14 Recipes for a Healthier Fourth of July

By Monica Bogan· 7/3/2014, 1:00 p.m.

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Fourth of July weekend always includes a few food staples: potato salad, burgers, an all-American pie. Another, less appealing, staple of the holiday is a post-barbecue bloat (and guilt). For a healthier holiday this year, opt for the lighter versions of your Fourth favorites. Happy Fourth of July, Philly!

Running to the Kitchen

Carrot Chips

Tasty appetizers are a great way to kick off a barbecue, but too often they're packed with calories, fat and sodium. Try crispy carrot chips for a healthy start instead.

Natasha's Kitchen

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

You wouldn't think a dip that has "spinach" and "artichoke" in the name could be unhealthy, but those packaged brands are loaded with fat and sodium. Whip up some of your own for a truly healthy dip. Psst! Carrots and carrot chips pair great with spinach artichoke dip.

Ambitious Kitchen

Goat-Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burgers with Peach BBQ Sauce

Instead of your regular beef burger, try this lighter turkey burger. Put it with the tangy peach barbecue sauce, and you've got one drool-worthy meal. And if you're in search of more ideas for your cookout, try here.

Eating Well

California Hot Dogs

What would a barbecue be without hot dogs? But this time, nix the ketchup and mustard, and load your dog up with avocado and sprouts. Note: don't forget to use whole wheat rolls and grab hot dogs that are low in fat and sodium.

Notes to the Planet

Portobello Mushroom Burger

If you want to get rid of meat on your burger, throw a portobello mushroom on the grill as a burger sub. Add some thyme and goat cheese for the finishing touches.

Fannetastic Food

Deviled Eggs

These eggs are devilish, alright. Bite-sized and secretly stuffed with mayo, it's not hard to rack up the calories and fat. But swap the mayo for Greek yogurt, and deviled aggs are actually really healthy.

Reluctant Entertainer

Summer Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Instead of layering your greens with creamy dressing, try this cilantro and lime vinaigrette; it'll help bring out the yummy flavors packed in this delicious summer salad.

Becca Boyd

Potato Salad

I know breakups hurt, but those mayo-soaked potatoes weren't doing you any favors. Swap out the usual with this no-mayo potato salad, made with fresh arugula.

Eating Well

Lemon and Garlic Glazed Corn on the Cob

Unfortunately, slathering butter on your corn sort of negates the health aspects. To give your corn some tangy flavor, try this lemon and garlic glaze.

PBS

No Mayo Coleslaw

I know, I know. Another recipe without any mayo. But when you stop drowning your veggies in the stuff, you allow the crunch and flavors to shine through. This coleslaw is not only pretty, it tastes great, too.

Eating Well

Garden Pasta Salad

Packed with yummy veggies and whole wheat pasta, this pasta salad is one you can feel good about eating.

Chocolate-Covered Katie

Baked Beans

They're still your Crock Pot baked beans, only now they're homemade and much healthier.

The Gracious Pantry

Cherry Pie

This pie is completely healthy. Amazing, right? So get ready to enjoy some all-American dessert.

Better Homes and Gardens

Red, White and Blue Berry Parfait

If you're looking to go the more patriotic route, make a classic red, white, and blue berry parfait. Note: You may want to skip the Cool Whip. But then again, after such a healthy barbecue, you can indulge a little. If you're looking for more healthy desserts, check out these recipes.