Fourth of July Recipes

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Dean, Elaine Johnson, and Amy Machnak

The Party Starter (Watermelon Tequila Cocktail)

This refreshing watermelon cocktail is a pure taste of summer. For a nonalcoholic version, skip the tequila and add a little water to help blend the mixture.

Recipe: The Party Starter (Watermelon Tequila Cocktail)

More July 4th drinks

While adults enjoy a refreshing Lime Rickey (pictured), the kids will love the flavor and color of our non-alcoholic Fire-Engine Red Cranberry-Raspberry Spritzers. If they prefer a spritzer on the sweet side, use lemon-lime soda; add mineral water or soda just before serving.

Recipe: Lime Rickey

Recipe: Fire-Engine Red Cranberry-Raspberry Spritzer

Photo by Ericka McConnell

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Citrus Dip

You can make these hors d'oeuvres even simpler: Without their scallion ties or lemon zest, the asparagus and prosciutto still taste terrific.

Recipe: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Citrus Dip

Photo by James Carrier

Mediterranean Shrimp Salad in Cucumber Cups

Short on time? Whip up this crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 25 minutes. Shrimp with lemon, parsley, and garlic echoes classic shrimp scampi, but here it's a cooling salad.

Recipe: Mediterranean Shrimp Salad in Cucumber Cups

Photo by Leo Gong; styling by Dan Becker

Honey-Sesame Grilled Chicken Wings

Sticky sweet replaces blazing buffalo with these tasty wings. Serve them as finger food for your Fourth of July party.

Recipe: Honey-Sesame Grilled Chicken Wings

Photo by Thomas J. Story

Mojito Shrimp

These sweet, juicy shrimp taste of fragrant mint and lime, their aromas amplified by rum.

Recipe: Mojito Shrimp

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Dean, Elaine Johnson, and Amy Machnak

Garlic-Basil Grilled Chicken with Caprese Salsa

Why not try scattering your Caprese salad over grilled chicken? It's a great way to utilize summer produce, not to mention super delicious.

Recipe: Garlic-Basil Grilled Chicken with Caprese Salsa

Photo by Thomas J. Story

The Perfect Burger

What's more all-American than enjoying a big, juicy burger on the Fourth of July? Enjoy our delicious burgers in six variations, from classic plain, to green chile cheese, to spicy tomato.

Recipes: The perfect burger, 6 ways

Photo by Lisa Romerein

Herb-rubbed Baby Back Ribs

These are the ribs for summer. The black pepper in the rub picks up on the black-pepper notes in Zinfandel. (Be sure to have plenty of bottles on hand!)

Recipe: Herb-rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Photo by Andrea Gomez

Garlic Smashed-Potato Salad

This chunky potato salad is a cool summer version of everybody's favorite garlic mashed potatoes.

Recipe: Garlic Smashed-Potato Salad

Photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is the ultimate summer vegetable for the grill; lime and chili give it a real kick.

Recipe: Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Dean, Elaine Johnson, and Amy Machnak

Warm Bacon and Herb Coleslaw

Add a savory twist to the classic summer side dish: a warm bacon dressing.

Recipe: Warm Bacon and Herb Coleslaw

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Dean, Elaine Johnson, and Amy Machnak

Potato Salad Stacks

This reader-submitted recipe puts an elegant spin on the BBQ mainstay by grilling the potatoes and stacking the rest of the ingredients on top.

Recipe: Potato Salad Stacks

Photo by James Carrier

Artichoke, Fennel, and Tricolor Tomato Salad

Fresh tomatoes at their peak are the highlight of this colorful salad.

Recipe: Artichoke, Fennel, and Tricolor Tomato Salad

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Dean, Elaine Johnson, and Amy Machnak

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Kebabs

Meat isn't the only thing that belongs on a stick at a summer BBQ. You’ll need 32 bamboo skewers (each 8 in.); there’s no need to soak them before they go on the grill, because they won’t char with such a short cooking time.

Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Kebabs

Photo by Leigh Beisch

Old Glory Cherry-Blueberry Pie

For dessert, we give you a cherry-blueberry pie with a patriotic topper.

Recipe: Old Glory Cherry-Blueberry Pie

Mix and match July 4 party menu

The Party Starter (Watermelon Tequila Cocktail)

More July 4th drinks

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Citrus Dip

Mediterranean Shrimp Salad in Cucumber Cups

Honey-Sesame Grilled Chicken Wings

Mojito Shrimp

Garlic-Basil Grilled Chicken with Caprese Salsa

The Perfect Burger

Herb-rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Garlic Smashed-Potato Salad

Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Warm Bacon and Herb Coleslaw

Potato Salad Stacks

Artichoke, Fennel, and Tricolor Tomato Salad

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Kebabs

Old Glory Cherry-Blueberry Pie