21 Fourth of July Favorites that Are Too Good to Eat only Once a Year

Photo of author

| Published:

21 Fourth of July Favorites that Are Too Good to Eat only Once a Year

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.

A bowl of winter salad with strawberries, avocado, and feta cheese.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans.
Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate.
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 in a white serving bowl on a wooden board.
Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background.
Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 assembled on a blue board.
Grilled Rockfish Tacos. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

Hands holding a baking dish with Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 Sauteed Tilapia. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.