As the 4th of July approaches, it’s time to gear up for the most patriotic celebration of the year! Imagine the scene: friends and family gathered under a sky filled with fireworks, music in the air, and the tantalizing aroma of food on the grill. And what better way to honor our nation’s birthday than with a party with mouth-watering dishes, delightful sides, and scrumptious desserts?
We have plenty of ideas.
Menu Ideas to Fire Up Your 4th
The grill is the heart of any 4th of July celebration, so it’s time to turn up the heat with a selection of all-American favorites. Here are some crowd-pleasing menus that will keep your guests coming back for more:
Juicy grilled burgers & potato salad: Nothing says summer like a perfectly grilled burger and cool potato salad. Set up a burger bar with all the fixings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, crispy bacon, cheese, and a variety of condiments. (Need a vegetarian option? Check out our tasty recipe for Caesar Chickpea Burgers.)
A creamy, tangy potato salad is another must. Use red potatoes for a pop of color and add plenty of mayo, mustard, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles for that classic taste.
Steaks & Corn on the Cob: From sirloins to rib eyes, it’s impossible to go wrong with a classic steak served hot off the grill. (Want to change things up a bit? Take a look at this Grilled Steakhouse Salad Flatbread Recipe featuring our Steakhouse Wedge Chopped Salad Kit.)
Picture this: Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper. Yum! Take it to another level by setting out mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime wedges, chili powder, and cilantro so your guests can make their own elote, aka Mexican-style street corn. Complement it with the perfect Chopped Salad Kit inspired by elote flavors: the Mexican-style Street Corn Chopped Salad Kit.
BBQ ribs with Beet & Cucumber Salad: Slow-cooked to perfection, BBQ ribs are sure to be a hit. Slather them in your favorite barbecue sauce and serve them hot off the grill. Then cool things down with our Beet & Cucumber Green Goddess Salad, made in just a few minutes with our Green Goddess Chopped Salad Kit. Bright & refreshing, this side salad looks as good as it tastes.
Grilled chicken & watermelon wedges: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in a zesty lemon-herb marinade and grill them until they’re juicy and tender. These are also great for guests looking for a lighter option.
The unofficial fruit of the 4th of July, you can never go wrong setting out a spread of watermelon wedges — ideally on a large plate with ice under it to keep things cool. Include lime wedges and chili powder for anyone who wants to spice theirs up a bit.
Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits: The Star-Spangled Stars of Your Salad Bar
Wait, there’s one more step to your perfect picnic! An easy-peasy Chopped Salad Kit for summer flavors in just a matter of minutes. No need to worry about adding more things to your grocery list either — simply open, toss together to combine, and serve! Here are three summer favorites we’re enjoying all season long:
Our Steakhouse Wedge Chopped Salad Kit is the epitome of classic American flavors. With crisp romaine lettuce, broccoli stalks, red & savoy cabbage, carrots, and green onions topped with crispy fried onions, steakhouse seasoning, and our Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing, it’s a hearty and satisfying addition to your 4th of July spread — especially alongside a juicy steak.
Add a touch of the Southwest to your celebration with our Southwest Chopped Salad Kit! This feisty salad features a mix of green cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, pepitas, green onion, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips, all coated with a zesty Creamy Cilantro Dressing. You might as well toss on some of that grilled chicken you made earlier as well!
Our BBQ Ranch Chopped Salad Kit is an easy pick to include on the 4th. With romaine lettuce, red & savoy cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and green onions all topped with crispy chili lime squares and our tangy BBQ Ranch Dressing, this salad is packed with summer flavors. It’s the perfect side for any grilled meat or even as a standalone dish if you’re trying to pace yourself while you work your way through that amazing spread you’ve created.
Satisfying Snacks!
Keep the party going with a variety of snacks to nibble on throughout the day:
- Chips and dip: Serve up a selection of tortilla chips with fresh salsa, guacamole, and queso dip.
- Veggie platter: Balance out the indulgent foods with a colorful veggie platter. Include options like carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and serve with ranch dip or hummus. Pro tip: Allow us to save you some time with our selection of ready-to-eat Veggie Trays featuring an array of fresh veggies and tantalizing dip options.
- Fruit skewers: Create vibrant fruit skewers with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and pineapple. These are easy to eat and add a refreshing touch to your spread.
- Popcorn: Make a big batch of popcorn and season it with your favorite flavors, such as cheddar cheese, caramel, or a spicy chili lime seasoning.
Dazzling Desserts!
End your 4th of July celebration on a sweet note with these patriotic desserts that are as delicious as they are festive:
- Flag cake: A 4th of July classic, the flag cake is a sheet cake decorated with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream to resemble the American flag. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
- Berry trifle: Layered with angel food cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and fresh berries, a berry trifle is a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer. Plus, it can be made with premade ingredients if you’re a little overextended with everything else you’re whipping up for your guests.
- Red, white, and blue popsicles: Cool down with homemade red, white, and blue popsicles. Use layers of strawberry puree, coconut milk, and blueberry puree for a festive and healthy treat.
- S’mores: Gather around the fire pit after the fireworks have finished and make classic s’mores with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate!
Need More Independence Day-Ready Recipes to Check Out?
We’ve racked up a ton of summer-ready recipes over the years. Here are some of our favorites for anyone looking to branch out or simply add some exciting options to their party spread:
- Mango Lemonade Salad With Shrimp Skewers
- Shredded BBQ Chicken Salad
- Dill Pickle Chopped Burger
- Street Corn And Chicken Tacos
- Summer Spinach Salad with Grilled Corn, Strawberries and Feta
- Asian Chopped Salad with Grilled Teriyaki Kebabs
- Grilled Tilapia Lime and Avocado Tacos
- Dill Pickle Salad with Honey Mustard Chicken
Happy Birthday, America!
This 4th of July, make your picnic or party one to remember with an array of delicious dishes that showcase the best of American cuisine. From mouthwatering mains to show-stopping sides, dazzling desserts, and satisfying snacks, your party will be the talk of the neighborhood.
So, here’s to a star-spangled celebration filled with good food, great company, and unforgettable memories. We wish you a happy and safe 4th of July!