Sure, the fireworks and beach time are great—but everyone knows food is the best part of the 4th of July. Whether you're potluck-ing, picnicking or hosting a family barbecue this Independence Day, here are 12 of our favorite recipes to help you celebrate.
Pasta with Cilantro Jalapeño Pesto, Fresh Corn & Tomatoes
Cilantro and jalapeños add a nice kick to classic pesto pasta.
Pasta with Cilantro Jalapeño Pesto, Fresh Corn & Tomatoes
Fennel and Cabbage Slaw
Fennel and a yogurt-based sauce will reignite your feelings for coleslaw.
Fennel and Cabbage Slaw
Chermoula Veggie Kebabs with Halloumi
These veggie-and-cheese kebabs are marinated in and basted with a fresh and tangy chermoula sauce.
Chermoula Veggie Kebabs with Halloumi
Watermelon Salad with Sriracha Vinaigrette
Who knew watermelon and Sriracha would be a match made in heaven? This sweet-and-spicy recipe from Cookie Monster Cooking sounds a little odd, but tastes amazing.
Watermelon Salad with Sriracha Vinaigrette
Portabella Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Portabellas = the original veggie burger.
Portabella Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese Dressing
Grilled fruit adds depth, and goat cheese adds tartness, to this fruity salad from Hello Natural.
Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese Dressing
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce
Throw some steaks on the grill—as in cauliflower steaks—with this savory, chimichurri-topped recipe from Hello Natural.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce
Red, White and Blue Granita
This easy dessert from Hello Natural is patriotic *and* vegan!
Red, White and Blue Granita
Teriyaki Seitan and Veggie Kebabs
Seitan makes a substantial kebab base in this recipe from Connoisseurus Veg.
Teriyaki Seitan and Veggie Kebabs
Mexican Corn on the Cob
This recipe from My Fussy Eater elevates corn to main dish status with the addition of cayenne, lime and cotija cheese.
Mexican Corn on the Cob
Vegan Brown Sugar Barbecue Baked Beans
No BBQ is complete without baked beans—and these ones from Veg Life are vegan and slightly sweet.
Vegan Brown Sugar Barbecue Baked Beans
Summer Orzo Salad
Nothing says "summer" like green beans, tomatoes and corn. Bring this dish to a 4th of July potluck instead of plain old pasta salad.
Summer Orzo Salad
Yes, because 4th of July celebration is not just about fireworks and merrymaking - it's about food as well. And I'm loving your recipe ideas here! I'm particularly excited about the grilled peach salad with goat cheese dressing.