A 4th of July Freedom Menu

Happy 4th of July! No matter the holiday, most of us are always excited to have a day for gathering with our family and friends.

Concerns about 4th of July

At the same time, dialysis patients and those with advanced stage kidney disease patients may be anxious to attend such events. Food is always the center of attention during parties, and Independence Day is certainly no different. Patients are likely concerned if renal-friendly food options are available for them to enjoy. I am here to help guide you in making your 4th of July cookout kidney-friendly and delicious!

Host a Party!

First, what better way to control the menu than to host the party yourself? Make sure you have some help to prepare your dishes so you don’t get worn out before the party starts. Get the grill ready and plan to use it. Grilling outside helps to keep your home cool and could reduce your thirst if you are being mindful of a fluid restriction.

Bring a Dish

If it’s not possible to host the party, reach out to whoever is hosting. Ask if there are any dishes you can bring for the crowd. You can also inform the party host of some of your needs with a kidney-friendly diet.

4th of July Menu

Now for the menu. You will be amazed by the options available to you! Choose a few that sounds good to you from each menu category. DaVita.com is a helpful  go-to resource for tasty and satisfying recipes. These recipes are created to help you stay within your protein, potassium and phosphorus goals. They are also reasonable in sodium content to help minimize thirst and keep your fluid intakes low.

Starters:

Quick-n-Easy Cheese Dip – Pair this with a vegetable tray of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, red peppers, and cucumbers

Tortilla Rollups

Yummy Yogurt Fruit Dip – Serve this dip alongside a tray of adorable fruit kebabs. Additionally, you can use pineapple, strawberries, green or red grapes, blueberries and blackberries for a colorful fruit medley.

Are You Kidding Me Artichoke Dip –Serve with pita chips or pita bread.

Main Course:

Lisa’s Awesome Burgers

Grilled Flank Steak and Vinaigrette Vegetables

Grilled Marinated Chicken – You could also grill extra chicken and make grilled chicken sandwiches the next day

Grilled Salmon

Side Dishes:

Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac-n-Cheese

Holushki Noodles and Cabbage

Dirty Rice

Picnic Potato Salad – Be sure to double boil the potatoes or peel and soak in a pot overnight to reduce the potassium content.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Macaroni Salad

Grilled Multicolored Peppers and Onions – You can also combine cubed steak or chicken on a skewer to make these into Shish Kebabs.

Grilled Summer Squash

Dessert: 

Red White and Blue Pie

Ambrosia

Chilled Lemon Cake

Cherry Sweetheart Dessert