3 Better-for-You Memorial Day Recipes

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 2 min read

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer — and grilling season is officially on. While classic cookout fare often leans heavy, don’t miss out on bringing fresh, flavorful and nutrition-forward options to the table.
Try one of these three recipes:

Mushrooms naturally deliver a savory, “meaty” texture while being low in calories and rich in nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants. Paired with heart-healthy olive oil and a bold, umami-packed marinade of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic and ginger, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort.

This chicken satay recipe keeps all the crave-worthy flavor while taking a more balanced approach by pairing lean protein with colorful vegetables and a marinade that delivers depth without excess.
The marinade leans on ingredients like lime juice, garlic, ginger and red curry paste to build flavor, while keeping sweetness in check. The peanut sauce is designed with balance in mind. It offers healthy fats and protein with the flexibility to thin and portion to your preference. Serve as an appetizer or as a main with rice or a salad.

Zucchini is a tender summer squash that tastes its best between May and August. It makes for a perfect vegetable for the grill, as the whole veggie is edible. Simply slice, quickly marinate and grill until marks appear. The grilling will bring out sweet flavors from the zucchini that pairs beautifully with the cherry tomato bruschetta.
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