It’s barbecue season – finally! You may fear that you will feel deprived or have nothing to eat at upcoming summer events like a neighborhood barbecue. This does not have to be the case. Despite being dairy-, egg-, and gluten-free I find plenty to eat at the events I am invited to.

For starters, I will ask the host if they can share the menu with me. This allows me to bring a few accompanying dishes. If I am fearful that there won’t be a main dish that I can eat, I will just pack a hamburger patty and ask that it’s put on the grill with the other food. I will bring a few side dishes for me and everyone else to enjoy.

Sometimes it’s a last minute invite and I don’t have time to do any cooking. In this case, I will bring some store-bought options, which is an option if you’re short on time or energy.

Check out our favorite products that comply with the Lyme Inflammation Diet®, including barbecue-friendly options like sausages and hot dogs.

Recipe options, divided by diet phase

Below are a sample of main dishes, side dishes, drinks or desserts that you can prepare and bring with you. They are listed in diet phase order, in case you have not progressed into the maintenance phase of the diet just yet.

Other simple ideas, such as mixed nuts or vegetable platters, are also listed below. Flip through your book or the check out our online recipes for many more options!

Phase 1

• Deviled Eggs
• Calico Slaw
• Fresh Herb Vinaigrette* to put on a salad, which more often than not is on the menu at a summer event
• Vegetable platter
• Fruit cocktail – Cut up some of your favorite fruits and mix them together
• A dish of raw or roasted almonds
• Chewy Coconut Almond Cookies
• Nutty Coconut Delight

Phase 2

• Shredded Carrot Salad
• Curried Cashews
• Salted Roasted Chickpeas
• Honey Nut Bars
• Iced Minted Raspberry Green Tea

Phase 3

• Watermelon Lime Cooler
• Zucchini Corn Bake
• Guacamole with organic corn or black bean chips
• Summer Vegetable Medley Salad
• Miso Barbecue Sauce – Grill up a plain piece of chicken and top with this sauce when it’s ready
• Mustard Ranch Dressing  – Serve with a vegetable platter
• Make a trail mix with your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruits
• Corn on the cob – this is delicious cooked in the husk on the grill

Phase 4

• Seared Peppered London Broil – Marinate in a container at home, so it’s grill ready when you arrive
• Truffle “Brownie” Cake Bar

We hope that these suggestions and tips will help alleviate some of your concerns so that you can enjoy your upcoming event!

*To avoid a wilted salad, pack salad dressing separately, and add it to your salad just before eating.