30 4Th Of July Side Dishes You Will Want To Make All Summer

As the 4th of July approaches, it’s time to start planning an unforgettable celebration with loved ones. A classic American tradition is a backyard barbecue, and what better way to complement the grilled meats and veggies than with some mouth-watering side dishes? From Baked Beans to Mac and Cheese, and fresh salads galore, the possibilities are endless! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal 30 must-try 4th of July side dishes that will keep you grilling all summer long.

And as a special treat, we’ll also dive into a bonus section dedicated entirely to potato salads – the ultimate star of the show.

Mac And Cheese

Mastering the art of comfort food, Mac And Cheese stands supreme. Begin by cooking macaroni until it’s slightly firmer than al dente, then drain and set it aside. Next, combine butter and flour to create a rich roux, gradually introducing mustard and milk while whisking continuously. To prevent lumps from forming, pour approximately one-quarter of the mixture into a beaten egg, still whisking. The result is a silky-smooth base for your Mac And Cheese.

Add shredded cheese to melt with a pinch of salt and pepper, then combine it with the cooked macaroni. You can serve this creamy concoction directly from the pot or transfer it to a baking dish, topping it with additional cheese before baking until the cheese has melted to perfection.

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Indulge in the simplicity and elegance of this Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad, a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Begin by halving a selection of cherry tomatoes, which will then be perfectly balanced with creamy mozzarella balls, a drizzle of rich olive oil, a splash of tangy balsamic vinegar, a pinch of Kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.

The crowning glory is the addition of fragrant basil leaves, carefully stirred in to create a harmonious blend that’s sure to impress. Serve immediately and savor every bite.

Caprese Salad

Transform your plate into a patriotic masterpiece with this vibrant Caprese Salad recipe. The star-spangled trifecta of flavors comes from combining halved cherry tomatoes, antioxidant-rich blueberries, and creamy mozzarella cheese cut into dainty stars using a cookie cutter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh blueberries, torn basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil infused with balsamic vinegar.

The crowning glory is, of course, the arrangement of mozzarella stars on top, which await only your seasonings to complete this all-American masterpiece.

Watermelon Blueberry Salad

To create this patriotic Watermelon Blueberry Salad, start by dicing the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and combining them with fresh blueberries. Next, heat up a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar in a pan until it reaches a syrupy consistency, then let it cool. When serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and drizzle with the balsamic glaze – or offer it on the side for added flavor.

Red, White, And Blue Fruit Salad

For a refreshing twist on traditional patriotic treats, consider this vibrant fruit salad as an alternative to the classic red, white, and blue combination. Its citrusy sweetness makes it an excellent choice for a light dessert or snack following a hearty 4th of July barbecue.

To prepare, begin by rinsing the blueberries and hulled strawberries, then halve the latter and slice the banana into bite-sized chunks.

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey and freshly squeezed lime juice until well combined. Pour the mixture over the fruit to coat, and serve immediately.

Grilled Asparagus

For optimal results, aim to preheat your grill to a sizzling hot temperature that will yield tantalizing char marks on the asparagus spears. Begin by lightly drizzling the spears with olive oil, followed by a pinch of salt. Then, place them directly onto the grill and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Grilled Corn On The Cob

When firing up the barbecue, it’s only natural to want to cook some succulent corn on the cob alongside your burgers and hot dogs. To ensure a perfect char, make sure the grill is preheated to a medium-high heat. If you’re grilling ears without husks, give them a light brush of avocado oil for added flavor and moisture. Close the lid while grilling and rotate the corn every now and then to achieve an even charring effect.

Once cooked to your liking, remove from the grill and finish with a pat of butter and your choice of seasonings.

Grilled Watermelon

As you prepare for your 4th of July celebration, why not shake things up with a refreshing twist on traditional grilled foods? Grilled Watermelon can be just the thing to provide a welcome respite from the usual meat and vegetable-centric fare. To achieve perfectly charred and flavorful results, start by heating your grill grates to a high temperature – ideally between 450°F and 500°F.

Next, combine salt, sugar, and lime zest to create a flavorful mixture that you can then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the watermelon wedges. Be sure to press out any excess moisture with paper towels before placing them on the grill. Once marked, your grilled watermelon should take around three minutes per side to cook to perfection.

Broccoli Salad

To craft this unique salad, start by finely chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Next, toast the almonds to bring out their distinct flavor. The dressing is also noteworthy, featuring a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and black pepper that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Wedge Salad With Blue Cheese

When hosting a 4th of July gathering, you can’t go wrong with a classic combination featuring iceberg lettuce. To prepare this refreshing side dish, start by cutting the head of iceberg lettuce into four equal wedges. Arrange these on a plate alongside crumbled blue cheese, salt, pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and quartered cherry tomatoes. For an added layer of flavor, whisk together sour cream, lemon juice, plain yogurt, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to create a tangy dressing.

Spoon this over the lettuce mixture and serve immediately for a delightful addition to your patriotic celebration.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Transform your meal with the delightful flavors of a Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. The combination of crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, pungent sharp Cheddar cheese, and richly creamy sauce created from a blend of heavy cream and eggs will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

BLT Pasta Salad

Indulge in a satisfying BLT Pasta Salad that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The key lies in combining the savory flavors of ranch seasoning mix with the brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice. To take it up a notch, crisp up some bacon and add thinly sliced Romaine lettuce for a delightful texture. Finally, halve some grape tomatoes and serve them alongside the pasta for a pop of color and sweetness. This indulgent salad is sure to become a new favorite.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

When hosting a summer barbecue, this pasta salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Begin by cooking the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain, rinse, and set aside. Meanwhile, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, milk, and garlic powder to create the creamy dressing. Once both components are ready, combine the cooked pasta with chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and shredded Cheddar cheese in a large bowl.

Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss to ensure everything is well coated. This salad is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering.

Pesto Pasta Salad

When preparing pasta salads with pesto, efficiency is key. Begin by cooking fusilli pasta in salted water, then promptly drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Next, transfer the pasta to a bowl where you can effortlessly stir in the pesto. To add some texture and flavor, fold in halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes, followed by a pinch of seasoning. If the mixture appears slightly parched, a drizzle of olive oil can work wonders.

Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.

Chipotle Pasta Salad

Transform your pasta dishes with this zesty and satisfying side dish that cleverly incorporates adobo sauce. Begin by cooking the pasta until al dente, then drain, rinse, and set it aside. Next, combine whole milk with mayonnaise to create a creamy base, stirring in white vinegar until well combined. Add the savory adobo sauce, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth.

Toss this dressing with the cooked pasta, then add some freshness with halved English cucumber, halved cherry or yellow grape tomatoes, and cubed mozzarella. Combine all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Fireworks Pasta Salad

To create another mouthwatering pasta salad, try the Fireworks Pasta Salad. Start by cooking tubetti pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it. Next, in a bowl combine Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar, cayenne pepper, and paprika to form the dressing. Add some excitement to your salad by chopping up spicy dill pickles, celery, and red onion, as well as slicing roasted peppers from a jar.

Once you have all your ingredients prepared, toss them with the dressing and add some fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Season to taste, then refrigerate your salad until it’s chilled before serving.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Take a classic approach to pasta with this indulgent Macaroni Salad recipe. Begin by cooking the macaroni al dente, then allow it to drain thoroughly before combining it in a bowl with a medley of crunchy vegetables – think celery, onion, and a vibrant mix of red and green bell peppers. For the dressing, whisk together an intoxicating blend of apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper, and a hint of mustard until smooth.

Pour this creamy concoction over the pasta and veggies, giving it a good stir to ensure everything is well coated. Finally, refrigerate the salad for at least four hours to allow the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.

Corn And Black Bean Salsa

When crafting this salsa, consider blending canned black beans and tomatoes with the added depth that fresh corn kernels bring. The brightness of freshly squeezed lime juice, combined with the warmth of a jalapeño pepper, the earthiness of cumin, and the pungency of garlic, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. To complement this dish, provide tortilla chips for guests to indulge in.

Colorful Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a quintessential component of any 4th of July celebration. To prepare this iconic side dish, begin by thinly slicing a mix of green and purple cabbage, sweet peppers, and carrots. Combine these colorful vegetables in a bowl. Next, whisk together whole milk, mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and hot sauce to create the dressing. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.

Finally, sprinkle with cilantro leaves, refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld, then season and serve.

Ranch Chopped Salad

To create a classic salad, begin by cooking the bacon until it reaches a crispy state. Once done, remove the cooked bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Next, prepare the dressing by combining parsley, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, buttermilk, and garlic in a bowl. Season the mixture to taste before setting it aside. In a separate container, combine scallions, grape tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, the cooked bacon, and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring everything is well coated. Finally, stir the mixture gently to combine all the flavors, then sprinkle additional cheese on top for added flavor and texture.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

As you’re firing up the grill for your 4th of July celebration, consider using any leftover chicken in this refreshing salad. The star of the show is a creamy dressing made by whipping heavy cream until soft peaks form, then combining it with diced chicken, sweet and juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, crispy celery, tangy mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

Poblano Potato Bundles

Transform your outdoor cooking experience with Poblano Potato Bundles, a delicious side dish that can be grilled alongside your other favorite treats. Simply combine diced potatoes with sautéed onion, thinly sliced poblano peppers, melted butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, paprika, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and pepper in a single bowl. Next, divide the mixture into equal portions and place each one into a foil packet, sealing it tightly to lock in flavors and moisture.

Finally, grill the packets until the potatoes are tender and enjoy the satisfying crunch of the poblano peppers and the creamy flavor of the butter and cream.

Grilled Hasselback Potatoes

When it comes to adding some excitement to your Fourth of July celebration, Grilled Hasselback Potatoes are an excellent choice. Not only do they look impressive, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare and offer a unique twist on traditional potato dishes. The beauty of these potatoes lies in their ability to be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy hosts.

To get started, simply slice the potatoes crosswise, leaving about a quarter inch between each slice but not cutting all the way through the skin. Rinse the potatoes under cold water, pat them dry with a paper towel, and then fan them out slightly to create some space between each slice. Next, add some butter between the slices for an extra burst of flavor. Finally, brush the bottom of the potatoes with olive oil before wrapping them in foil and grilling until crispy.

You may want to remove the foil during the final 15-20 minutes to give the potatoes a nice golden brown color.

Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue Baked Beans is a culinary delight that effortlessly pairs with a variety of dishes, from juicy burgers to fresh pasta salads. One of its greatest advantages is the ability to prepare it in advance, as simply combining beans, onion, brown sugar, yellow mustard, ketchup, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce can get the process started. After baking uncovered for approximately an hour, allow the dish to stand for a 20-minute period before serving.

Three Bean Salad

Kickstart your 4th of July celebration with a delightful Three Bean Salad that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. Begin by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a pinch of salt, and cooking the green beans until they’re tender yet retain a satisfying crunch. Once cooked, drain the beans, rinse them under cold running water, and chop them into bite-sized one-inch pieces.

Asparagus Salad

Impress your guests with this delectable Asparagus Salad, elevated by a refreshing lemon vinaigrette! Begin by steaming the asparagus in boiling water until tender, then immediately submerge them in an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve their vibrant green hue. Chop the spears into bite-sized two-inch pieces for a visually appealing presentation.

To take it to the next level, you can opt to marinate the asparagus in a zesty vinaigrette made by whisking together lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously, resulting in an explosion of citrusy goodness.

Finish the dish with some crunchy scallions and radishes, then give it a gentle toss to combine. This salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Grilled Corn Salad

To prepare this mouthwatering grilled salad, start by brushing the corn ears and onion rings with a generous amount of olive oil. Next, sprinkle your desired seasonings over the top before placing them on the barbecue grill to get that perfect char. Once cooked, allow the mixture to cool before moving on to crafting the dressing. Combine freshly squeezed lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor.

Gradually add more olive oil while continuously blending until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, combine the chopped onion, shucked corn, diced yellow tomatoes, sliced avocados, pinto beans, and pimientos before drizzling with the freshly made dressing.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

The art of simplicity can sometimes yield the most impressive results. This salad’s understated charm stems from its uncomplicated composition: thin slivers of cucumber and red onion, paired with juicy Roma tomatoes and creamy diced avocado. A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of freshness, while a judicious blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar brings the flavors together in perfect harmony.

Simply combine the ingredients, refrigerate until serving time, and let the subtle nuances unfold.

Zucchini Noodle Salad

To prepare this scrumptious Zucchini Noodle Salad, break out the spiralizer and transform a few zucchinis into noodle-like strands. Next, combine these with crispy bacon, fragrant fresh basil leaves, and halved grape tomatoes. For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Then, pour it over the salad, toss everything together, and serve.

Caesar Salad Spears

Simplify your Caesar Salad experience by focusing on the star of the show: crunchy Romaine lettuce spears. For an added layer of texture, create crispy croutons from French bread, toasted with a blend of olive oil, salted butter, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Meanwhile, craft your dressing by whirring together olive oil and garlic, then adding the pungency of anchovies, tanginess of balsamic vinegar, creaminess of Dijon mustard, savory depth of Worcestershire sauce, brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Once your dressing reaches the perfect consistency, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

To assemble, drizzle the dressing over chilled Romaine lettuce spears, topping with croutons and finishing with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Bonus Section: Potato Salad

Elevate the humble side dish game by incorporating a potato salad that packs a punch. From classic recipes to bold twists like a Red Potato Salad or a spicy Jalapeño Pepper Potato Salad, the options are endless. This flavorful addition is sure to bring excitement to any meal.

Red Potato Salad

To add a pop of color and flavor to your meal, we’ll start by creating a bold Red Potato Salad. Begin by boiling the red potatoes until they’re tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, then drain and let them cool. Once cooled, cut them into manageable pieces.

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

To add some freshness and crunch, toss in chopped celery, dill, and cooked bacon slices with the red potatoes. The result is a deliciously bold side dish that’s sure to be a hit.

Potato Salad

When it comes to sides that can add substantial heft to a dish, Potato Salad is an excellent choice. The key to achieving this is by cooking Russet Potatoes just until they’re al dente – a crucial step in avoiding mashed potatoes. Begin by peeling and dicing the spuds, then boil them until they reach this perfect texture.

Let them cool while you take care of the other components: hard-boil some eggs, mix them with a medley of flavors including dill pickles, pickle juice, diced onion, and yellow mustard. Once the potatoes have cooled, combine everything in a single bowl and season to taste before serving.

Final Thoughts

While the barbecue is undoubtedly the star of the show at your 4th of July celebration, a thoughtfully selected few side dishes can elevate the overall experience. This consideration is particularly important when catering to vegetarian guests, who deserve just as much attention and variety as their meat-eating counterparts. To this end, you might consider whipping up a hearty potato or pasta salad, or perhaps warming up a crowd-pleasing Zucchini Casserole or Baked Beans.