As the 4th of July approaches, it’s time to start planning your menu. These 23 classic Independence Day dishes are surprisingly easy to make, so you don’t spend all day in the kitchen!
Watergate Salad
Pistachio fluff salad, also known as Watergate salad, is a breeze to prepare with just 5 ingredients, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for your 4th of July celebration. This classic recipe has been a holiday favorite for generations.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
7 Layer Salad Recipe
The traditional 7 layer salad has been a popular choice for barbecues, potlucks, and church suppers for years. Its elegant presentation and easy preparation make it a go-to side dish for your 4th of July gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Mandarin Orange Pie
This no-bake Mandarin Orange Pie is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for beating the summer heat during your 4th of July celebration. With juicy mandarin oranges and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a light and simple recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Pie
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
These cheesy grilled potatoes & onions are a simple and flavorful side dish for your 4th of July cookout. Topped with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, they’re easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
Red, White and Blue Poke Cake
This 4th of July poke cake is an easy and festive dessert for your Independence Day celebration. Using a boxed cake mix, Jello, and just a few other ingredients, it’s a simple recipe that captures the patriotic spirit of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Poke Cake
Fajita Burgers
Bring the flavor of fajitas to your 4th of July burgers! These easy-to-make griddle burgers feature ground beef mixed with fajita seasoning and cooked alongside veggies on a Blackstone griddle, making them a perfect addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Burgers
Amish Macaroni Salad
Amish macaroni salad, with its creamy and slightly sweet flavor, is a perfect side dish for your 4th of July gatherings. The simple yet delicious ingredients make it an easy-to-prepare crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Crock Pot hot dogs are the best way to cook for a crowd during your 4th of July party. The slow cooker perfectly steams the hot dogs, making them an easy and convenient option for your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Enjoy the fresh summer flavors of peaches and blueberries with this simple yet delicious dessert. The buttery oat topping makes it an easy and comforting treat for your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp
Broccoli Slaw
This creamy broccoli slaw is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for your 4th of July BBQ. With crunchy veggies and a creamy dressing, it’s a flavor explosion that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw
Mini Cheesecake Parfaits
These mini cheesecake parfaits, with layers of cheesecake filling and fresh fruit, are a simple and delightful dessert for your 4th of July gathering. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheesecake Parfaits
Crockpot Little Smokies
This easy 3-ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies recipe is a simple and popular appetizer that’s perfect for your 4th of July party. With minimal preparation required, it’s a convenient choice for your holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies
Peach Caprese Salad
This easy peach Caprese salad takes the classic dish to a new level with juicy summer peaches. It’s a refreshing, no-cook side that’s perfect for hot 4th of July gatherings and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Cherry Salad
Beat the summer heat at your 4th of July celebration with a classic Cherry Salad, also called Pink Fluff. This staple at potlucks & cookouts requires just 6 ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to make, making it an easy addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Texas Caviar Dip
This classic recipe for Texas Caviar, also called Cowboy Caviar, is a fresh and colorful salad that’s easy to prepare for your 4th of July gathering. The sweet and tangy dip is a hearty combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip
Amish Potato Salad
Amish potato salad, with its creamy and tangy flavor, is a staple at summer cookouts and an easy-to-make side dish for your 4th of July celebration. Mustard, sugar, and celery seed give it a classic taste that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Grilled steak kabobs are an easy all-in-one dinner that’s perfect for your 4th of July celebration. Marinated beef combined with tender vegetables makes for a delicious and simple meal cooked on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This hearty and flavorful Tortellini Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Pesto is an easy-to-make main course that’s perfect for your 4th of July picnic or cookout. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This easy broccoli crunch salad, with crisp raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon, is a perfect side dish for your 4th of July summer picnics. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Pea Salad
Vintage pea salad, with its creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, is a perfect make-ahead salad for your 4th of July cookout, Easter, or Christmas celebration. This classic dish is easy to prepare and has been a favorite for generations.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Grilled Clam Bake
This grilled clam bake, featuring clams and corn cooked on the grill, is an easy and flavorful addition to your 4th of July menu. It’s a simple way to enjoy the flavors of a classic clam bake without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Clam Bake
Lunch Lady Brownies
These Lunch Lady Brownies are an easy-to-make dessert that allows you to recreate the classic taste of your childhood in your own kitchen. Perfect for your 4th of July celebration, these brownies are a quick and nostalgic treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Lunch Lady Brownies
Salt Potatoes
Salt Potatoes, a staple recipe in upstate New York, are a simple and delicious side dish for your 4th of July gathering. These creamy, buttery, bite-sized potatoes are easy to prepare and especially enjoyable when served with melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes
