BBQ SIDE DISHES

With Memorial Day around the corner you may be planning a "social distancing" BBQ or family get together. Enjoy your holiday with  some healthy side dishes to compliment your meal! These dishes are loaded with vegetables to boost your vitamin intake and strengthen your immune system during this quarantined season. 

Blackened Corn Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups Frozen Sweet Corn Kernels

1 cup chopped Tomatoes

1/2 cup finely chopped Red Onion

1/2 cup finely chopped Green Pepper

1/8 cup chopped Cilantro

2 TBL finely chopped Jalapeno pepper (seeded)

1 TBL Lime Juice

1/4 tsp Chili Powder

1/2 tsp Cumin

salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1) Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray, heat at medium-high. 

2) Add the corn and sprinkle with spices. Cook and stir until blackened, about 7 min.

3) In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Mix until uniform.

4) Fold in blackened corm. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Next-Level Broccoli-Bacon Salad

Ingredients:
6 strips Turkey Bacon
4 cups Small Broccoli Florets
1/4 c light Mayo
2 TBL Rice Wine Vinegar
1 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
1/2 cup Finely chopped Red Onion
1 cup chopped Tomatoes
1 cup halved Grapes
Directions:
1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. 
2) Cook bacon until crispy (either in a skillet or in a microwave).
3) Add broccoli to the boiling water. Cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 min. Remove from water and into ice water, to stop the cooking.
4) In a medium bowl, whisk mayo with vinegar until uniform. Next crumble the bacon into small pieces.

5) Once the broccoli is cool, drain the water and pat dry. Add bacon, pepper and onion. Top with mayo mixture and stir to coat. Fold in the tomatoes and grapes.

Guiltless Guacamole Dip

Ingredients:
1 cup Mashed Avocados (approx. 2 small)
1 cup Fat-free Plain Greek Yogurt
1 tsp Lime Juice
3/4 tsp Garlic Powder
3/4 tsp Chili Powder
1/4 cup Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
1/4 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
1/8 cup finely Chopped Cilantro
Salt (to taste)
Directions:
1) In a medium bowl combine avocado, yogurt, lime juice, and spices. Mix until smooth and well combined
2) Stir in the black beans, pepper, onion and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!