✨Spark joy this Fourth of July with recipes that celebrate America✨

Americans may be diverse in our cultural and ethnic origins, but we’re united under one thing: sharing delicious food with loved ones. What better way to honor our rich cultural history than with a rich and diverse menu!

If your charcoal is already getting smokey, we’ve got you covered with a range of delicious grilling recipes. But this week we’re focused on the true heroes of summer: the delicious sides, refreshing drinks, and creative sweet treats which keep you coming back for more. If you’re like me and behind on your summer meal planning, these recipes will give you plenty inspiration to ensure your Fourth of July is a delicious one.

Side Salads 🥗

Pasta and potato salads are always a fan favorite - but why not get creative with different seasonal ingredients, like cauliflower, zucchini, or beetroot? These fresh creations are sure to be a hit at your next potluck!

4th of July cauliflower salad, instead of potato salad.📸 3head of cauliflower, celery salt, paprika, onion powder, chopped parsley

Zucchini Salad with Pecorino, Basil and Almonds⏱ 20 minutes · 📸 2extra-virgin olive oil, small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons), capers, chopped or not, plus 2 teaspoons caper brine, lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon juice, garlic clove, minced

Roasted beetroot, feta and orzo salad⏱ 1 hr (includes time to roast beetroots)medium raw beetroots, washed but left unpeeled, orzo pasta, spring onion finely chopped, Small handful of super sweet cherry tomatoes, feta cheese

Grilling and Frying 🌽

Who doesn’t love smokey flavors and crispy textures? So many fruits and veggies benefit from a little char on the grill or crunchy batter to compliment their natural sweetness. From across the country and beyond our southern border, there is inspiration everywhere to jazz up your summer produce.

[Vegan] Mexican Street Corncorn, cut in half, garlic oil, cilantro, limes, Chili powder

crispy fried green tomatoes⏱ 10 mins · 📸 4flour, cornmeal, milk, salt, pepper

Grilled Peachesreduced-fat sour cream, fat-free cream cheese, softened, agave (nectar), large peaches

Keeping it cool 🍹

Feeling the heat? Make your hydration a celebration with these delicious, non-alcoholic drinks perfect for the height of summer.

Mexican Horchata (rice drink)⏱ 15 mins · 📸 2Rice, sugar, vanilla extract, evaporated milk, water

Vickys Cherry Cucumber Coolers, GF DF EF SF NF⏱ 15 minscherries, pitted, cucumbers, pomegranate juice, mint leaves, sparkling/carbonated water

California Farm Sparkling Summer Coolers⏱ 15 minutesa, bottle Home made sparkling white wine or non-alcoholic sparkling white apple cider, mozambi yellow Lime juice, twisted lime peel, Sparkling water

Red, white and fruit! 🍓

We all love a bit of cake, but why not celebrate the patriotic colors of summer fruits with some dipped strawberries, a fruity twist on a baked Alaska, or the most American strawberry shortcake of all?

4th of July Strawberries📸 17Strawberries, White or Black Chocolate, Colored Sugar (blue is best when using white chocolate), Vegetable Oil

Patriotic Piebaked 9 inch pastry shell, raspberry sorbet, softened, fresh blueberries, egg whites at room temperature, vanilla

4th of July BBQ ShortcakeBisquick mix, sugar, milk, melted butter, strawberries (sliced)

If you enjoy these recipes, why not thank the authors by sharing a Cooksnap of your recreation! 📸  Or inspire someone else by contributing your favorite recipes. We always want to see what you’ve got rolled up your sleeve… ✨

Wishing you a safe and delicious Fourth of July from everyone at Cookpad, happy cooking! 🇺🇸