Black vegetarians, vegans, or just health-conscious relatives go through a lot at family cookouts. Traditionally, this event is full of food with oil, dairy, and/or covered in sauce. No one wants to hear any speeches about calories, health implications, or how big mama just put a pound of sugar in the sweet tea. Many don’t want to try anything that looks unfamiliar to them. Don’t give up, my health-savvy friends! Here’s a list of things to try at your next family cookout.
Infused Water
Let’s start with the basics. Kool-aid and sweet tea have not been good to us as a people over the years. We want the great taste, but not all of the health implications that come with sugary drinks. Infused water is a great way to get a bit of sweetness, but keep it light. You can infuse your water with herbs such as mint or fruit such as strawberries. Some even enjoy cucumber!
Kale Salad
Before you get on my case, I know that kale salad has the been the much maligned dish at family cookouts the past few summers. The common mistake people make is forgetting to massage the kale with liquid amino to break down its toughness. Liquid amino is also a great way to flavor the kale, a natural seasoner, so you can skip the salad dressing at the end. Throw in some avocado and some quinoa (which is a pure protein and will help you feel fuller longer), and your salad is a hit!
Grilled Salmon
I could eat grilled salmon all day long. It’s a delicious alternative to fattier meats, and it has healthy fats as well. Throw this on the grill after a quick marinade for a great fish option at your next cookout.
Fruit Salad
No, not the fruit salad where your mom dumps a can of fruit cocktail in a bowl of jello. It’s a nice childhood memory, but let’s cut this out. Gather pineapple, blueberries and strawberries, squeezing lemon juice over them and adding chopped mint for a delicious and healthy fruit salad.
Skinless Chicken
This is as simple as removing the skin before grilling and saucing. As most of the fat is in the skin, you can avoid a lot of calories by taking this extra step. I know some people don’t even consider it a real bbq without some chicken, so let’s just make that chicken a little better for us (it’ll still taste just as good).
BBQ Tempeh
All my non-vegan folks out there: It’s not gonna taste like ribs, but it can be delicious. Don’t be afraid to step out and try something from a plant-based diet as an alternative. Here’s a recipe you can try, and guess what? You can still have the ribs on deck in case not everyone’s feeling it.
Fruit Spring Rolls
This is something really fun for kids. Instead of messy ice cream or sugary popsicles, wrap some fresh fruit (mixed or not) in a rice casing (maybe with a touch of honey) and serve!
Turkey Burgers
Even when I still ate beef, I preferred turkey burgers once I gave them a try. They’re leaner, less greasy, and just as tasty. You can put your patties in a marinade overnight or do a spice rub, whatever you like. If you sneak these in, I doubt anyone will be able to really tell the difference.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato fries are a huge thing and offered at many health-conscious burger joints now, but many times, they’re still fried. Throw these bad boys on the grill for a really smoky taste, some beautiful grill marks, and surprised guests, as they enjoy this great AND healthy treat.
Succotash
Traditional succotash has corn and lima beans, but my mom made hers with corn, okra and tomatoes. I always love to add some grilled sweet yellow onion and cayenne pepper to mine for a touch of sweet and spicy in this savory dish. This is a fantastic way to get a vegetable jolt in your meal.
Spicy Chicken Kabobs
For all of my spice lovers out there, throw some peppers on a kabob with a bit of chicken for a true summer treat at your next cookout. It’s an easy way to incorporate veggies, and the kids will love and have fun with it. Bonus: No mess!
