15 Recipes to Celebrate the 4th of July
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.
Eat well and drink up this Independence Day with the help of our summer recipe round up!
All photos: we heart this – Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad
The 4th of July is almost here, and you know what that means – it’s time to eat, drink and be merry! Whether you are hosting an Independence Day party or heading to a potluck picnic, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a few of our most beloved summer time recipes all in one handy spot. Try one, or two (or all) of these time-tested recipes to wow your friends and family on the big day.
Salads
Oak Leaf Lettuce Salad – Make sure to get some fresh veggies into the day with a cool, crisp salad. One of our favorite “fancy” salads is this winner featuring pine nuts, red grapes and Cabrales cheese with a sherry vinegar & honey dressing.
Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad – It’s not a summer party unless Stef contributes this salad that highlights the freshest veggies of the summer – corn, avocado and cherry tomatoes. It’s simple to make and always a crowd favorite.
Chicken, Bacon and Blue Cheese Chopped Salad – Somehow salads taste even better when all of the ingredients are finely chopped. This cheesy, meaty salad only gets tastier when it’s tossed with a Balsamic Scallion Vinaigrette.
Sides
Corn on the Cob with Kick – Spice up the traditional corn on the cob with a few of these corn topping options, including Chipotle Butter, Chile & Parmesan, Pesto or Cayenne & Lime.
Summery Mac & Cheese – The beauty of this recipe for the cheesy all-American favorite is that it’s just as delicious served piping hot or cold after a few hours (or days) in the fridge.
Blue Cheese Potato Salad We just shared this unique twist take on the classic summer potato dish, but wanted to reminded you that it would make the perfect side this 4th of July.
Entrees
Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with Avocado & Orange – Step it up a notch and impress your guests with this simple yet statement making entree salad served with a homemade Lemon-Honey-Poppy Seed Dressing.
Pomegranate & Chipotle Baby Back Ribs – We show you how to go “low and slow” to get these mouth watering, tender Baby Back Ribs, then top them off with a yummy Pomegranate & Chipotle Sauce.
Penne Pasta Caprese – For the vegetarians in the crowd, serve this filling Pasta Salad chilled and topped with a dusting (or a heaping) of Pecorino Romano cheese.
Burgers
Juiciest Burgers Ever – We decided hamburgers deserved their own category, and if you love yours big and juicy, here’s your recipe. In fact, we’ve declared these “the world’s juiciest.” The secret is in the paste of bread and milk that’s added to the burger mixture.
Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers – You could also fancy up your burger with this recipe that calls for an American Thanksgiving staple – cranberry sauce. It adds a unique and tangy taste, and when topped with cheddar cheese and apple slices the result is glorious.
Spicy Cheese Stuffed Burger How do you make a burger even better? Stuff it! This twist on the ‘Juicy Lucy” combines cream cheese, horseradish and mustard for a stuffed burger with kick.
Cocktails
Blenderless Pina Colada – Between the grill and the guests, who has time to spend over a blender? Here’s a way to serve the summertime favorite without using a blender. Add some pineapple slices, shredded coconut and a cherry for garnish and your guests will feel as if they are lounging on a tropical island.
The Rizzo – This cocktail was created by our own Stef and it makes a fabulous summer evening drink. Featuring DRY cucumber soda, rum, watermelon and mint; it’s light, airy, sweet and completely refreshing.
Party Palmers – We’ve declared this the “official drink of we heart this”, as it’s become a standard at all of our get togethers. It’s super easy to make and even better can be mixed in large batches ahead of the festivities. It’s made with a few summer staples; ice tea, lemonade and vodka, and is always the hit of a party.
we heartsters – what’s on your menu for the 4th of July? Share your Independence Day must haves in the comments.
Mmm.. these look great. I love fresh corn in the summer, especially in salads. I like to make a simple salad with just corn, green beans, chickpeas and black beans. Toss in olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle Parmesan. Great cold!
Chickpeas are one of my very faves @Lucy – I could eat a whole can in one go if I let myself! Love your cold salad idea – thanks!
Grilled corn is one of my favorite foods ever! Sriracha, Parmesean Cheese, Butter, Chili Powder … and I’m GOOD!
Awesome ideas! I haven’t decided what’s on our July 4th menu yet, but I’ll definitely be considering a few of these recipes. We’ll probably be having burgers.
Chopped is always better. Anyone else an embarrassed fan of “The Mirror Has Two Faces” with Babs Streisand? There is a scene dedicated to “the perfect bite.” So far as I am concerned, this can only be achieved with a properly chopped salad with extrodinary ingredients: go chicken, bacon and bleu cheese salad!!
That corn and avocado salad is going in my picnic basket tomorrow for the beach!
That corn avocado and tomato salad is OFFICALLY my new summer go-to. Yum!!
Glad a few of you guys had a chance to taste the corn, avocado and tomato salad over the 4th – I missed out this year – boo. I’m planning a trip to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients and rectify this injustice very soon!