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20 Must-Try Summer Recipes Prefect For the 4th of July

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The Fourth of July is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors and light, refreshing meals. Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just looking for new recipes, these selections are sure to delight. From crisp salads to sweet desserts and refreshing beverages, these 20 recipes will help you celebrate the sunny season in style.

4th of July Cupcakes

a group of 4th of July Cupcakes topped with American flags and red, white, and blue, decoration.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This vibrant recipe yields 24 crowd-pleasing red velvet cupcakes, each generously topped with a swirl of whipped cream frosting. Note: The frosting amount is calculated for a liberal 4 tablespoons per cupcake. Adjust the frosting recipe accordingly if you prefer less.

Get The Recipe: 4th of July Cupcakes

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl piled high with tuna pasta salad with corn, celery, and green onions.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ideal for picnics, this salad features tuna, pasta, and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and even better when chilled.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad

A close up image of pasta salad with bacon and green onions in a bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser with its flavorful combination of bacon, cucumber, and green onions, tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.

Get The Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad

Homemade Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad with a lemon wedge and dill garnish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This light and refreshing salad features juicy shrimp tossed with mayonnaise, dill, and crisp celery, perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Shrimp Salad

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

A close up of a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with a crumb topping on a serving plate topped with strawberries.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

The classic combination of tangy rhubarb and sweet strawberries makes this pie a summer favorite, topped with a crunchy crumble for extra texture.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rosé Sangria

A close up image of a glass of Rosé Sangria with fresh fruit, mint and a cocktail stick in the glass.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This fruity sangria, made with rosé wine and a mix of summer fruits, is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.

Get The Recipe: Rosé Sangria

Vinegar Coleslaw

a bowl of vinegar coleslaw with the serving bowl in the background with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A crisp, tangy coleslaw without mayonnaise, this side dish features a vinegar-based dressing that’s perfect for outdoor summer meals.

Get The Recipe: Vinegar Coleslaw

Grilled Berry Pizza with Whipped Ricotta

Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

Ditch the oven and grill this easy honey whole wheat pizza dough. Top it off with a delightful combination of lightly sweet and fluffy whipped ricotta and a burst of fresh summer berries. The result? A beautiful and unexpected dessert (or snack!) that’s perfect for enjoying the warm weather. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this unique and flavorful twist on pizza!

Get The Recipe: Grilled Berry Pizza with Whipped Ricotta

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

A glass of Sweet Peach Iced Tea with ice and a straw and a fresh wedge of peach on the glass.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Two glasses of Sweet Lemon Iced Tea with glass and colorful straw in the glasses.
Image Credit: Joshua Resnick

Perfect for hot summer days, this iced tea combines the tangy taste of lemon with the refreshing properties of black tea.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Summer Strawberry Cupcakes

Three fresh strawberry cupcakes all topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, topped with a swirl of whipped cream. They’re a delightful treat for any summer occasion.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemon Sponge Cake

A slice of Lemon Sponge Cake filled with whipped cream and strawberries on a plate with the cake behind it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A stunning cake that layers moist sponge with fresh strawberries and cream, embodying the essence of British summer desserts. It’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Lemon Sponge Cake

Macerated Strawberries

Close up of sliced strawberries in clear glass bowl glazed with sugar. Spoon in bowl.
Image Credit: Jen Tepp

Simple yet delicious, these strawberries are perfect for topping ice cream, pancakes, or enjoying on their own as a refreshing summer dessert.

Get The Recipe: Macerated Strawberries

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Pasta salad with chicken, peppers and herbs.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This hearty pasta salad is packed with flavor from pesto and chicken, making it a great main dish for summer picnics or barbecues.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Tomato Avocado Salad

A bowl of bright and colorful tomato avocado salad with some bread in the background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A fresh and simple salad featuring tomatoes, avocado, and arugula, dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a great side for any summer meal.

Get The Recipe: Tomato Avocado Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant in a bowl with a loaf a bread and wine glass on the table in the background
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This flavorful salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, red peppers, and olives, tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s perfect served warm or cold.

Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Quick & Easy Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

A close up of homemade cherry ice cream
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This no-churn cherry ice cream is rich and creamy, offering the delightful taste of cherries without the need for an ice cream maker. It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days and easy to prepare.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

Key Lime Cupcakes

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Our Key Lime Cupcakes are a burst of sunshine. They feature a tangy cake bursting with lime flavor and a dollop of creamy lime cream cheese frosting. 

Get The Recipe: Key Lime Cupcakes

Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

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