I can’t believe we’re talking 4th of July, baby! Well, hopefully not an actual 4th of July baby – little girl’s still got a few more weeks of cooking to do – but seriously, how did we get here? Recently I got to thinking about the past few 4th of July holidays and how different they’ve all been. From watching fireworks snap and sparkle behind the White House, to a Midwest crab boil, and celebrating with friends via a fancy roof top patio – the 4th is always a holiday I look forward to, and back on with fond memories. Not like New Years Eve which, despite everyone’s best intentions, never seems to work out. Right? Get it TOGETHER, NYE! All that said, this year we plan to lay low and have a few friends over to celebrate. I’m about ready to pop and, well, making it past 7pm is a pretty epic feat. We’ll light up some sprinklers, enjoy a homemade s’more or 17, then call it a night. Definitely more low-key then 4th of Julys past, but the good thing about staying home is that we can make and serve a proper holiday feast including a ton of the yummy, summery dishes below. I hand-picked these recipes as being super fresh and picnic or potluck-ready so you can either set them out for friends and family, or bring along to wherever the festivities take you. Tell me, what are you up to this 4th of July? Wherever it is, and whatever you do – I hope you stay safe, have fun, and eat well (and have a couple cocktails for me!)
Side Dishes
Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing
Cauliflower Couscous Salad
Crock Pot Baked Beans (or it’s baked brother, Judy’s Baked Beans!)
Italian Guacamole Salad
Southwestern Black Bean Dip
Classic Potato Salad
The BEST Pasta Salad
Ultimate Red-Skinned Potato Salad (Mayo-Free)
Cauliflower “Faux-Tato” Salad
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle
Italian Chickpea Salad
Tropical Fruit Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing
Marinated Vegetable Salad
Mojito Fruit Salad
Main Dishes
Homemade Brat Burgers with Gluten-Free Beer-Braised Caramelized Onions
Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa
Perfect Grilled Steak with Herb Butter
Easy Baked Ribs
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Desserts
No-Bake S’mores Icebox Cake
Triple Berry Crumb Bars
Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Ice Box Cake
Blueberry Almond Crisp
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dirt Cake
Peanut Butter S’Mores Cheesecake Ball
Strawberry-Blueberry Vanilla Chex Bars
Drinks
Boozy Frozé
Sparkling Mint Limeade
Strawberry Coconut Water Lemonade
Chambord Margarita
Dad’s Killer Beergaritas (be sure to use a GF beer if you need it!)
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Secret Ingredient Rose Sangria
Like this recipe? Share it with friends!
