As the 4th of July gets closer, it’s time to get ready for the most patriotic celebration of the year! We like to imagine most scenes like this: friends and family gathered under a sky filled with fireworks, music in the air, and the tantalizing aroma of food on the grill.
What better way to honor our nation’s birthday than a party with mouth-watering dishes, delightful sides, and scrumptious desserts?
Well, we definitely have plenty of ideas, so let’s get to it.
Menu Ideas to Fire Up Your 4th
The grill is the center of any 4th of July celebration, so it’s time to turn up the heat with a selection of all-American favorites. Here are some crowd-pleasing menus that will keep your guests coming back for more:
Juicy grilled burgers & potato salad
Nothing says summer like a perfectly grilled burger. Set up a burger bar with all the fixings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, crispy bacon, cheese, and a variety of condiments. (Need a vegetarian option? Check out our tasty recipe for Caesar Chickpea Burgers.)
A creamy, tangy potato salad is another must. We endorse red potatoes for a pop of color, then add plenty of mayo, mustard, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles for that classic taste that hasn’t changed since childhood.
Steaks & Corn on the Cob
From sirloins to rib eyes, it’s impossible to go wrong with a classic steak served hot off the grill.
Picture this: Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper. Yeah, that sounds about right. Take it to another level by setting out mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime wedges, chili powder, and cilantro so your guests can make their own elote, aka Mexican-style street corn. Complement it with the perfect Chopped Salad Kit inspired by elote flavors: the Mexican-style Street Corn Chopped Salad Kit.
(Want to change things up a bit? Take a look at this Grilled Steakhouse Salad Flatbread Recipe featuring our Steakhouse Wedge Chopped Salad Kit.)
BBQ ribs with Beet & Cucumber Salad
Grilled chicken & watermelon wedges
Grilled chicken is a longtime summer favorite, but you already know that. Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in a zesty lemon-herb marinade and grill them until they’re juicy and tender. These are also great for guests looking for a lighter protein option.
The (unofficial) fruit of the 4th of July, you can never go wrong setting out a spread of watermelon wedges — ideally on a large plate with ice under it to keep things cool. Include lime wedges and chili powder for anyone wanting to spice theirs up a bit.
Feel like grilling some fruit instead? Grilled pineapple is a perfect match for our BBQ Ranch Chopped Salad Kit, and we have the recipe to prove it.
Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits: The Star-Spangled Stars of Your Salad Bar
Wait, there’s one more step to your perfect picnic: a ready-to-enjoy Chopped Salad Kit for summer flavors in just a matter of minutes. No need to worry about adding more things to your grocery list either — just open, toss together to combine, and serve! That’s as simple as it gets. Plus, less prep and cook time means more time in the pool, tossing a frisbee around, or maybe even shooting off some fireworks (careful!).
Here are three summer favorites we’re enjoying all season long:
Our Steakhouse Wedge Chopped Salad Kit is the epitome of classic American flavors. With crisp romaine lettuce, broccoli stalks, red & savoy cabbage, carrots, and green onions topped with crispy fried onions, steakhouse seasoning, and our Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing, it’s a hearty and satisfying addition to your 4th of July spread — especially alongside a juicy steak. Or maybe a juicy steak sliced thin and placed on top, if you’re aiming for efficiency. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Add a touch of the Southwest to your celebration with our Southwest Chopped Salad Kit! This feisty salad features a mix of green cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, pepitas, green onion, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips, all coated with a zesty Creamy Cilantro Dressing. You might as well toss on some of that grilled chicken you made earlier as well! If you’re keeping things vegetarian, avocado is perfectly at home as a protein topping (pro tip: try it grilled).
Satisfying Snacks!
Keep the party going strong with a variety of snacks to come back to throughout the day:
- Chips and dip: Serve up a selection of tortilla chips with fresh salsa, guacamole, and queso dip. Mix things up with multiple salsa options like green tomatillo, roasted salsas, and extra hot for those who want more kick to go with the summertime heat.
- Veggie platter: Balance out the heavier foods with a colorful veggie platter. Include options like carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and serve with ranch dip or hummus. Yet another pro tip: Let us save you some time with our selection of ready-to-eat Veggie Trays featuring an array of fresh veggies and tantalizing dip options — one less thing for you to do.
- Fruit skewers: Create vibrant fruit skewers with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and pineapple. These are easy to eat and add a refreshing touch to your spread. Plus, fruit is always better in the summer.
- Popcorn: Make a big batch of popcorn and season it with your favorite flavors, such as cheddar cheese, caramel, or even a spicy chili lime seasoning. Or just leave all the flavors out for your guests so they can make their own creations. (Seriously, a popcorn bar is some next-level stuff.)
Dazzling Desserts!
End your 4th of July celebration on a sweet note with these patriotic desserts that are as tasty as they are festive:
- Flag cake: A 4th of July classic, the flag cake is a sheet cake decorated with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream to resemble the American flag. (Plus, let’s be honest, it looks great on your social media feeds.)
- Berry trifle: Layered with angel food cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and fresh berries, a berry trifle is a light and refreshing dessert ideal for summer. Bonus: If you’re a little overextended with everything else you’re whipping up for your guests, you can make it with premade ingredients.
- Red, white, and blue popsicles: Cool down with homemade red, white, and blue popsicles. Use layers of strawberry puree, coconut milk, and blueberry puree for a festive and healthy treat. These are way better than anything you can get at the store.
- S’mores: A favorite anytime a fire is near. So, gather around the fire pit after the fireworks have finished and make classic s’mores with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Well done or slightly toasted marshmallows? The debate rages on.
Need More Independence Day-Ready Recipes to Check Out?
We’ve racked up a wide range of summer-ready recipes over the years. Take advantage of this treasure trove of ideas and browse some of our favorites for anyone looking to branch out or simply add some exciting options to their party spread:
- Mango Lemonade Salad With Shrimp Skewers
- Shredded BBQ Chicken Salad
- Grilled Avocado and Kale Chopped Salad
- Dill Pickle Chopped Burger
- Grilled Shrimp and Watermelon Skewer Salad
- BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Salad
- Street Corn And Chicken Tacos
- Summer Spinach Salad with Grilled Corn, Strawberries, and Feta
- Asian Chopped Salad with Grilled Teriyaki Kebabs
- Grilled Tilapia Lime and Avocado Tacos
- Dill Pickle Salad with Honey Mustard Chicken
- Grilled Peach Citrus Crunch Salad
Happy Birthday, America!
This 4th of July, make your picnic or party one for the books with a diverse spread of delicious dishes that showcase the very best of classic American cuisine. From mouthwatering mains to show-stopping sides, dazzling desserts, and satisfying snacks, your party will be the talk of the neighborhood.
So, here’s to a star-spangled celebration filled with good food, great company, and unforgettable memories. We wish you a happy and safe 4th of July!
