The 4th of July is filled with potlucks, picnics and pool days, so celebrate the day with a spectacular spread all your friends and family will love! But no matter how you’re spending the nation’s birthday, show your patriotic pride with delicious dishes and colorful desserts in good ol’ red, white and blue.
Simple Starters and Easy Main Dishes
A 4th of July picnic would not be complete without potato salad. But instead of relying on a traditional mayonnaise-based potato salad, try something a little lighter like an Herbed Walnut Potato Salad using red potatoes, olive oil, white vinegar and dijon mustard as the base.
For another inventive swap, trade standard coleslaw for a Pickled Red Cabbage and Apple Salad with Walnuts. Antioxidant-rich red cabbage teams up with naturally tart green apples with a generous dose of flavor from a cider vinegar dressing. It works great as a burger topper or a side on its own!
Sweet Treats for Everyone
When the fireworks are done, it’s time to end the night with a sweet summer treat (or two)! Consider a summer dessert classic — S’mores. But before you reach for the usual ingredients, we’ve got two ways to put a twist on the campy treat.
First, try a fruity stars and stripes take with Red, White, and Blueberry S’mores featuring blueberries, strawberries, and walnuts smothered in marshmallow creme and sandwiched between those traditional graham crackers. Then, for a more gourmet twist, deconstruct the classic recipe to make these Pinterest-worthy Walnut Campfire S’mores cups—no campfire required!
Of course, there’s nothing more American than an apple pie, so make sure this decadent Walnut Streusel Apple Pie is on the dessert table! Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant crowd-pleaser.
With these simple-to-make recipes (and plenty of others) your celebration menu will come together in no time at all so you can enjoy spending time with friends and family!
