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The Ultimate 4th of July Menu
A festive lineup of mains, sides, drinks, and desserts to celebrate summer in style.

Hi foodie,
The 4th of July is just around the corner, and you know what that means, grills are firing up, coolers are filling with drinks, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather around delicious food. Whether you're planning a full-on backyard BBQ or a casual picnic with friends, I’ve put together the ultimate summer menu with easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.
And if you're not celebrating the 4th (I know many of you aren’t in the U.S. - hi international friends! 🌍), don’t worry, these recipes are perfect for any summer picnic, potluck, or sunny gathering.
So wherever you are, and however you're celebrating, these mains, sides, and no-bake desserts are here to make your summer a whole lot tastier.
🥗 SIDES & SALADS
Creamy Coleslaw

Crunchy, creamy, and tangy—this is the perfect slaw for topping sandwiches or serving on the side.
Classic Pasta Salad

A refreshing cold pasta salad loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a zesty dressing. Make it ahead for easy hosting.
Greek Tzatziki

Cool and creamy, this Greek yogurt-based sauce is perfect with gyros, grilled meats, or as a dip.
For more ideas - check out all my salads and side dishes
⭐ MAINS
Juicy Homemade Burgers

The classic we all know and love, simple, beefy, and made for the grill. Add cheese, pickles, or any of your favorite toppings.
Arayes (Grilled Stuffed Pita with Meat)

Middle Eastern-style pita pockets filled with spiced meat and grilled to perfection. Crunchy outside, juicy inside.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Crispy, golden, and stacked with creamy slaw or pickles, this sandwich is a serious upgrade to your usual cookout lineup.
🍰 DESSERTS
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

Creamy, rich, and chilled, this pie is a peanut butter lover’s dream and perfect for hot days.
Blueberry Cheesecake

Fresh, fruity, and perfect for spring. This one jumped into the top 5 out of nowhere — clearly a new favorite!
Mini Cheesecakes
Bite-sized and versatile, these can be topped with fresh fruit, jam, or a drizzle of chocolate.
You can find more dessert recipe ideas here
Drinks and Cocktails
Strawberry Sangria

This fruity sangria is made with fresh strawberries, citrus, white wine, and a splash of rum. It’s light, sweet, and dangerously easy to sip—perfect for summer gatherings or BBQs.
Lemonade

Refreshing and tangy with just the right amount of sweetness, this homemade lemonade is made with real lemons and is the ultimate thirst-quencher for hot summer days.
Strawberry Iced Tea

A fruity twist on classic iced tea—this drink blends black tea with sweet strawberries and a touch of lemon for a vibrant and refreshing beverage that’s perfect served over ice.
Find more cocktail and drink recipes
You can find more recipes here:
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Happy Cooking!

David