Have a Clean and Healthy 4th!

It is one of my favorite times of the year.  I am an All-American girl.  I love baseball, apple pie, singing the National Anthem, fireworks, rodeos, and BBQ's!  I love wearing red,white and blue, waving the flag and watching the small-town parade.  Whew!  That's a lot of love!  But, what I don't love is totally derailing my progress with all of the celebrating.   There are tons of healthy options to include in your backyard BBQ's and by offering to bring something with you, you are sure to have a healthy option all the time. 

* *Here are a few options that will not only keep you on track, but will have everyone asking for the recipe!**

*Honey Lime Fruit Salad  recipe from Oh You Cook

1 pint strawberries
1 pint blueberries
1  bunch (about 1 1/2 lbs.) seedless grapes
1/4 cup honey
juice from 2 limes (about 2-3 tablespoons)
1. Rinse strawberries, blueberries and grapes then gently pat dry. Hull strawberries, then cut each in half or quarters. Remove stems from grapes and blueberries, if any.
2. Gently combine all three in a large bowl or aluminum tray. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice. Pour over fruit.

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*Cucumber Salad 

 - 2 large cucumbers, sliced and halved/quartered
 - 1/2 red onion, chopped
 - 1/3 cup white vinegar
 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
 - 1 Tbsp Agave nectar or sweetener of your choice

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, stir well.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cucumber Salad
(serves 8 as a side dish)
2 long seedless cucumbers (or use 4 regular ones), peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, finely minced
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs agave nectar or other sweetener of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate. (Can be made the day before.)
- See more at: http://www.theresacookinmykitchen.com/cucumber-salad/#sthash.nEpOQ4zK.97PhHwik.dpuf

2 long seedless cucumbers (or use 4 regular ones), peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, finely minced
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs agave nectar or other sweetener of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate. (Can be made the day before.)
- See more at: http://www.theresacookinmykitchen.com/cucumber-salad/#sthash.nEpOQ4zK.97PhHwik.dpuf

Cucumber Salad
(serves 8 as a side dish)
2 long seedless cucumbers (or use 4 regular ones), peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, finely minced
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs agave nectar or other sweetener of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate. (Can be made the day before.)
- See more at: http://www.theresacookinmykitchen.com/cucumber-salad/#sthash.nEpOQ4zK.97PhHwik.dpuf

Cucumber Salad
(serves 8 as a side dish)
2 long seedless cucumbers (or use 4 regular ones), peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, finely minced
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs agave nectar or other sweetener of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate. (Can be made the day before.)
- See more at: http://www.theresacookinmykitchen.com/cucumber-salad/#sthash.nEpOQ4zK.97PhHwik.dpuf

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*Southwest Black Bean Salad

2 15oz. cans of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 bag frozen corn, thawed

2 red bell peppers, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp minced shallots

2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 tsp. stevia (or sugar substitute of choice)

9 Tbsp. EVOO

6 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. lime zest

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

2 avocados, diced

Combine all but avocados and cilantro in large bowl and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Before serving, add avocado and garnish with cilantro.  Enjoy!!

These are just a few of the many options that you can enjoy, guilt free and clean as can be!!!  

Happy 4th of July!