Happy (and tasty) 4th of July!

Felix Cortes -

4th of July is America's holiday. It's when we all gather (safely) to celebrate our nation's birthday. Maybe see the parade down on Main Street. Watch some breathtaking fireworks over the river or the city's skyline. Enjoy some ice-cold lemonade (or beer). And, of course: eat some delicious, tasty, food!

So, to get the creative juices flowing, let's turn to our Cookpad recipe database and assemble our...

Classic Outdoor Menu

With summer at its peak, Independence Day lends itself to the outdoors: be it grilling in the backyard or going out to a picnic with the family, there are some items that simply belong. A 4th of July without them would be like the stars and stripes... with no stars! Take a look:

Burgers

Of course, burgers! C'mon, you didn't think we'd forget about America's favorite sandwich, did you?

Nothing tastes more American than a good, tasty, juicy burger! Try one of these: Frank’s Hot Cheeseburgers, by the Cast Iron Soulé (left); Carolina Burger, by Thomas Harrington (right)

BBQ Chicken

Maybe burgers are not your thing? Well, then, fire up the grill and get some chick'n sizzlin'! (or bake them ahead in the oven)

These sweet-spicy chicken pieces will garner more attention than the fireworks display! Sharon's bbq chicken by Sharon Ellis (left); Oven BBQ Chicken, by Sherry Randall (right)

Vegan Options

Of course, Cookpad has something for everyone, and the growing Vegan crowd will be tickled pink with the ample plant-based options for the 4th of July feast!

Go green with the red, white, and blue! Patacón Beyond Meat Burger, by Exolence (left); Vegan Stuffed Grilled Red Bell Peppers, by Shellie Watson (right)

Pasta & Potato Salads

Any kind of salad will be a welcome addition to all outdoor gatherings, but traditionally, the pasta and potato varieties have been the most popular with the 4th of July crowd. Why? Well... because they're delicious, that's why!

Flavorful works of art! These salads will shine bright as the cloudless summer sky! Clockwise from top left: Pasta Salad, by Jessica K; Lauren's Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, by Lauren; Red Onion Potato Salad, by Crock Pot Girl; Creamy dill pickle potato salad, by Claudia Sanders

Sides

And since we're talking potatoes, let's talk potato skins! These loaded beauties are sure to be big hits!

Super extra fully loaded potato skins, by Chef Nena (left); Twice Baked Potato Skins, by Leelumae

And that's not all, folks! Because there are some pretty darn tasty corn on the cobs on Cookpad, too...

Nothing corny about these cobs! Roasted corn on the cob, by Laura (left); Corn on the cob grilled or baked, by Carrie (right)

Libations

Summer heat demands refreshments! And since we're celebrating, let's indulge (in moderation)!

The ideal trio for the festive evening! Katie's Perfect Strawberry Margarita (left); Passi Vikshali's alcohol-free Mojitos (center); Ann Jeffers' Hurricane. Cheers!

Happy birthday, America!

And... what's a birthday without cake, right?!

n_u has created this stunning American Flag Cake to celebrate 4th of July!