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Memorial Day marks a time of remembrance and is often celebrated with friends and family, outdoor gatherings, and delicious food. If you're looking to enjoy the festivities while keeping your meals healthy and high in protein, look no further than these recipes.
And if you're going to be spending time enjoying the festivities outdoors, remember to take care of your skin in the sun with your vitamin routine and a good SPF. But back to the fun part—here are some quick and mouth-watering, healthy recipes that are perfect for Memorial Day. Just be prepared for people to want seconds!
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa
This grilled corn and avocado salsa is the perfect Spring side dish for any Memorial Day gathering. The combination of grilled corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice creates a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it's packed with healthy fats and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Don't forget to also serve some fresh veggies like sliced bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber alongside this salsa for a colorful and nutrient-rich snack option. If you want to mix things up, try adding in some black beans or diced mango for even more texture and flavor.
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
- Let the corn cool for a few minutes before cutting off the kernels.
- In a large bowl, mix together the grilled corn, avocado, red onion, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, salt and pepper.
- Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts
Greek yogurt-marinated chicken breasts are a delicious and healthy option for your Memorial Day celebrations. The marinade is made with protein-rich Greek yogurt, which not only adds a creamy texture but also makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. This dish is also high in protein, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet during the holiday.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast with the yogurt mixture and place them in a sealable container. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with a fresh Greek salad.
Smoky Shrimp Skewers
Another delicious and high-protein option for your Memorial Day celebration is grilled shrimp skewers. Seafood isn't always the first thing on people's minds at a Memorial's cookout, but it's equally as tasty as burgers and hot dogs. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and grilling it adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables. This recipe is also quick and easy to make, making it perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the marinade:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Place shrimp in a sealable container and pour the marinade over it. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread the marinated shrimp, bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini onto skewers.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp is pink and vegetables are slightly charred.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or with a side of spanish rice for a more filling dish.
Fun Chocolate Fruit Skewers
This is a perfect recipe for getting some fresh produce in your diet while making something equally fun and fast for your friends and family. Get creative with your fruit choices - try using different types of berries, bananas, or even grilled peaches for a unique twist. Make it a fun activity by letting everyone customize their own skewers with their favorite fruits!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of strawberries, washed and halved
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1 cup of honeydew melon, cut into cubes
- 1 cup of cantaloupe, cut into cubes
- Wooden skewers
- ½ cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread fruit onto skewers, alternating between different fruits.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
- In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the fruit skewers.
- For an extra special touch, you can also sprinkle some crushed nuts or coconut flakes on top of the chocolate drizzle before it hardens.