Kicking off summer with a food-filled celebration? It’s easy to give in to tradition and indulge in calorie-laden barbecue favorites like cheeseburgers, heavy pasta salads or sugary desserts. But there are plenty of ways to lighten up your menu without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re hosting your own feast or contributing to a potluck party, we’ve got a few ideas that will slim down the festivities while still making your tummy and taste buds happy. From lean shrimp skewers to a smarter sangria, check out these 16 tasty Memorial Day recipes. Fire up that grill, it’s about to be your healthiest summer yet!
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16 Healthy Memorial Day Recipes That Taste Totally Indulgent
1. Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers
No meat? No problem! These black bean patties are a tasty alternative to beef for your vegetarian (or flexitarian) guests. They’ve got only one gram of fat, but still pack 12 grams of protein apiece. Make sure to moisten your hands when creating the burgers so the mixture doesn’t become too sticky.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
2. Roasted Asparagus
The quintessential spring vegetable, asparagus is an excellent source of fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Use a spice-infused olive oil as a marinade, then roast your vegetablesthe oven with feta and pistachios for a decadent finish. Your dishwill be ready for serving in 20 minutes.Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
3. Tequila-Glazed Grilled Shrimp
Take your BBQ south of the border with some scrumptious shrimp. Orange juice, tequila, jalapeno and garlic combine for a magnificent marinade. Serve this dish as an appetizer or grill up some veggies with your shrimp for a refreshing dinner.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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4. White Sangria With Strawberries
This fruit-filled booze has just five grams of sugar per serving, which is way less than the average sweet co*cktail. So raise a glass of homemade sangria instead! Your immune system will thank you for the healthy dose of vitamin C.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
5. Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Red meat can still be part of a healthy diet so long as you choose lean, high-quality cuts, and Memorial Day is the perfect time to grill up some steak! Plus, our tangy chimichurri sauce has extra arugula for extra phytochemicals.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
6. Pork Lettuce Wraps
A crisp lettuce crunch is a wonderful replacement if bread is a no-go. You’ll be a party superhero if you serve up umami-filled pork wraps with plum sauce and fresh limes. Bonus: Pork cooks quickly so you can whip these up easily if an impromptu get-together occurs.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
7. Pasta Primavera with Pesto
Forget the mayo-laden pasta salads that are standard at summer parties. This gluten-free and vegan entrée lightens things up while also sneaking some veggies onto everyone’s plate. Make this the day before your fiesta and serve it up cold as a side dish.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
8. Crispy Oven “Fried” Chicken
Love the texture of fried foods? This inventive recipe mimics the crunchy skinof regular fried chicken by swapping in a spicy crushed cornflake coating.You save yourself over 150 calories and 10 grams of fat per drumstick.Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
9. Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Sandwiches
Do you scream for ice cream? These 52-calorie frozen yogurt sammies opt for fat-free frozen yogurt and low-fat wafer cookies, so go ahead and have three! Let them set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving so they can harden properly.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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10. Gazpacho Shrimp Salad
Light and spicy, this bowl of greens mimics the flavors of the famous Spanish soup. But don’t be fooled: With 27 grams of protein, the dish will keep you full and satisfied for a day of summer revelry.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
11. Matcha-Cucumber Lemonade
Upgrade your poolside drink to a beverage with benefits. One cup of matcha packs as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular tea, so we added the finely milled Japanese tea to this cucumber and lemonade concoction.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
12. Mojito Popsicles
At only 30 calories a pop, these minty treats won’t derail your diet. Freeze up the mixture at least 12 hours before your shindig.Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
13. Beetroot and Quinoa Veggie Burgers
There isn’t any shame in enjoying a beef patty every now and then, but the average burger can run over 200 calories. These veggie burgers make a flavorful meat-free alternative. Quinoa packs plant-based protein and fiber, while beetroot provides vitamin C and other health-boosting antioxidants. Paprika and cumin add a nice, smoky taste to the patties, so you’ll get that real barbecue flavor. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
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14. Grilled Cherry, Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza
Cherries are a sign that summer’s on its way! These ruby gems add a subtle sweet flavor, and when grilled, their rich juices really shine through. Creamy goat cheese and peppery-flavored arugula balance out the textures and give a little kick. Add a drizzle of honey balsamic vinegar over the pizza, andyou’ve got yourself a mouthwatering meal.Photo and recipe: Dannae Halliday / Recipe Runner
15. Raspberry Mint Seltzer Spritzer
At 100 calories a glass, this gorgeous spritzer is perfect for pairing with an al fresco meal. Muddling raspberries and mint with fresh lemon juice enhances the simplicity of hard sparkling water. Add a few rosé raspberry ice cubes to chill the co*cktails, while adding more color and texture.Photo and recipe: Erin Fairchild / Her Heart and Soul
16. Brie Sirloin Sliders
Straight fromThe Ketogenic Bible, these tasty sliders are made with ground sirloin— a lean cut of beef— that’s seasoned with flavorful basil, garlic and onion powder. The creamy avocado spread and brie give you a dose of healthy, filling fats, so you won’t go binging on sugary foods.Photo and recipe: Dr. Jacob Wilson and Ryan Lowery / The Ketogenic Bible
Originally published May 23, 2014. Updated May 2017.
