Unique Recipes for Your Fourth of July Picnic

Looking for something different for your Fourth of July picnic? Look no further and enjoy these unusual and delicious recipes, jam-packed with nutrition, for your upcoming picnic from RCBM's registered dietitians! 

July 4th image picnic

Black bean and Mango salsa 

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 ripe mangoes, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼–½ red onion, finely diced (about ⅓ cup)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
  • Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2–3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  2. Drizzle with the lime juice and olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper.
  4. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before serving with tortilla chips

Sesame Edamame Soba Noodle Salad

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz soba noodles or whole wheat spaghetti
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage

For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

Directions:

  1. Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, and garlic.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles, edamame, cucumber, carrots, green onions, and any optional vegetables.
  4. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Top with sesame seeds before serving.
  6. Chill before packing for a picnic. Keep cold until ready to serve.

4th of July Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

Crust:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest (grated from about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 oz light cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup

Toppings:

  • 1 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2-3 bananas or pears, sliced

Directions:

1.    Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a round pizza pan or quarter sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, lemon zest, and baking powder. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, oil, and lemon juice.

2.    Mix and bake: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Press the dough evenly into a round pizza shape on your prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown, then remove and let it cool completely.

3.    Make the frosting: While the crust cools, blend the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and honey with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.

4.    Decorate: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Arrange the fruit in whatever way you wish. Get creative with it!