As Summer rolls around, we all start thinking about outdoor get-togethers. I’ve partnered with Wholesome to show you just how easy and delicious it is to make a lightened up and healthier BBQ spread that you, your family, and your friends will love!
Having friends and family over to enjoy a BBQ is one of my favorite summer activities, and I’m so excited to share with you how I put together a “Better-For-You BBQ” that you can feel good about serving to your friends and family! Everything is plant-based, made with whole and recognizable ingredients, and, most importantly, everything is incredibly delicious!
The star of this spread is Wholesome’s Delicious Vegan Candy! Wholesome is one of my favorite companies because I love being able to enjoy every bite of candy completely worry-free. They make their Wholesome and Surf Sweets by Wholesome candies using organic, clean ingredients. They’re sweetened with Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Cane Sugar (no nasty corn syrup here!) and they’re colored with organic fruits and vegetables. Even better – they’re Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free, and they have a wide range of Vegan options! It’s truly candy I can feel good about serving to my loved ones, and that makes me a very happy hostess.
Have you tried their incredible plant-based Wholesome and Surf Sweets by Wholesome candies before? If not, I definitely recommend picking some up the next time that you’re out at the store! Check to see where it’s sold near you!
We can’t forget the rest of the meal, so let’s talk about the Better-For-You swaps I made to complete this BBQ spread. I swapped traditional heavy coleslaw for a healthy and lightened up cabbage salad. It’s filled with green cabbage, red cabbage, red onion, cilantro, shredded carrots, sunflower seeds, almonds, scallions, and is finished with lime juice and salt. I swapped traditional potato salad for a healthier herby potato salad. This lightened up potato salad is perfect for procrastinators because it takes no time to prepare and doesn’t need to rest. I created the dressing by combining olive oil, starchy potato water, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, jalapeno, cilantro, and parsley in a blender. I tossed that with slices of red potatoes that were boiled for five minutes. For the hot dogs, you can choose your favorite plant-based hot dogs or make your own carrot dogs. I love topping mine with quick pickled red onions – it definitely brings them to the next level! For a fun summer treat, I grilled some watermelon slices, too.
I finished this summer BBQ spread off with some Better-For-You Lemon Sweet Tea made with Wholesome Organic Coconut Palm Sugar. This sugar is a staple in my pantry because I love the way it tastes and because it has a lower glycemic index than table sugar (which means it leaves me feeling great even after I indulge a little).
What are your favorite swaps to make your BBQ spreads healthier? Let me know in the comments down below. I’d love to hear about your favorite delicious lightened up meals and sides!
Better-For-You Lemon Sweet Tea (Vegan, Gluten Free, Oil Free, Refined Sugar Free):
Ingredients
- 5 ½ cups water divided
- 4 black tea bags of choice
- ¾ cup Wholesome Organic Coconut Palm Sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice juice of about 2 large or 3 medium lemons
Instructions
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Bring 5 cups of water to a simmer, remove from heat, and steep tea for 4 minutes (or until it’s the strength you like). Discard tea bags.
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In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water and ¾ cup Wholesome Organic Coconut Palm Sugar to a simmer. Simmer until the Wholesome Organic Palm Sugar has completely dissolved.
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Combine the tea and Wholesome Organic Palm Sugar simple syrup and let cool completely. Transfer to a pitcher and chill in the fridge.
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Add in the lemon juice just before serving.
Want to remember this recipe? Post this Better For You Lemon Sweet Tea recipe to your favorite Pinterest board!
