly carne aside taco recipe. So yummy you’ll want it on your plate daily.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 recipe carne asada
- 2 avocados
- 3 tbsp cotija cheese
- 1/3 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 tortillas
- limes, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
- Grill the carne asada until it’s cooked to your preference. Slice it against the grain, then chop it into small pieces.
- Use a spoon to mash the avocado, then spread a large spoonful or two onto each tortilla.
- Top the avocado with chopped carne asada, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, some diced onion and fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.
Recipe via DOWNSHIFTology.
MEAL OPTION 2: GRILLED SPICY CAULIFLOWER
This grilled spicy cauliflower recipe is so good. For an extra kick, you can also try topping this with BBQ or hot sauce.
INGREDIENTS
- For the Spice Mixture:
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Cauliflower:
- 1 head of cauliflower, trimmed of green leaves and cut into 3/4-inch slices (see note)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
DIRECTIONS
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For the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together all of the ingredients.
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For the Cauliflower: Brush cauliflower all over with oil and season liberally with spice mixture.
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Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and arrange the coals on one side of the charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Place cauliflower on hot side of grill and cook, turning, until it is charred in spots on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Move cauliflower to cool side of the grill, cover, and continue to cook until tender throughout, 10-15 minutes longer.
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Transfer cauliflower to a plate, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve.
Recipe via Serious Eats.
MEAL OPTION 3: VEGAN PULLED “PORK”
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can of jackfruit (in water, not sirup, in brine if you can’t find the one in water)
Seasoning ingredients: - Paprika powder
- Smoked paprika powder
- BBQ seasoning
- Salt
- A dash of brown sugar
- Tomato paste
- Tabasco sauce
- Juice of half a lemon
- Garlic powder
- Soy sauce
- Pickled gherkin
- Wholemeal bun
- 1 Onion
DIRECTIONS
- Add oil to a pan and fry the jackfruit for a few minutes.
- Then add all seasoning and water, but be easy with the sugar as it will get too sweet otherwise.
- Let it cook for a while until you can tear the jackfruit apart like pulled pork (this can take over 30 minutes, but don’t be afraid of cooking it for longer).
- When it’s cooked, serve in a bun topped with a pickled gherkin and fried onion.
Recipe via Exceedingly Vegan.
DESSERT: Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Strawberries
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese
- 1/3 c. powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 c. Cool Whip
- 10 strawberries, halved
- 30 blueberries
DIRECTIONS
- In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and combined. Fold in Cool Whip.
- Transfer mixture to a piping bag and pipe over cut side of strawberry.
- Top with blueberries and serve.
Recipe via Delish.
