When it comes to summer holidays and picnics it is hard to top 4th of July celebrations where hot dogs, hamburgers and many side dishes are shared among family and friends. It is the most popular holiday for not only fireworks but for outdoor barbecues as well.
Nearly every backyard gas and charcoal grill gets fired up. And if you are lucky, you may be at a barbecue where there are smokers full of ribs, pork shoulders, chicken wings or brisket.
Yet, beyond the standard picnic main dishes, the star players of the holiday event can actually be all the delicious side dishes that are brought to the table. The variety in these dishes add not only color to the plate but also amazing flavors and textures.
Traditional side dishes such as potato salad, pasta salad, and baked beans are often served. However, there are many more sides that you may see at your next gathering that are unique, yet provide delicious addition to the food table.
These are those sides that get everyone talking and asking for the recipe. That is because they are a little different from the standard picnic side dishes and ones that can often be served for several occasions.
Below I have listed some of my favorite 4th of July side dish recipes. These include the standard picnic side dishes, along with a few unexpected recipes that are always a huge hit.
So if you find yourself wondering what to bring to this year’s gathering I am sure you will find one or two that just might become a new favorite or tradition at your house.
4th of July Side Dish Recipes
With these fantastic Independence Day Side Dish Recipes, your July 4th backyard cookout will take on a whole new level. Each dish adds its own flavor and helps to create a delicious spread that your friends and family are sure to enjoy.
Salads
Some of the most popular picnic side dish recipes come in the form of a salad. However, don’t think about salads only as a bowl of leafy greens filled with vegetables.
In picnic terms the category of salads also includes a variety of dishes including creamy or tangy salads as well. From potato salad, pasta salad, taco salad and more I have listed some of my favorites.
Some use traditional cooking methods, while others use an Instant Pot to speed up the process. Choose one of your favorites to take to this year’s celebration.
Easy Caprese Salad (with cherry tomatoes)
Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad
*Safety Note: if your salads include mayonnaise or dairy be sure to keep them at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Or if you are planning have them on the food table for a longer time period, be sure to place the serving bowl over ice to keep your side dish cool.
Traditional Barbecue Side Dish Recipes
There’s just something about traditional barbecue side dishes that you crave when you smell food cooking on the grill or in the smoker. These are the staples that we’ve all come to love at our favorite barbecue restaurants and hope they are at every 4th of July feast.
Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese
Fruit Side Dish Recipes
On a hot 4th of July weekend, a bowl of fresh fruit salad can be a refreshing and hydrating side dish. With the abundance of summer fruits like watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and peaches adding a fruit side dish is easy to do and will be a welcome sight among your family and friends.
Dips & Spreads
Not your conventional side dishes, but who can resist the allure of a creamy, flavorful dip served with vegetables or chips? During potlucks and backyard barbecues these dips and spreads often get put on the table with the other side dishes and are added to the plates as they go through the food line.
Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate to add them to this 4th of July Side Dish list as well.
Hot Dips:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Creamy Bacon Crack dip
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Nacho Dip
- Smoked Cream Cheese
Cool or Cold Dips:
- Dill Pickle Chip & Veggie Dip
- Homemade Vegetable Dip
- Pepperoni Dip
- Easy Spinach Dip
- Classic Tailgate Dip
Other Favorite Independence Day Recipes
Although they aren’t easily put into a specific side dish category, there are some other 4th of July recipes that you can’t go wrong with. These are those dishes that are a welcome sight at any picnic.
There you have it, 46 Independence Day side dish recipes that will truly elevate your July 4th celebration! Each recipe brings a unique flavor that perfectly complements the barbecue staples of hot dogs, hamburgers, smoked brisket and more!
From standard barbecue side dishes, fruit salad, Buffalo chicken dip and more, I am sure that you will find something to bring to the table for this year’s celebration.
But let’s not forget, July 4th extends beyond food, fireworks and parades. It is also a day filled with joy, unity, and the celebration of freedom.
So this year, make your 4th of July celebration even more memorable and share a few of these delightful side dishes while celebrating with friends and family.
Enjoy! Mary
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