Blog
Darlene Murphy
June 23, 2025
Picture this: The morning sunshine sparkles off Lake Michigan, red, white, and blue banners blow in the wind, and there's a buzz of excitement from neighbors gathering along the parade route.
In Whitefish Bay, July 4th may just be another holiday to some, but the magic of July brings forth (see what we did there?!) the community in so many ways. At Forage Kitchen, we think that food should be the heart of every celebration.
While we’re proud to be your local source for July 4th food before the big day, whether you’re at the parade or relaxing by the lake with a perfect view, we’re excited to offer grab-and-go goods to fuel your parade and picnic that will have your neighbors asking for your recipe!. These dishes are ones you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s dive into delicious, healthy food that brings flavor and fun to your July 4th celebration.
The key to a successful parade day is balancing fun with fuel. You want snacks that travel well and keep your energy high for hours.
Our parade pack salads are the perfect option, featuring a variety of greens, fresh veggies, along with grains and hearty, nutritious options like protein-packed roasted chickpeas or seeds that won’t melt in the sun. For a refreshing bite, we recommend a wrap with pickled onions, eggs, bacon, and crouton crumbles for extra crunch.
As temperatures rise, your body wants nutrients, not empty calories. Protein and fiber-rich options help keep your blood sugar steady, so you won’t crash halfway through the parade.
For the little ones with you, we love the Kids Bowl, where they can choose exactly what they want to eat. These mess-free, kid-approved picnic eats fit the bill and are filled with healthy nutrients for growing bodies, and they taste great!
Once the parade is over, the event is just beginning. A delicious salad can really shine at your picnic and gatherings! We mean good, filling salads that hold well and taste even better as they sit.
You'll love our favorite zesty grain salads. A base of quinoa with roasted summer vegetables, fresh herbs, and a lively citrus dressing makes a great salad base for sustained summer energy. We also love a medley of diced bell peppers and cherry tomatoes with fresh basil. It feels like summer in a bowl.
For a refreshing, crowd-pleasing beverage, crack open a can of tepache or kombucha. Blackberry Grape kombucha is gorgeous, delicious, and an antioxidant boost with all those berries. Or Watermelon Lime tepache to quench your thirst on a warm summer day.
Pro Tip: Always pack your dressings separately so your salads stay crunchy and aren’t soggy!
Who says healthy can’t be indulgent? We're all about creating July 4th spreads that satisfy every craving while keeping your body happy.
For protein, try grilled tempeh skewers marinated in an uncomplicated herb and citrus blend or wild-caught salmon with a simple herb crust. These options are super flavorful and light, unlike traditional summer grilling, which can leave you feeling sluggish in the heat.
Level up your sides with superfood upgrades that also taste amazing. A roasted beet salad with walnuts and fresh herbs, honey-roasted sweet potatoes, or tasty baked kale chips give your body the nutrients it needs.
Let fruit take center stage when it comes to dessert! Hydrate your guests with drinks that do something more than just quench thirst. Fruit-infused tepache and kombucha can refresh on a long summer afternoon.
Healthy food means your guests will stay energized. What’s a July 4th celebration without food? That’s why choose Forage Kitchen for your next big celebration.
Summer celebrations require special attention to food safety! One of the best ways to pack a cooler is with frozen water bottles as ice packs. Not only will they keep everything cold, but as they melt, you'll have nice, cold drinking water!
For picnic-style salads at your celebration, follow the two-hour rule: don't leave perishables in a temperature greater than 90°F for more than 1 hour. It's best to pre-portion everything into individual servings or containers. You can even store salad dressings in leak-proof mason jars.
Make sure to bring enough wipes, sanitizer, and clean cutlery (we provide it, too). Your future self will thank you for taking that little extra step!
While celebrating, don’t forget to care for the environment that makes our lakeside community so special. Pack reusables: cups, beeswax wraps, and stainless steel utensils to minimize waste.
Supporting local producers, such as farmers' markets, lowers the overall environmental footprint and strengthens community connections. When you buy local, you’re investing in your own well-being and the vitality of your neighborhood.
When enjoying our beautiful green spaces, it's important to compost when possible and minimize one-time use items. These small choices can really enhance our celebrations.
Now, let's do what we love most. At Forage Kitchen, we’re all about sustainably sourced, whole-food nutrition that’s packed with flavor. We’re your local partners in planning delicious, thoughtful celebrations.
Our menu is ideal for summer picnics and gatherings. Our Club Med Bowl with quinoa, feta cheese, cucumber, and our house-made hummus is the perfect picnic salad. It’s filling enough to satisfy, travels well, and holds up in the cooler.
If you are looking for something refreshing, our Peach Kombucha is packed with hydrating fruits, making it the ideal energizing drink. For something heartier, try a bowl filled with greens for the base, hearty vegetables as toppings, and dressings as the final touch, making a great summer meal.
Enjoy a hassle-free July 4th celebration with purpose! Pre-order your healthy eats from Forage Kitchen, Whitefish Bay, and pick up on July 3rd to enjoy the independence without worrying about cooking or prep. We’re closed on July 4th, so be sure to grab everything ahead of time!
Now you’ve got everything you need to enjoy delicious snacks or salads with a perfect view this July 4th. An Independence Day that feeds your body and spirit while nourishing our community and environment. The joy is in the planning and selecting healthy food that feels just as good as it tastes.
This Independence Day, let's honor our bodies, our community, and our beautiful lakeside home. Whether you’re designing your picnic salads or letting us handle the details, we all want the same thing: to bring people together over food that fuels our energy and tastes great.
Enjoy the 4th of July with some seriously tasty intention! Order your healthy eats from Forage Kitchen and pick up on July 3rd, or create a memorable picnic with these ideas. Eat well, support the locals, and enjoy the holiday with Forage Kitchen at Whitefish Bay!
Darlene is the co-owner of Forage and an expert in restaurant and food marketing, brand development, and public relations for small businesses. She specializes in creating compelling marketing materials, including ad copy, websites, and catalogs, to help brands connect with their audience.
