Colette's Blog

Low Carb Gourmet Grilling for the 4th of July

Colette-Heimowitz

Written by Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc. on July 2, 2024.

Scientifically reviewed by <p><strong><em>Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD</em></strong><strong><u>  </u>Human Nutrition</strong></p>

July 2, 2024

This Independence Day, elevate your grilling with sophisticated low carb recipes that promise to impress your guests and satisfy your tastebuds. From the sizzle of a perfectly grilled ribeye steak to the unique char of a grilled Caesar salad wedge, these dishes are crafted to make your celebration memorable. Plus, check out tips to learn how to grill them to perfection. This Fourth of July menu is as tasty as it is health-conscious.

4th of July Grilling Recipes

Make your grill a multi-tasker with these recipes.

Low Carb Grilled Caesar Wedge

The grill gives this fresh take on a traditional steak house favorite, the wedge salad, a deep smoky flavor.

Lemon-Herb Grilled Vegetable Kebabs

This vegetable side dish becomes easy finger food and bursts with the flavors of fresh herbs and vegetables.

Grilled Ribeye Steak and Scallions

Ribeye steak is tender, juicy, and flavorful, with just the right amount of fat. It is served with an Italian salsa verde, which makes excellent use of fresh herbs in your herb garden, if you have one.

Grilled Fruit Kebabs

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes, then thread your choice of fruit, such as strawberries, pineapple, watermelon or peaches, on the skewers. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until you get nice grill marks. Drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lime. You can also dip in no-sugar whipped cream.

10 Tips for Guaranteed Grilling Perfection

Follow these tips, and you will soon be the master of your grill.

  1. Chose the right grill. Whether it’s charcoal, gas, or electric, each type offers different benefits. Charcoal grills provide the classic smoky flavor, while gas grills offer convenience and control.
  2. Preheat the grill. Always preheat your grill for 10 to 15 minutes to get a good sear on your food and help prevent sticking.
  3. Keep it clean. Make sure your grill is clean before you start. Old residues can cause sticking and change the flavor of your food. Use a wire brush to remove debris before and after each use.
  4. Oil the grill. Lightly oil the grill rack to prevent food from sticking. Use an oil-soaked paper towel and tongs to rub the oil evenly over the rack.
  5. Control the heat. Learn to manage your heat zones on the grill. Use direct heat for searing and indirect heat for slower cooking of larger or tougher cuts.
  6. Use a meat thermometer. It will ensure your meats are cooked safely and to your desired doneness.
  7. Let it rest. Allow your meats to rest after grilling to help retain the juices. A few minutes can make a difference in moisture and flavor.
  8. Experiment with wood. If you use a smoker or charcoal grill, try using different wood chips to add unique flavor to your foods.
  9. Marinate. Marinating meats can infuse additional flavor and help tenderize the meat. Even a few hours of marinating can enhance the taste and texture of your grilled foods.
  10. Keep it covered. When grilling, keep the lid down to ensure even cooking and to maximize the smoky flavor if using wood chips.
Colette-Heimowitz

Author

Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc.

Nutrition Advisor

Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc. is a former Director of Nutrition at The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in New York City. With 20+ years of experience as a nutrition expert, the NY Times best-selling author is the current Nutrition Advisor at Simply Good Foods Company.

More From Colette

Low-Carb, Plant-Based Grilling for Labor Day

Typically, when you fire up the grill, burgers, brats, steaks or ribs may fit the bill, yet you can add some plant-based main and side dishes that can elevate your Labor Day grill game with a flavor boost of fiber-rich veggies. Plant-Based Labor Day Main Dishes for the Grill These plant-based entrees are crowd-pleasers, from

Read More »

Are We Failing Diabetes? Why Low Carb Could Be the Solution

Mainstream medicine has failed to make much progress when it comes to managing and preventing diabetes. The rates continue to climb, as well as the healthcare costs associated with diabetes, despite all the pharmaceutical and digital interventions on the market, making it clear that the current approaches may not be effectively addressing the root causes

Read More »