This Independence Day, cook up a spread of star-spangled 4th of July recipes worthy of America's birthday. From traditional 4th of July foods (we’re talking about you, coleslaw and potato salad) to modern, creative finger foods, we've rounded up mouthwatering recipes to help you celebrate the summer holiday in the most delicious way possible. Fire up the grill and make some of the best all-American entrees, keeping it classic with fried chicken, smoky meats, and burgers of all kinds — or even trying some zesty seafood recipes that taste like you’re eating beachside. You'll of course have to pair it with some delicious 4th of July apps, refreshing summer salads, or the best desserts to cap off a backyard barbecue. And don't forget the drink recipes to pair with all your cookout fare — it is the American way, after all.
And the fun doesn’t have to stop at your 4th of July menu: embrace your patriotic pride with some red-white-and-blue decorations or some creative crafts (we’ll be playing American Flag Corn Hole all summer long). The best way to celebrate living in the land of the free is with some old-fashioned summer fun, so go ahead and don your best blue garb, make some room on your plate, and raise a glass to 244 more years.
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1
Beef and Mushroom Burgers
These half-veggie, half-beefy burgers get an extra dose of flavor from mushrooms. With cheese and all the fixin's, they might just be the new ultimate burger.
Get the recipe for Beef and Mushroom Burgers »
RELATED: 50 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for True Meat Lovers
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2
Grilled Leek Potato Salad
Toss this mild oniony veg on the grill for a boost of charred flavor to a classic grainy mustard potato salad.
Get the recipe for Grilled Leek Potato Salad »
RELATED: 50 Easy BBQ Side Dishes to Make This Summer
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3
Tangy Charred Coleslaw
Lightly charring wedges of cabbage before cutting it into smaller pieces transforms ordinary slaw into extraordinary.
Get the recipe for Tangy Charred Coleslaw »
RELATED: 20 Must-Try Coleslaw Recipes for a Summer BBQ
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4
Steak Chimichurri
Make an extra batch of this zesty Argentinian-inspired herb, garlic, and chili sauce. You're going to want to spread it on everything.
Get the recipe for Steak Chimichurri »
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5
Chilled Tortellini Romesco
You'll never go back to plain old pasta once you've had a cheesy side salad. Bonus: the Romesco sauce can also be tossed with potatoes, or used as a dip or a killer sandwich spread.
Get the recipe for Chilled Tortellini Romesco »
RELATED: 40 Best Dips That Will Win Over Every Party Guest
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6
Grilled Chicken Wings
Once you toss this game-day classic on the grill, you'll never go back to boring fried wings again.
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken Wings »
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7
Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs
Sweet and spicy pickles and peppers make these grilled dogs a real winner.
Get the recipe for Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs »
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8
Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Lemon-Herb Sauce
A fiery, fragrant chile and mint relish is the perfect topper to perk up these smoky grilled sweet potatoes.
Get the recipe for Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Lemon-Herb Sauce »
RELATED: 60+ Grill Recipes That Will Be Your New Summer Favorites
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9
Grilled Pineapple
Juicy pineapple dipped in coconut sugar and cinnamon, then grilled until golden and caramelized, is the perfect start-of-summer dessert.
Get the recipe for Grilled Pineapple »
RELATED: How to Cut a Pineapple in a Few Easy Steps
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10
Charred Salsa
Grilling nearly all of the ingredients before blending gives this salsa its uniquely smoky flavor.
Get the recipe for Charred Salsa »
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11
Heirloom Tomato Salad
This salad is all about the tomatoes — choose the highest quality options you can find at the farmer's market or grocery store for the most delicious summer flavor.
Get the recipe for Heirloom Tomato Salad »
RELATED: 15 Fresh Tomato Salads You Have to Try This Summer
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12
Mexican Grilled Corn
Grilled corn gets even better with zesty, spicy, and smoky toppings. Oh, and plenty of crumbled Cotija cheese.
Get the recipe for Mexican Grilled Corn »
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13
Zucchanoush
For a fun, summery twist on baba ganoush, try swapping out eggplants for zucchini to take advantage of the summer squash in its peak season.
Get the recipe for Zucchanoush »
RELATED: 12 Light and Easy Summer Squash Recipes
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14
Grilled Green Beans, Fennel, and Farro
Packed with fiber-loaded farro, this flavorful side also makes for a light vegetarian main.
Get the recipe for Grilled Green Beans, Fennel, and Farro »
RELATED: 46 Hearty Vegetarian Recipes for the Whole Family
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15
Corn Wheels With Hot Honey Butter
Give summer a warm welcome by complementing your main with these sweet and spicy corn wheels. Top tip: The more honey butter, the better.
Get the recipe for Corn Wheels with Hot Honey Butter »
RELATED: 20 Easy Grilled Corn Recipes to Round Out Your Summer BBQ
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16
Greek Salad Recipe
Flavorful capers give this go-to Mediterranean dish a serious boost of flavor, while a pinch of confectioners’ sugar balances the tartness for the perfect zesty bite. Consider this our go-to Greek salad recipe.
Get the recipe for Greek Salad »
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17
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Roasted green chiles, gooey cheddar cheese, and a brioche bun are a genius way to take your burger game to the next level.
Get the recipe for Green Chile Cheeseburger »
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18
Charred Shrimp, Leek, and Asparagus Skewers
Because co*cktail shrimp are boring. Serve this shrimp and veggie trip with a spicy homemade sauce for a punch of flavor.
Get the recipe for Charred Shrimp, Leek, and Asparagus Skewers »
RELATED: 20 Quick and Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipes to Try This Summer
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19
Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad With Savory Quinoa Granola
Skip basic fruit salad. This cool and crunchy side is packed with fresh flavor.
Get the recipe for Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad with Savory Quinoa Granola »
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20
Ice Cream S'mores
Who needs a campfire?! These are a cinch to make with store-bought ice cream, graham crackers, and all your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Get the recipe for Ice Cream S'mores »
