Delicious and Healthy recipes perfect for your memorial day gathering

On a holiday like Memorial Day, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of celebrating with friends and family, and indulging in all kinds of delicious foods. However, it's important to remember that healthy eating is still crucial, even on a festive occasion. By making mindful choices and opting for healthier options, we can enjoy the festivities without sacrificing our health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help keep our bodies fueled and energized, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. So, as we gather to celebrate and remember those we've lost, let's make sure to prioritize our health by choosing healthy, nutritious foods to fuel our bodies and minds.

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa:
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Thread the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple onto skewers.
  • Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper (on any other seasoning that makes your mouth water).
  • Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining all of the salsa ingredients in a bowl.
  • Serve the skewers hot with the pineapple salsa on the side.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  4. Serve chilled.

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 yellow squash, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
  3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
  5. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Mixed Berry Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries), washed and dried
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed berries.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the berries and toss to coat.
  4. Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves before serving.
  5. Serve chilled.

This mixed berry salad is sweet, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants. It's the perfect way to end your Memorial Day festivities on a healthy note!

Mixed Berry Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (hey protein HEY)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), washed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup granola

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mixed berries.
  3. To assemble the parfait, layer the yogurt mixture, mixed berries, and granola in a glass or jar.
  4. Repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used up.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

This parfait is not only delicious, but it's also packed with protein and antioxidants from the Greek yogurt and mixed berries. Enjoy!