Memorial Day Weekend is approaching, which means the barbecue is getting fired up and it’s time to figure out which recipes you’re going to break out to wow your guests. While we love a hearty picnic, the last thing we want is to feel stuffed and sluggish when there is fun to be had. If you’re looking for some recipes on the lighter side but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, keep reading! Here are three healthy memorial day recipes that will have your guests begging for your secrets.
Barbecue Shrimp Skewers
Burgers and brats typically get the spotlight at summer barbecues, but shrimp deserves to share the stage! Shrimp skewers are a lighter take on heavier grill favorites and can be seasoned and flavored to your preference. This recipe is one that we’ve been using for years and is the perfect centerpiece for a hot, summer cookout. Keep reading for this savory, healthy Memorial Day recipe.
Ingredients:
Serves 6
2 lbs of jumbo shrimp, deveined
Marinade:
1/2 c soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 c olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp local honey
Freshly chopped cilantro
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground ginger
Pink Himalayan salt
Drizzle of sriracha (to desired spice level)
Red chili pepper flakes
1/4 c freshly squeezed lime juice (to be added to the marinade 5 minutes before going to the grill)
1 tbsp dry PB2 powder or 2 tbsp finely crushed peanuts
Skewer Ingredients:
2 cups of pineapple, chopped
2 large red bell peppers, chopped
1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped into 1″ chunks
Instructions:
Combine all the marinade ingredients, except for the lime juice, in a large Ziploc bag or sealed container and add the shrimp. Gently shake the bag so that the ingredients are fully combined. Let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.
While the shrimp is marinating, chop your pineapple, pepper, and yellow onions into 1″ chunks. About 5 minutes before you’re ready to assemble your kabobs, add the lime juice to your marinade. Don’t add it too soon or the citrus will cook your shrimp.
To assemble your kabobs, use a bamboo or metal skewer and place a combination of shrimp, pineapple, peppers and onions spaced at least 1/2″ apart on the skewer. Place the skewers on a two-zone fire so that you can both sear them, and let them cool if the temps get too high. Rotate your skewers frequently to get an even cook. All in all, it shouldn’t take more than 5-6 minutes to fully cook your skewers. To avoid crowding, you can cook your skewers in batches, but make sure to keep your cooked batches warm!
Patriotic Parfait
Traditional holiday weekend desserts are rich and delicious, and very nearly always worth it. But if you’re looking to offer a lighter alternative for some, you can’t beat these patriotic parfaits. Not only do they pay homage to our great nation, they also are rich in protein, nutrients, AND flavor. Of all our healthy Memorial Day recipes, this one is definitely the sweetest!
Ingredients:
Serves up to 8
Yogurt:
1 32-oz tub of plain, unsweetened Greek Yogurt
8 scoops of Red Leaf Collagen Peptides
3 tbsp local honey
Juice from 2 medium-sized lemons
2 tsp maple syrup
Granola:
2 c old fashioned oatmeal
1/3 c coconut oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
Cinnamon to taste
Pink Himalayan Salt to taste
Light shake of red chili powder
Toppings:
Fresh blueberries
Fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
Whipped cream
Patriotic Sprinkles
Instructions:
Start by making your yogurt base, which will act as the stripes in your patriotic, American-flag inspired parfait. Empty one container of Greek yogurt into a large mixing bowl, and add in maple syrup, honey, and lemon juice. Then, add in 8 scoops of Red Leaf Collagen Peptides and spread each scoop in large circles evenly around the bowl. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Set in the fridge to keep cool.
To make your granola, start by pre-heating the oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and chili flakes. Then, slowly stir in the oats until the mixture is fully combined. Using a wooden spoon, spread the oat mixture evenly onto your baking tray and place in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. When the granola is done, set it aside while it cools and becomes more dry.
Once your granola is set, it’s time to assemble your parfaits. Using either a clear, plastic cup or a small glass goblet (about 4 oz), start by spreading an even layer of granola on the bottom of the cup. Add a layer of your yogurt mix, followed by a layer of strawberry slices, and repeat granola, yogurt, strawberries until you get about 1/2″ from the top of the cup. Add one more thin layer of yogurt and top with blueberries, whipped cream, and patriotic sprinkles.
Keep refrigerated until time to serve!
Red Leaf Bomb Pops
This is a fun recipe that you can break out on any hot day this summer. All you’ll need for this one is popsicle sticks, molds, and Red Leaf Pre-Workout! Keep in mind if you have young kiddos running around at your party, that these popsicles will contain caffeine. You can certainly reduce the caffeine content by using less pre-workout, or by diluting the mixture with more water!
Ingredients:
Serves 8
8 scoops of Blueberry Acaí Red Leaf Pre-Workout
8 scoops of Cranberry Lime Red Leaf Pre-Workout
32 oz of water
Instructions:
Combine pre-workout and water in a blender on a low speed. Allow any foam to settle before pouring the bomb pop mix into your popsicle molds. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours, and then you’ll be ready to start handing them out to the crowd.
What are some of your favorite healthy Memorial Day recipes? Let us know in the comments and tag us on Instagram @red_leaf_official with your holiday weekend menu plans!
We hope you enjoy our healthy Memorial Day recipes, and while we certainly look forward to all the holiday festivities this weekend ushers in, it’s important to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. Please take a moment during your holiday weekend to remember the men and women who have lost their lives serving our country, and reach out to any families you know who are missing a loved one. We wish you a safe and healthy holiday weekend, and to all those who have lost someone in the line of duty, we are thinking of you this weekend!
