Your annual 4th of July cookout is quickly approaching and meals are a great way to gather with those that you love and create special memories. Celebrating holidays is made complete with the right food, so the 4th of July is a great time to grill up some summer favorites.

Whether you’re expecting vegetarian guests, you’ve newly transitioned to vegetarianism yourself, or you’d just like to incorporate more meatless recipes to give some variety to your cookout menu, there are all kinds of ways to make sure that your table is full of delicious, fresh options.

Creating your menu

When creating the menu for your 4th of July cookout, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Start by thinking about your guestlist and being sensitive to their dietary needs. Having a wide variety of foods is one of the best ways to be sure that everyone has a full plate and is able to enjoy the feast you’re preparing.

Thinking about where your cookout is taking place will also be important when crafting your menu. If you’re going to be celebrating the 4th outside, then you’ll want to keep that in mind when planning the cold foods you’ll be preparing.

Incorporating vegetables

Traditionally, vegetables have been considered a side dish in most meals, but at a cookout they can take center stage as the entrée.

Keep in mind that almost any kind of vegetable is great for grilling. Consider complementing your meal by serving vegetables over pasta, rice, or polenta. You can also make them into extraordinary sandwiches with a soy-based cheese and some freshly baked bread.

Cut the vegetables lengthwise into thin slices or into thick rings, depending on the type of vegetable. If you’d rather have your veggies in handy bite-size pieces for serving with pasta, try using a special pan for the grill with small holes that keep the veggies from falling through the grill. In most cases, the easiest way to grill vegetables on the grill is shish kabob style!

Before starting the cooking process, remember that most vegetarian foods are more fragile than meat and do not contain as much fat. Therefore, a clean and well-lubricated grill is essential when successfully grilling vegetables. You don’t want those beautifully grilled peppers to stick to the grill!

Regardless of how you serve them, vegetables can be the shining star of your 4th of July cookout. Don’t be afraid to reinvent your favorite dishes and add in some veggies for a fresh twist.

Incorporating fruits

Don’t forget to balance out those grilled vegetables with some fresh fruit salads, perfectly chilled and juicy.

Watermelon, strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits all complement one another well in a delightful fruit salad prepared with non-dairy whipped cream.

Another great tip is to use fruit to experiment with some fun smoothies and slushies for the kids – they’re fun and better than sugary sodas. Finding ways to create delicious recipes that the whole family will love can be challenging. Fruit is a great way to make sure that kids are getting the nutrients they need.

Celebrating the 4th of July

At Ultimate Phitness, we’re all about using food as a tool. Food is a way to get healthy, take care of your body, and connect with others. We hope that you have an excellent holiday and are able to incorporate veggies into your menu.