3 easy snacks my clients are bringing to their 4th of July events
It's July, and the 4th of July is just around the corner!
If you’re on your weight loss journey, this even can be daunting, especially when you’re not often in control of the food available.
What you CAN do (and I helped my clients do this week), is bring a dish or two to share, that you KNOW will help you keep on track! Recipes and macronutrients available in my All Day Community.
Here’s three snack ideas that my clients are bring to their holiday festivities:
Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups (The Savory Spirals of Delight!)
These little bites are a staple at many family gatherings for a reason: they're incredibly easy to make, require no cooking, and offer that perfect tangy-salty crunch. They're also surprisingly addictive.
What you'll need:
Thinly sliced uncured deli ham
Cream cheese, softened (I used reduced fat)
Dill pickle spears
Mission Carb Balance Tortillas (optional, adds fiber!)*
How to get it done:
Lay a slice of ham flat. Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese over the ham. Place a dill pickle spear at one end of the ham slice and tightly roll it up. Once rolled, you can slice these into 1-inch pinwheels for easier snacking or leave them whole. Arrange them on a platter, and watch them disappear! They're retro, they're reliable, and they're always a hit.
*spread the cream cheese on the tortilla before placing on the ham
Classic Tuna Noodle Salad (A Timeless Comfort in a Bowl!)
Tuna noodle salad is the unsung hero of many potlucks. It's hearty, creamy, and can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
What you'll need:
Your favorite protein pasta (I use Barilla Protein+)
Canned tuna in water, drained well
Celery, finely chopped
Red onion, finely chopped (optional, for a little bite)
Mayonnaise or Nonfat Greek yogurt
Salt and black pepper to taste
A dash of Dijon mustard or pickle relish (optional, for extra flavor)
How to get it done:
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, chopped celery, and red onion (if using). Add enough mayonnaise to generously coat everything, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper, and add mustard or relish if desired. Chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors marry. It's a classic for a reason – simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Grandma's Green Jell-O (Wobbly Wonders of Nostalgia!)
Few dishes evoke childhood memories quite like a shimmering, colorful Jell-O salad. And when we talk about classics, Grandma's Green Jell-O usually involves something creamy and fruity, making it a refreshing and fun addition to any summer spread. This isn't just Jell-O; it's a statement.
What you'll need:
Sugar free lime-flavored Jell-O mix
Canned crushed pineapple, undrained, no sugar added
Cottage cheese (small curd works best)
No sugar added whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or freshly whipped cream
How to get it done:
Combine sugar-free Jell-O powder with Cool-Whip in a large container. Then, stir in cottage cheese and pineapple until everything is well mixed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This recipe makes four servings, but you can easily adjust the quantities to fit your dietary needs. It's quirky, it's cool, and it's guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few "Oh, I remember this!" comments).
So there you have it, folks! Three super easy, super delicious snack ideas that will make you the star of any 4th of July gathering without breaking a sweat. Now go forth, celebrate, and enjoy those fireworks – you've earned it!
Want my actual recipes and macros for the tuna salad and Jello salad? Join my free All Day Community!
What classic potluck dish brings you the most nostalgia? I'd love to hear your favorites!