Recipe(s) Of The Week: 15 Patriotic Vegan Dishes for the Perfect Red White and Blue Party on Independence Day
It’s the 4th of July, Independence Day, and everything is coming up red, white and blue. Those are the colors of the United States flag but what do they mean? Well, the truth is that when The Stars and Stripes were adopted in 1777, the colors of the flag did not have any specific meanings. Maybe that was the material Betsy Ross had laying around. When the time came to create the Great Seal for the United States of America, however, the colors did have significance. White signifies purity and innocence, red stands for hardiness and valor and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. The most commonly known lyrics from John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” march are “Three cheers for the red, white and blue.”
Whether you are going to a big 4th of July blow-out party or celebrating Independence Day at home with a backyard barbecue, you can show your love of America with a feast of red, white and blue dishes. Just look at these 30 Vegan Desserts to Show Off You Are a Proud American on July 4th. Pile on the strawberries, blueberries and dairy-free whipped cream for sweets and eat beets, cauliflower and more blueberries (there aren’t a lot of blue foods out there) for savory. Check out our Tips for Surviving Your July 4th Without Meat because we know our red dishes aren’t about beef. From appetizers to desserts, you can show your patriotism with these 15 delicious vegan dishes that are red, white, or blue or all of the above.
1. Boozy Blueberry Bourbon Smoothie
Make a toast to America with this Boozy Blueberry Bourbon Smoothie. Fresh bananas and blueberries make this smoothie creamy, fruity and a brilliant blue. Bourbon and sweet wine make it an adults-only smoothie that’s perfect for your 4th of July party.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake
This Strawberry Cheesecake is indulgent, dense, rich and delicious. It has a buckwheat-walnut crust, a cashew-based filling and a beautiful strawberry frosting. Toss a few blueberries on top to complete the patriotic picture.
3. Red, White, and Blue Salad With Watermelon Vinaigrette
This fruity Red, White and Blue Salad features watermelon, jicama and blueberries for a refreshing holiday treat. The star-shaped fruit is tossed in a tasty watermelon vinaigrette for a perfect 4th of July dish.
4. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
These Cauliflower Buffalo Bites are a crowd-pleaser for any event. They are especially appropriate for the 4th of July since the Buffalo sauce is red and the white dressing is vegan blue cheese. Get it?
5. Cashew Whip
For a treat that’s quick and easy to make, try this Cashew Whip. Just 3 ingredients and you have a raw whipped topping that’s dairy-free. Perfect on top of cereal, ice cream or cut up some bananas, strawberries and blueberries for a festive Independence Day dessert.
6. Strawberry Pie With Chocolate Drizzle
This Strawberry Pie with Chocolate Drizzle is such an easy dessert to put together. It has a pecan and oatmeal crust and a tofu-based filling. Top with fresh fruit and a decadent chocolate drizzle. Use blueberries and whipped cream to turn it into a patriotic centerpiece.
7. Patriotic Cupcakes
These Patriotic Cupcakes are perfect for the 4th of July. They have vanilla cake, a hazelnut cream frosting and garnishes of fresh raspberries and blueberries. They are red, white and blue deliciousness in a cupcake.
8. Simple Summer Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a summer staple at barbecues and picnics. This Simple Summer Macaroni Salad has red onion, red bell peppers, and other veggies tossed with a vegan mayo-based dressing that’s filling and delicious.
9. Summer Berry Cashew Cream Pie
Everyone who tries this Summer Berry Cashew Cream Pie will be surprised to find out the only ingredients are fruit and nuts. This dessert is refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve with extra berries for a red, white, blue and delicious treat.
10. Beet and Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Beets make such delicious burgers. Not only are they simply gorgeous with that vibrant red color but they have a slightly meaty texture. These Beet and Quinoa Burgers will be a hit at your 4th of July party.
11. Fresh Blueberry Blintzes
Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, these Blueberry Blintzes are amazing. Sweet crepes are filled with a slightly sweet and lemony vegan ricotta filling. Topped with fresh blueberries, it’s a healthy and delicious dish.
12. Patriotic Vegan Cheesecake
The Fourth is a wonderful reason to create some magnificent and fun desserts that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This Patriotic Vegan Cheesecake has a cashew-based filling flavored and colored with blueberries, bananas and strawberries for a red, white and blue delicious dessert.
13. Deep Blue Sea Blend
This Deep Blue Sea Blend is like having the ocean in a glass. Made with pineapple, banana, and coconut, this drink is a sweet tropical island elixir. It’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients to immerse yourself in the healing aqua blue drink.
14. Strawberry Parfait
This Strawberry Parfait is like a single serving of strawberry shortcake deconstructed into its fruity, creamy and crunchy elements and layered on top of each other into a beautiful, secretly healthy dessert or breakfast.
15. Marshmallow Cream Cake
Ok, so technically this cake is pink, white and mint green but once your guests taste this spectacular Marshmallow Cream Cake, all they will be thinking is “More!” This light and fluffy raw cake has cashew-based layers flavored and colored with fresh mint leaves, vanilla and red beets.
All of these patriotic dishes and beverages are sure to set off fireworks at your 4th of July party. Happy Birthday America!
Lead Image Photo: Summer Berry Cashew Cream Pie
