June 15, 2020 / Nicole Villeneuve

Bring Fireworks to Your Taste Buds with These 6 Low Carb 4th of July Recipes

Watermelon with blueberries, mint feta cheese and balsamic glaze on a wooden board

It’s hard to believe, but Fourth of July is just around the corner, and that means barbecues and plenty of time enjoying the outdoors, even if you are practicing social distancing.

If you're going low carb this year, you will want to avoid the traditional potato salad, baked beans, hamburger buns, and endless trays of patriotic, sugary desserts; but this doesn’t mean you can’t throw a great party.

With just a few small changes, you can whip up some low carb 4th of July recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Here are some ideas for appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and desserts for a low carb 4th of July that won’t compromise your diet. You won’t have to sacrifice on style, either–by using the natural colors of healthy fruits and veggies, you can still give your food a patriotic feel.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of integrating more low carb options into your meal planning.

The Basics and Benefits of Low Carb Meals

Low carb lifestyles may offer benefits for some people. But what is “low carb” exactly?

Low carb eating involves limiting carbohydrate intake by avoiding foods like pasta, bread, and sugary desserts. In place of carb-heavy meals, you include more protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.

Low carb living is popular due to its potential health benefits, including:

Assisting with maintaining a healthy weight
Blood sugar regulation
Help to curb hunger cravings
Satiety after meals

If you’re trying out low carb meal plans or just want to give your 4th of July some healthy flair, cooking these recipes is a perfect addition to your party table.

Our 6 Favorite Low Carb 4th of July Recipes

When planning your menu for the big day, it’s great to make sure your guests have a variety of food options. While these recipes may not be the classic burgers and hot dogs, they’re just as delicious and colorful, and they are low carb friendly. Plus, they’re easy to prep beforehand and don't require firing up the grill. That means more time for socializing with friends, and less time in the kitchen.

1. BLT bowls with Dijon vinaigrette

bacon lettuce and tomato bowls with dijon vinaigrette in a white bowl and a fork on the side

The BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato) sandwich is an American classic, but not exactly low carb friendly. With this healthy twist, you and your party guests can enjoy all the deliciousness of the BLT minus the carbs.

Our BLT bowls with Dijon vinaigrette include crunchy lettuce, hearty bacon, and a tangy dressing for a perfect, light addition to your 4th of July plate.

2. Antipasto kebabs with salami, olives, artichokes and tomatoes

Antipasto kebabs with salami olives artichokes and tomatoes on a white plate

Nothing says summer like a kebab. But this low carb 4th of July recipe puts a fresh, antipasto twist on the classic kebab with tomato, olives, juicy artichoke hearts, and salami. Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and you’ve got the perfect grab-and-go appetizer for your patriotic spread.

3. Spicy salmon and cucumber sandwiches

spicy salmon and cucumber sandwiches on a plate

Finger sandwiches, or tea sandwiches, are not only delicious, but perfectly bite-sized for a 4th of July appetizer. Our spicy salmon and cucumber sandwiches bypass the traditional bread, and instead use crunchy slices of cucumber that complement the spciy salmon. Bonus: this recipe only takes 10 minutes to make.

4. Turkey and artichoke meatballs in marinara sauce

turkey artichoke meatballs with a side of marinara sauce and broccoli on a plate

Burgers and hot dogs are quintessential 4th of July foods, but we’re taking low carb 4th of July recipes to the next level with these turkey and artichoke meatballs. These are easy to prep ahead as a batch meal and the perfect finger food to balance out your plate.

These aren’t your traditional meatballs. Packed with artichokes and basil, these meatballs are full of umami flavor. Serve with marinara sauce or lighten the carbs even more by leaving sauce on the side.

5. Prosciutto-wrapped string cheese

prosciutto wrapped string cheese with a side of marinara sauce on a plate

When you’re planning a party, quick recipes are ideal, like these prosciutto-wrapped string cheese. With only three ingredients, these Instagram-friendly appetizers can be made in just 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the party.

6. Strawberry granita with coconut cream

strawberry granita with coconut cream in a bowl with a metal spoon on a plate

Have you heard of granita? If not, it’s time to give this healthy take on a frozen dessert a try!

Our strawberry granita with coconut cream is ideal for hot summer days, and contains simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, lemon juice, vanilla, and coconut cream. All you need is a few hours to freeze the granita and your perfect 4th of July dessert is ready to go.

The Takeaway

Just because you’re going low carb doesn’t mean you have to give up on enjoying delicious food. With these low carb 4th of July recipes, you will be sure to win over your guests – even those who aren’t low carb.

If you’re looking for more low carb meal plans, PlateJoy is your go-to for healthy meal planning, personalized recipes, and grocery lists that save you time and help you reduce food waste. Sign up now for 10 days of free meal plans.

Nicole Villeneuve

Nicole Villeneuve is a certified Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach. A graduate of Yale University, she previously worked in book publishing, with a focus on cookbooks and health, and ran the food blog Paper and Salt. Her writing has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, The New York Times Magazine, The Paris Review, and The Daily Beast. Nicole lives in San Francisco and loves cooking, reading, exploring new restaurants, and running by the ocean. You can (very occasionally) find her on Twitter.