Barbecue Once, Entertain Elegantly Several Times
Hamburgers remain America's No. 1 favorite food for for grilling outdoors, according to experts who track food trends. However, if you decide to forego the hamburgers and hot dogs, you can turn any casual barbecue into an elegant (and wonderfully healthy!) backyard fête—as well as the basis for other sophisticated parties later in the season.
"Start with simple grilled chicken and steak," advises Monica Lynn, a certified nutritional consultant and author of 5 Square Low-Carb Meals: The 20-Day Makeover Plan with Delicious Recipes for Fast, Healthy Weight Loss and High Energy (ReganBooks). [Note: For basic healthy grilled chicken and steak recipes from a creative American Diabetes Association recipe collection, see Editor's Note at the end of this article.]
The key to healthy entertaining for a crowd, Lynn suggests, is to add some healthful side dishes and other mouthwatering main dish alternatives. Then freeze the leftover grilled steak and chicken, and use them to create even more delicious, inventive, and healthy party fare later.
We asked Lynn to suggest sophisticated recipes for summer entertaining and quick tips on wholesome choices when entertaining family and friends during the summer months.
Lynn's inventive, yet straightforward side dish and additional main dish recipes will add a sophisticated touch to any party.
Healthy Side Dishes and Party-perfect Main Dish Salads
Bean Salad with Canadian Bacon and Roasted PeppersServes 8
1 lb. Canadian bacon
4 14-oz. cans 3-bean mix, drained and rinsed
4 roasted red peppers from a jar, diced
4 Tbs. thinly sliced red onion
8 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
4 Tbs. distilled white vinegar
8 shakes of Tabasco, or to taste
4 tsp. olive oil
Salt to taste
Sliced cucumbers for garnish
4 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- Heat grill to medium-hot. Grill bacon 2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked bacon to a cutting surface and dice.
- Combine grilled bacon, beans, diced peppers, and onions in a large bowl. Add the parsley, vinegar, Tabasco, and oil. Toss well and season with salt.
- Serve salad garnished with sliced cucumbers and tomato wedges.
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