Fourth of July is a time for family, friends, and of course, great food. These 21 recipes are perfect for your holiday celebration, offering a mix of classic and creative dishes. They are so good, you’ll want to make them all year round. From quick and easy sides to hearty mains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are rich and smooth, made with butter and heavy cream, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for a quick side dish. The main ingredients include russet potatoes, butter, and heavy cream. Enjoy these mashed potatoes with any main course, and they might just become a year-round favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Citrus asparagus couscous is a refreshing dish combining couscous, fresh asparagus, and a zesty citrus dressing. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a quick and easy side. The bright flavors of lemon and orange pair perfectly with the tender asparagus. Serve this vibrant dish at your next barbecue and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming skillet green beans are a flavorful, crunchy side dish made with fresh green beans and a blend of spices. This dish takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick addition to any meal. The green beans are cooked until tender-crisp and tossed in garlic and chili flakes for a spicy kick. Perfect for adding a bit of heat to your Fourth of July spread.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Summer Orzo Salad
Summer orzo salad is a light and refreshing pasta salad featuring orzo, cucumber, and tomatoes in a tangy dressing. It takes about 20 minutes to make, perfect for a hot day. The fresh vegetables and zesty dressing create a deliciously cool dish. Ideal for a picnic or as a side for your summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
Sweet potato fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a sweet and spicy sauce. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great appetizer or snack. The main ingredients are sweet potatoes, flour, and a mix of spices. Enjoy the balance of sweet and heat in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
Veggie Couscous Salad
Veggie couscous salad is a colorful mix of couscous and fresh vegetables, dressed in a light vinaigrette. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy side dish. The couscous absorbs the flavors of the dressing, while the vegetables add a satisfying crunch. Perfect for adding some freshness to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad
Zucchini Noodle Salad
Zucchini noodle salad is a refreshing, low-carb option made with spiralized zucchini and a tangy dressing. This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy side. The zucchini noodles are light and crisp, paired with a flavorful dressing. A great alternative to traditional pasta salads for your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
This ground beef burger is topped with crispy bacon and creamy avocado for a rich and satisfying meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick dinner. The juicy beef patty is complemented by the smoky bacon and smooth avocado. Enjoy this burger at your next cookout for a deliciously hearty option.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
California Steak Salad
California steak salad combines tender steak slices with fresh greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a hearty yet refreshing meal. The steak is juicy and flavorful, paired with creamy avocado and crisp vegetables. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Carolina BBQ chicken salad features shredded chicken in a tangy barbecue sauce, served over fresh greens. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and tasty meal. The barbecue chicken adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the crisp salad greens. Perfect for a satisfying and easy-to-make lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Cilantro lime chicken and rice is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and zesty lime rice. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a great weeknight dinner option. The chicken is marinated in a cilantro lime sauce, adding a burst of flavor to every bite. Serve this dish for a refreshing and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Citrus glazed pork chops are juicy and flavorful, with a tangy citrus glaze that caramelizes perfectly. This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and delicious main course. The pork chops are complemented by the sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for a special dinner that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Creamy balsamic chicken skillet features tender chicken breasts in a rich balsamic cream sauce. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and satisfying meal. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth to the creamy sauce. Serve this chicken dish for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
Garam masala cedar plank salmon is a flavorful dish with a unique blend of spices and a hint of smoky flavor from the cedar plank. This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare, including marinating and grilling time. The salmon is perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection. Great for a special occasion or a delicious summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled maple mustard chicken combines sweet maple syrup with tangy mustard for a deliciously balanced flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy grilled dish. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a perfect char from the grill. Serve this at your next barbecue for a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Grilled rockfish tacos are light and flavorful, featuring tender rockfish and a fresh topping. This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and tasty option. The rockfish is perfectly grilled and paired with a crisp slaw and tangy sauce. Perfect for a fun and easy summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Grilled shrimp grain bowl features tender shrimp over a bed of grains and fresh vegetables. This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and healthy meal. The shrimp are perfectly grilled, adding a smoky flavor to the fresh ingredients. Great for a nutritious and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
Lemon dill salmon and asparagus is a light and flavorful dish featuring oven-baked salmon and tender asparagus. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a quick and easy meal. The salmon is seasoned with lemon and dill, adding a fresh, zesty flavor. Serve this dish for a healthy and delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
Stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta are rich and creamy, filled with a savory spinach and ricotta mixture. This dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare, making it a hearty and comforting meal. The pasta shells are perfectly cooked and filled with a flavorful cheese mixture. Ideal for a satisfying and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia
Summer veggie couscous with sautéed tilapia features a mix of fresh vegetables and tender tilapia over fluffy couscous. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and healthy meal. The tilapia is perfectly seasoned and sautéed, adding a light and flavorful touch to the couscous. Great for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia
Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Tri-tip with pineapple mango red pepper salsa is a flavorful dish featuring tender tri-tip and a fresh, fruity salsa. This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare, including grilling time. The tri-tip is juicy and perfectly cooked, while the salsa adds a refreshing and sweet touch. Perfect for a special dinner or summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa