There’s nothing like a fabulous summertime BBQ…and what better way to kick off the summer than a healthy Memorial Day BBQ?  Here are a few of my favorite healthy recipes for you to try when you’re striking up the grill this weekend!

Potato Salad with Greek Yogurt and Grapes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. baking potatoes, pealed and diced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
• 1/2 cup red seedless grapes
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces trimmed sugar snap peas
• 1 tsp. whole grain mustard
• 2 tbsp. lime zest
• 2 tbsp. honey

Directions

• Mix together and enjoy!
• Serve chilled.

Summertime Apple n’ Bean Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice, cooled
• 3 apples, cored and diced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1 cup cole slaw

Directions

• Mix together and enjoy!
• Serve chilled.

Bison n’ Blueberry Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground bison
• 1/2 cup blueberries, chopped fine
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup scallions
• 2 tsp. garlic
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. lime juice
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup SoyaKaas Gluten Free/Dairy Free cheese, shredded
• 4 Whole Wheat or Gluten Free rolls
• 4 slices tomato
• 4 thin slices red onion
• 1 cup shredded collard greens
• Salt/Pepper to taste

Directions

• Pre-heat grill to medium/high heat
• Combine bison, blueberries, 1/4 cup cilantro, onion, scallions, garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Mix well. Form into 4 patties
• Combine the remaining cilantro, Greek yogurt and lime juice in a small bowl
• Place the burgers on the grill.  Cook for about 7 minutes each side.  Top with cheese and cook until it is melted.
• Assemble burgers onto buns; top with cilantro Greek yogurt spread, collard greens, tomato and onion.
• Enjoy!

Zucchini Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten free flour (or Whole Wheat)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• Dash of cinnamon
• Dash of nutmeg
• 12 oz dark chocolate chips
• 1 1/4 cups finely shredded zucchini
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
• Mix together egg, butter, brown sugar, honey or agave, and vanilla in a large bowl.
• Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into a separate smaller bowl.  Add this mixture to the large bowl and mix well.
• Stir in chocolate chips, dried cranberries and zucchini. Mix well.  Use a spoon to make cookie drops onto a baking sheet.
• Bake for 10 minutes or until brown and fully cooked.

Here are a few of my other BBQ tips:

• Use high-flavored condiments such as Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic, chili powder, sun-dried tomatoes, lime/lemon zest, olives and ginger.
• Treat yourself to a tasty ice pop made from fresh squeezed fruit juice
• Get creative with your burgers (Bison, Turkey, Chicken, Veggie, Tofu)
• Serve up raw veggies with hummus, guacamole and salsa for an appetizer
• Be sure to choose whole wheat or gluten free burger buns

What are your favorite ways to celebrate Memorial Day?