Meal planning around holidays such as Independence Day can be challenging for someone who’s trying to be healthy. A lot of people celebrate Independence Day by indulging in decadent desserts, snacks full of empty carbohydrates, and meals swimming in fat.
The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy delicious, patriotic foods without sacrificing your long-term health goals. If you’re working toward your health and weight loss goals by receiving personal training through one of Newport Medical and Wellness Center’s exceptional programs, the last thing you want to do is erase your progress with unhealthy foods.
Whether you’re only planning your own meals for the day or you’re trying to come up with a celebratory meal to share with your family, here is a mouthwatering Independence Day meal recipe that’s as healthy as it is delicious. As an added bonus, it’s easy to make, too!
Teriyaki Pineapple and Chicken Kebabs
Summer doesn’t quite feel like summer until you’ve used the grill a few times. There is something nostalgic about the taste and smell of a grill-cooked dinner on a warm summer evening while fireworks boom in the distance. With this simple and healthy Teriyaki Pineapple and Chicken Kebabs recipe, you’ll find yourself enjoying your Independence Day to the fullest. You’ll be out in all the action instead of slaving away over the indoor stove while everyone else parties outside.
These kebabs include almost all the major food groups: healthy protein, vegetables and fruits. They just don’t contain a whole grain, so feel free to serve buttered whole-grain rolls on the side or serve the kebabs on a bed of cilantro rice (yum!) Here’s how to make this classic summertime recipe, which happens to meet requirements for Paleo, Whole30 and Grain-Free eating.
Kebab Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small chunks about 1-inch in diameter)
- 1 large bell pepper (any color of your choice), cut into 1-inch slices
- 2 cups fresh pineapple (about ½ of a small pineapple), cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ large red onion or sweet onion, cut into 1-inch slices
Teriyaki Marinade Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- ¼ tsp. dried ground ginger
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- Wood or metal skewers
Instructions
- Whisk to combine all teriyaki marinade ingredients (besides chicken) in a small bowl. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of the marinade in a small bowl.
- Add chicken pieces to the teriyaki marinade and toss to coat.
- Cover chicken mixture with tinfoil and refrigerate
- Preheat the grill to medium-high
- Thread pineapple, meat, onions and peppers onto skewers (be sure to alternate)
- Brush the reserved teriyaki sauce over the assembled kebabs
- Grill over direct, medium-high heat, rotating approximately every 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165⁰ Fahrenheit)
- Remove from grill, plate and serve
This recipe contains just 260 calories, 12 grams of sugar, and an impressive 31 grams of protein. Each batch yields 4 servings. If you plan to feed more people, double or triple the recipe as needed. You can boost your vegetable intake by serving this delicious meal with a side salad or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
