Summer Holiday Weekend Recipes

Whether you're barbecuing in a backyard or on a boat, the holiday weekend is no reason to go overboard. Light a sparkler and enjoy a more vibrant holiday weekend with our easy-to-follow tips.

Instead of meat, try a lighter twist on traditional patties. Lentils are a substantial burger base, as are thick slabs of eggplant, tomato and onion. Recipes to try: Falafel-Style Lentil Burgers; Broiled Eggplant Burgers 

If you cannot resist that hot dog, pile it high with slaw. A crisp topping will add flavor, fiber and crunch, as well as fill you up so you don't gorge on potato chips. Recipes to try: Bryan Voltaggio's Fennel-Cucumber Slaw; Raw Beet Slaw

Had one too many cocktails last night? Rehydrate with a vitamin-packed juice. Or better yet, have a hair of the dog in salad form with a refreshing, tequila-spiked grapefruit-and-avocado dish. Recipes to try: Seamus Mullen's Green Juice; Tipsy Grapefruit Salad 

At cookouts, focus your attention on the side dishes and salads. Or offer to contribute a side dish dressed with vinaigrette, instead of heavier mayo. Recipes to try: New Potato Salad "Tartare"; Tomato and Haricots Verts Salad

Give fruit the cold shoulder: Frozen pops are an ideal–and lightly sweet–way to end a warm-weather meal. Recipes to try: Cherry-Cola Pops; Boozy Watermelon Pops