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. Recipe by skunkmonkey101
Very yummy
Cookpadskunkmonkey101
Zucchini Salad with Pecorino, Basil and Almonds Recipe by Ricardo
This zucchini salad by Alexa Weibel makes a great starter or a side, but it can also be the foundation of a meal: Add it to cooked penne or pearl couscous for a quick pasta salad, or scatter it over a slice of grilled bread that’s been slathered with mascarpone or ricotta. #GlobalApron #raw #vegetar…
CookpadRicardo
Roasted beetroot, feta and orzo salad Recipe by Kate Carless
A lovely friend delivered some beetroots from his allotment last week and I wasn’t sure what to do with them but I’m pretty pleased with how this turned out. Simply roasted with a little balsamic vinegar and combined with some deliciously sweet tomatoes from my own garden makes for a yummy seasonal …
CookpadKate Carless

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 Corn Recipe by Fiona Ó Ruairc
Note: To make garlic oil, bring a 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil to a simmer in a small saucepan. Add three smashed garlic cloves and simmer until cloves turn golden brown. Remove cloves and allow to cool. Oil can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
CookpadFiona Ó Ruairc
Add a kick to your grilled corn with these flavors from south of the border
crispy fried green tomatoes Recipe by corliviamw
Great recipe for crispy fried green tomatoes.
Cookpadcorliviamw
Grilled Peaches Recipe by ccallen
2 SmartPoints
Cookpadccallen
Peaches and (sour) cream! A tangy twist on the all American classic

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) Recipe by Bubulubu
I love Horchata!! It’s such a light drink that can be enjoyed anytime. :flower
CookpadBubulubu
Vickys Cherry Cucumber Coolers, GF DF EF SF NF Recipe by Vicky@Jacks Free-From Cookbook
A nice summer refresher
CookpadVickyJacks Free-From Cookbook
Cherries, cucumber, and mint! The most refreshing combination
California Farm Sparkling Summer Coolers Recipe by Hobby Horseman
Here are six different non alcoholic summer drinks we make from sparkling wines and fruit juices. With ice cubes, drinks are 0% to 3% ABV. These used to be called wine coolers when pants were called bell bottoms.
CookpadHobby Horseman

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 Recipe by Silvia
Easy last minute recipe for 4th of July!
CookpadSilvia
Patriotic Pie Recipe by kimberly.seaburg.9
I made this red, white, and blue take- off of Baked Alaska for a friend’s last day in the Air Force.
Cookpadkimberly.seaburg.9
4th of July BBQ Shortcake Recipe by Nichole
Great recipe for 4th of July BBQ Shortcake.
CookpadNichole

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! 🇺🇸