80+ Fourth of July Recipes for 2026

Throw the perfect party with over 80 of my favorite 4th of July recipes for all things grilled plus side dishes, drinks, desserts and more!

by Sabrina Snyder

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3 image collage of ranch cheeseburger, 4th of july cupcake and grilled corn

From backyard BBQs, parties at the park and beach picnics to all-out red, white, and blue bashes, there are so many ways to celebrate America’s birthday! And this giant collection of summer recipes is sure to make any 4th of July event is a star-spangled success. You’ll find juicy burgers, creamy picnic salads, like BQQ Chicken Potato Salad, sweet fun treats, like Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries, boozy summer cocktails, and more. Plus, all the recipes you need to become this year’s grill master! Happy Fourth of July!

Fourth of July Recipes

Celebrate this Independence Day with a proper feast of fresh summer favorites!

Mouthwatering Burgers

From classics to homemade salmon patties, you’ll love these options!

Classic Burgers in hand 1x1
Classic Burgers
Classic Burgers are perfect for summer barbecues. The seasoned, juicy meat is topped with melty cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle chips.
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Bacon Bacon Burgers on serving platter 1x1
Bacon Bacon Burgers
Bacon Bacon Burgers are the juiciest burgers for a summer cookout. Ground chuck patties filled with smoky bacon and spices, topped with more crispy bacon!
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Turkey Burger on plate with chips
Turkey Burgers
Turkey Burgers are easy to make, juicy, and taste just as good as a hamburger. Made with classic burger fillings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
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Fully dressed veggie burger on bun.
Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Black Bean Burgers are the perfect vegetarian alternative with a crisp exterior, and tender center that is flavored heartily.
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Salmon Burgers on serving plate 1x1
Salmon Burger
The Best Salmon Burger recipe for summer! Easy salmon patties made with canned salmon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh dill grilled to a golden brown.
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A burger stacked with onion, cheese and a bun.
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers Recipe
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers are the ultimate grilled burgers! Ranch seasoned bacon and beef patties stuffed with cheddar cheese.
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close up photo of burger
Korean Beef Bulgogi Burger Recipe
Korean Beef Bulgogi Burgers mix the flavors of traditional Korean BBQ with traditional American BBQ and are sure to be a new crowd pleaser!
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Portobello Mushroom Burgers on serving plate 1x1
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Portobello Mushroom Burgers are veggie burgers that even meat lovers will enjoy, flavored with balsamic vinegar and topped with classic burger fillings.
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Closeup of put together ingredients on a plate
Tommy’s Original Chili Burger (Copycat) Recipe
Tommy's Original Chili Burger (Copycat) is a well-loved Californian burger recreated to get an authentic taste in your own home! Try today!
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Assembled burgers with cheese and onions on wooden board.
Butter Burgers Recipe
Easy Butter Burgers are the most indulgent burgers ever with amazing flavor. They will be a hit a the family table. Try them tonight!
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Sandwiches & Sausages

Take a big bite out of one of these juicy summer recipes!

2 brats plated with pickles and dipping sauce
Beer Brats
Juicy Beer Brats are an easy classic summer recipe. Fresh sausages marinated in onions and beer, grilled and topped with caramelized onions.
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Two halves of the sandwich stacked on a plate.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect dish to serve at a Summer BBQ, made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
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Hot dog wrapped in bacon in a bun with chips
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs make the ultimate, family-friendly summer meal! They're baked to perfection and ready to eat in under 30 minutes.
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Grilled Veggie Sandwich stacked 1x1
Grilled Veggie Sandwich
Grilled Veggie Sandwich is a great vegetarian dish that anyone would enjoy, made with a variety of ingredients like lettuce, tomato, zucchini, and mustard.
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4 rolls filled with seafood on a sheet tray
Shrimp Roll Sandwich Recipe
The Shrimp Roll Sandwich is a shrimp salad stuffed into a buttery, toasted bun. It's a quick family dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes!
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Crab patty on brioche bun with lettuce and tomato
Crab Cake Sandwich Recipe
My Crab Cake Sandwich features a homemade Maryland-style crab patty served on a delicious brioche bun for the ultimate summer meal!
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Sandwich stacked on serving plate 4x3
Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe
Egg Salad Sandwich is an easy and tasty lunch with a creamy salad topped off with lettuce, tomato, onion, and served on toasted bread.
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BBQ Grill Master Recipes

Make a statement with these classic cookout meals perfect for lunch and dinner!

Grilled thighs on serving plate with lemon wedges
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe for perfect chicken with crispy skin, juicy meat, and amazing flavor. A great weeknight dinner for summer.
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plate of grilled shrimp on a skewer with lime wedges and cilantro garnish
Easy Grilled Shrimp
Easy Grilled Shrimp is the ultimate and easy appetizer dish flavored in a honey, garlic, and paprika marinade, and grilled to crispy perfection.
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Ultimate Smoked Brisket sliced brisket plated on tray wit coleslaw, toast, pickle chips, BBQ sauce, and cauliflower.
Ultimate Smoked Brisket
Ultimate Smoked Brisket is flavored with garlic powder, apple juice, and apple cider. Cooked slowly to juicy perfection. Perfect for summer!
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plated chicken leg quarters with pineapple wedges and rice
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is an easy, flavorful grilled chicken recipe. Marinated in a sweet Teriyaki BBQ sauce and served with grilled pineapple.
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Sliced, grilled flank steak on serving plate.
Grilled Flank Steak
Grilled Flank Steak is perfectly juicy and tender after preparing in a homemade marinade with savory ingredients and grilling until browned.
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Cooked pork chop on dinner plate with green beans and potatoes.
BBQ Pork Chops
BBQ Pork Chops are the ultimate Summer cookout dinner recipe. Perfectly grilled tender, juicy chops with barbecue sauce and charred flavor.
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4 pieces of chicken on the grill
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Your next BBQ needs Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken! Juicy chicken breasts in a zesty, flavorful fresh lime juice that everyone will enjoy!
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Aerial view of sliced steak
Carne Asada Recipe
Easy Carne Asada marinated in a spicy citrus and grilled to perfection. Use this Mexican steak recipe for the best burritos, tacos, and more.
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Salmon filet on dinner plate with asparagus, and fork.
Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Cedar Plank Salmon is an easy recipe for perfect salmon with a smoky flavor, flakey and tender texture, and deliciously tangy marinade.
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Grilled Chicken Wings in serving bowl 1x1
Grilled Chicken Wings
Grilled Chicken Wings are cooked to juicy, crispy perfection with a smoky flavor. Up your grilling game with this easy chicken wings recipe!
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Grilled Sides Dishes

Fire up the grill and serve your main with one or more of these mouthwatering sides!

grilled yellow kernels on a cob stacked on one another on a white plate
Grilled Corn Recipe
Easy Grilled Corn is the best side dish for a cookout! Fresh corn on the cob grilled in the husk for tender, crisp grilled corn every time!
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Grilled assorted veggies spread out on serving plate.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Vegetables are the ultimate summer side to serve alongside BBQ dishes. You'll love the perfectly seasoned, smoky vegetables.
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Asparagus on serving plate with lemon wedges.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus is wonderfully flavorful and crisp. It's so easy to season with lemon juice and garlic powder, and cook in just 15 minutes!
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes on plate with dipping sauce
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Sweet Potatoes are easy to make and wonderfully crispy and charred on the outside and fluffy inside. Try these at your next cookout!
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Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple slices on plate
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Easy Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple made in a grill pan is the quintessential side dish to any summer dishes you're making.
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corn with spices and cheese
Elote (Mexican Grilled Street Corn) Recipe
Elote, or Grilled Mexican Street Corn, is a flavorful and easy side dish. Smoky and perfectly seasoned in each deliciously satisfying bite!
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Grilled onions on serving plate with fork.
Grilled Onions
Grilled Onions are seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper and perfectly browned. It's a quick, easy, and tasty veggie side for a BBQ!
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Homemade Marinades

Impress your guests and family with bursting flavors as loud as firecrackers!

Chicken cooking on the grill
Easy Chicken Marinade Recipe
Easy Chicken Marinade is the perfect way to make juicy, tender, flavorful chicken breasts you can make on the grill or oven. Try it today!
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Raw steak marinating in bowl
Steak Marinade Recipe
Steak Marinade that is flavorful, easy and perfect for outdoor or indoor grilling any time of year on any cut of beef! Better than bottled!
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Pork served with rice and sauce on plate
Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe
Pork Tenderloin Marinade makes the juiciest and most flavorful pork. Made with common pantry ingredients full of sweet and savory goodness.
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Salmon filet on dinner plate with asparagus.
Salmon Marinade
Salmon Marinade is the perfect way to prepare salmon to grill, sear, or bake. With soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and more for amazing flavor.
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Grilled skirt steak with fajita marinade.
Fajita Marinade
Fajita marinade is easily made with smokey, savory, and lightly spicy seasonings and oil. Mix in minutes and use to prepare juicy steak.
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Fresh Fruit & Veggie Salads

These summer sides are refreshing and add lots of healthy flavor!

Watermelon Feta Salad finished in bowl with spoon, 1x1
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad blends sweet and savory flavors with fresh watermelon, cucumber, mint, and feta cheese in a vinaigrette dressing!
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All salad ingredients in bowl before tossing
Southwest Salad Recipe
Easy Southwest Salad recipe is loaded with tasty toppings and topped creamy avocado cilantro dressing. This might be your new favorite salad!
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salad thats chopped ready to serve
Chopped Salad Recipe
Finely chopped and perfectly balanced, this salad delivers a mix of textures and flavors that make every forkful beyond irresistible. Try it!
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green veggies, berries, onions, chicken, and cheese salad in a white bowl
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish balancing sweet and savory flavors! Made with zesty dressing and perfect for lunch!
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Fruit Salad with citrus honey dressing
Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Easy Fruit Salad is the perfect sweet and refreshing dish with assorted ripe fruits and honey. Perfectly cold, you can enjoy all summer long.
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Peach Berry Caprese Salad in serving dish 1x1
Peach Berry Caprese Salad
Peach Berry Caprese Salad is the perfect sweet and juicy fruit salad with mozzarella balls, basil, and a zesty lemon and honey balsamic dressing.
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Avocado Tomato Corn Salad in serving bowl on butcher block
Avocado Tomato Corn Salad
Avocado Tomato Corn Salad is the perfect side dish with creamy avocados, fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and corn all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
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Sliced cucumbers, tomato, onion and herb garnish.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Cucumber Tomato Salad with a quick and easy dill vinaigrette in just 10 minutes is the perfect side salad full of fresh summer vegetables.
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green veggies, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and cooked beef on a plate with dressing on the side in a bowl
Steak Salad Recipe
This Steak Salad is a fresh, hearty, satisfying, and bold-flavored steakhouse-style favorite. Try making today!
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Classic Creamy Salads

These hearty sides are perfect for laid-back summer days and July celebrations!

Mixed cooked potatoes served in a bowl
Potato Salad Recipe
Classic Potato Salad is the perfect side dish to enjoy during the summer. Make it for a weekend BBQ or enjoy with dinner during the week.
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plate with sliced chicken breast and BLT Potato Salad
BLT Potato Salad
BLT Potato Salad is the best potluck side dish! Crispy bacon, potatoes and veggies tossed with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Try it today!
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silky seafood noodles with veggies in a bowl with a lemon slice
Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad is a refreshing, light dish perfect for spring and summer with a bright, zesty flavor and satisfying creaminess.
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Potato Salad in serving bowls
BBQ Chicken Potato Salad
BBQ Chicken Potato Salad is a delicious Southwest twist on a classic cookout side dish! Addicting and hearty with a creamy barbecue sauce. 
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Spinach Pasta Salad with Strawberries in white bowl
Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for summer get togethers. For BBQ's or potlucks. It's sure to be a hit. Try it today!
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Tri-color pasta piled in a white bowl
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for BBQs and family dinners with pasta, customizable vegetables, and a creamy Italian dressing.
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Seafood Macaroni in a bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
Seafood Pasta Salad is creamy and delicious like classic pasta salad, but with flavorful crabmeat and colorful peas topping the macaroni.
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Broccoli Salad in bowl
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is an easy summer salad with raisins, bacon and sunflower seeds for your barbecues, picnics, and summer potlucks that can sit without wilting!
Sweet Macaroni Salad plated salad on plate with lemon slice and baked chicken drumstick. 4x3
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Sweet Macaroni Salad is a rich and creamy twist on a classic with a secret ingredient. It's the perfect side dish for a summer party or BBQ!
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salad is ready to serve in a white bowl
Coleslaw Macaroni Salad Recipe
Easy Coleslaw Macaroni Salad is a creamy pasta salad recipe with the taste and crunch of coleslaw. The perfect side dish for summer events!
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finished slaw piled in bowl
Easy Cole Slaw Recipe
This traditional coleslaw recipe is a quick and easy dish to make! A classic summer salad side or topping for your BBQ sandwiches!
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More Sides for Summer

These are flavors worth celebrating! Vibrant and fresh, these are perfect for sharing!

Vegetables mixed with ingredients and seasoning in bowl ready to serve
Corn Succotash Recipe
Corn Succotash is the perfect summer side made with freshly grilled corn cut off the cob, lima beans, and delicious vegetables.
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Served on dinner plate with chicken breast, and fork.
Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli Slaw is a delicious and colorful side dish with crisp, fresh veggies coated in a creamy sauce and topped with sunflower seeds.
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Mixed salad portion plated with chicken breast
Carrot Salad (w/Raisins)
This Carrot Salad with Raisins is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and earthy in one bite. It's sure to be a new favorite BBQ side!
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Salsa in a white dish
Mango Salsa Recipe
Mango Salsa is sweet, tangy, lightly spiced, and ready in minutes. Fresh and vibrant, it's perfect as a dip, topping, or side dish!
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Close up of chip dipping into salsa
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
Fresh Fruit Salsa is a refreshing unique salsa. A perfect appetizer for summer BBQ's, brunch or as a topping for grilled meats. Try it today!
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Tortellini Salad in serving bowl 1x1
Tortellini Salad
This easy Tortellini Salad is the best Italian pasta salad! Cheese tortellini, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni in a simple Italian dressing.
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bowl of shrimp and veggies with chips
Shrimp Ceviche
This easy Shrimp Ceviche recipe is a classic Mexican dish full of flavor with fresh shrimp, veggies, avocado and spices. Try this summer!
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Avocado Salsa in serving bowl with tortilla chips
Avocado Salsa
Avocado Salsa is perfectly flavorful and creamy with corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and avocado tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
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Fourth of July Desserts & Treats

Celebrate this year’s Independence Day with something sweet and delicious!

Dessert with American flag design from above
American Flag Cake Recipe
American Flag Cake is the perfect patriotic dessert for your Summer cookout. Everyone will love how it looks and enjoy the taste!
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Plate of pinwheel cookies
4th of July Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
4th of July Pinwheel Cookies are an amazing, colorful, patriotic treat that kids and adults will all like to enjoy after going to the parade!
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red, white, and blue cupcake with white frosting 1x1
4th of July Cupcakes Recipe
4th of July Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert to serve at your holiday BBQ. With a red, white and blue cake base and sweet, creamy frosting. 
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4th of July Casserole slice on blue plate
4th of July Ice Cream Casserole
4th of July Ice Cream Casserole is a red, white and blue ice cream dish with strawberry topping, Cool Whip, berries and graham cracker crust.
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Cherry Bombs on a plate
Cherry Bombs
Cherry Bombs are the perfect boozy party treat made with maraschino cherries soaked in vodka and dipped in white chocolate.
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Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars sliced and stacked
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars are the perfect patriotic dessert for July 4th! Best part is they come together quickly too! Try soon!
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close side view of stuffed strawberries
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries Recipe
Quick-to-make Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are the perfect sweet snack with fresh berries, creamy filling, and graham cracker crumble!
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frozen popsicles spread out on counter with fruit and berries
Homemade Popsicles
Homemade Fruit Popsicles made with fresh fruit and yogurt in three delicious flavors! Tropical, blueberry, and strawberry yogurt popsicles.
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Refreshing Drinks & Cocktails

Take a sip and savor a day worth celebrating!

Two tall glasses of lemonade with lemon slices and mint sprigs
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
How to make Homemade Lemonade that is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing. A simple recipe you'll crave all summer long!
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Glass of southern sweet tea.
Southern Sweet Tea
Southern Sweet Tea is a smooth, refreshing drink for the Summer. Easy to make a whole pitcher in 20 minutes, then chill before serving.
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Pitcher and glasses filled with fruity beverage.
Cherry Limeade Recipe
Cherry Limeade is the perfect tart, and sweet summer drink to serve at BBQs, picnics, or to enjoy by the pool. Ready in 5 minutes!
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Two water glasses with cucumber, one with mint
Cucumber Water
Cucumber Water is an easy infused water recipe for a cool, delicious drink with fresh cucumbers and optional mint leaves for extra flavor!
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Jello Vodka Shots, stacked in cups with lids 4x3
Jello Shots Recipe
Jello Shots are easy to make in a big batch for your next party. Enjoy the colorful, fruity vodka shots with your choice of jello flavor.
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Small glass with margarita mix and lime slice
Classic Margarita
The Classic Margarita on the rocks is a favorite summer drink for a reason. My recipe made with real lime juice is fresh, tart and delicious!
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Cocktail glass with fruity drink and garnish.
Jungle Juice Recipe
Jungle Juice is the perfect fun, bold, crowd and budget friendly drink that's refreshing, easy to make, and great for large groups.
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Two tall glasses of lemonade with lemon and mint leaves
Vodka Lemonade
Vodka Lemonade is a cooling, refreshing iced drink that you can make in just a few minutes. The easiest poolside cocktail ever for summer!
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Wine cocktail in glass with fruit and straw.
White Sangria Recipe
White Sangria is the perfect Summer drink that's light, fruity, and refreshing. An easy crisp cocktail perfect for sharing.
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finished drinks garnished with mint and lemon
Arnold Palmer Recipe
Arnold Palmer is a classic mocktail, perfect to cool you down at summertime BBQ's. Or, follow directions to make a delicious spiked version.
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With this giant collection, any Fourth of July Event is sure to be a winner, whether you are hosting the party or just bringing a dish. Need more inspiration for a summer party? Check out my Collection of 23 Juicy Burgers or my Berry Best Summer Desserts!

8 image collage of 4th of July recipes from collection

Photos used in a previous version of this post.

About the Author: Sabrina Snyder

Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon.

Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert.

She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins.

She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef.

As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day.

Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year.

As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference.

Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California.

See more posts by Sabrina

Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. Read my disclosure and copyright policy. This post may contain affiliate links.

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