What to Cook This July & Fourth of July Recipes
July is here! Let’s hear it for long summer days and warm summer evenings. I hope you have fun plans for Independence Day—it’s one of my favorite holidays. Please be safe out there.
If you love to fire up your grill during the summer, I wanted to let you know that one of my favorite recipe writers, Gaby Dalkin, has just released a dedicated grilling cookbook called What’s Gaby Cooking: Grilling All the Things. Great job as always, Gaby!
If you’re looking for Fourth of July recipes, here are some of my favorites. The more salads, the better. Browse with pictures here.
- Dips: Cowboy Caviar (shown above), Mediterranean Tomato and Feta Dip, Pimento Cheese or Strawberry Salsa
- Salads: Favorite Quinoa Salad, Herbed Potato Salad, Layered Panzanella, Mediterranean Bean Salad or my new Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
- Main Dishes: Caprese Sandwiches, Favorite Veggie Burgers or Grilled Pizzas
- Desserts: Almond Cake with Berries on Top, Mixed Berry Crisp or Simple Blueberry Cake
- Extras: Aperol Spritz, Classic Mojitos, Easy Pineapple Mint Popsicles, Ranch Waters or Strawberry Smoothies
Avocado
Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this immediately last night and loved it – my daughter as well! Quick and easy for when you get home from work – served alongside pasta.” – Connie
More avocado recipes »
Berries! Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Strawberries
Gluten-Free Almond Cake with Berries on Top
Gluten free
“Sooooo good. I added a little powdered sugar to the Greek yogurt and this was delicious. Thanks for the easy summer showstopper!” – Carrie
More blueberry recipes » (also blackberries, raspberries and strawberries)
Cherries
Balsamic Stone Fruit Sundae
Gluten free and vegan if you use vegan ice cream
“I made this for a cooking class I taught and everyone loved it!! Hopefully you get some more readership, because I tell so many of my patients about your blog :)” – Tricia
More cherry recipes »
Corn
The Best Grilled Corn on the Cob
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Grilled farm fresh corn on the grill last night in Columbus, Ohio. Followed your instructions, and our corn looked exactly like yours! Plump kernels with a beautiful charred finish. Slathered in butter and salt! Perfect grilled corn! All of your recipes I’ve tried have been spot on! Thanks Cookie (and Kate, of course)! :)” – Pam
More corn recipes »
Cucumber
Tzatziki
Gluten free
“This is the best tzatziki recipe ever. I come back to it again and again. Everyone who tastes it wants the recipe! Thank you so much” – Terry
More cucumber recipes »
Green Beans
Best Ever Green Beans
Gluten free and easily vegan
“My husband’s comment was – these are the best green beans I’ve ever had! Wow, that made me happy. First time I’ve ever cooked a shallot, but sure enjoyed making the recipe. I know what you mean when you said you have to be careful not to eat the whole pan! Thanks for the great recipe.” – Faith
More green bean recipes »
Greens
Ashley’s Sun-Dried Tomato Caesar Salad
Vegetarian and delicious
“Tried this last night it was DELICIOUS and SO EASY! On my lunchtime favorite list. Thanks Kate!” – Carolyn
More salad recipes »
Herbs
Baked Feta Dip with Cherry Tomatoes
Gluten free (with gluten-free accompaniments)
“Phenomenal Appetizer that everyone loves!! I have served it four times over the past two months and it is a big hit. Very easy to make!!” – Nancy
More basil recipes » (also cilantro and dill)
Kale
Heirloom BLT Salad (with Coconut Bacon!)
Vegan
“Kate, this salad is so delicious. The DRESSING–I know everyone is going wild for your coconut bacon, which is wonderful and all, but the DRESSING! I love that it is oil-free so you can really load up on it. This salad is raising the bar for salads in my book. You’ve done it again, Cookie and Kate!” – Tory
More kale recipes »
Mango
Thai Mango Cabbage Wraps with Crispy Tofu and Peanut Sauce
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made these tonight and they are so delicious. A perfect summer meal. I also mustvsay that this is the first time myself and my boyfriend have actually enjoyed (even, loved) tofu! Yay for soggy free perfectly crisp tofu.” – Deana
More mango recipes »
Peaches
Creamy Peach & Honey Popsicles
Gluten free
“My husband and my favorite recipe! Are you able to substitute the peaches for other fruits? Was thinking strawberry or raspberry!” – Mallory (the answer is yes—check out my Roasted Berry and Honey Yogurt Popsicles!)
More peach recipes »
Peppers
Fresh Black Bean Salad
Gluten-free and vegan
“Hi Kate, I had forgotten how delicious this salad is! Served it with slow cooker mac & cheese for dinner last night. I really like that you mix the whole salad at one time, no separate dressing to prepare, and also that the dressing just “dresses” the ingredients and does not drown them!! Perfect summer meal – easy, make ahead, no use of the stove 🙂 Thanks, again, for sharing!” – Kris
More bell pepper recipes »
Plums
Plum Crisp
Gluten-free and easily vegan (see notes)
“I made this as a dessert for a ladies group dinner and everyone LOVED it! Thank you.” – Daniela
More plum recipes »
Potatoes
Herbed Red Potato Salad (no mayo!)
Gluten-free and vegan
“Absolutely wonderful recipe- so fresh and light compared to traditional potato salad and was a hit during my father’s birthday! Liked it so much we’re making it again tonight!” – Tori
More potato recipes »
Radishes
Colorful Veggie Lettuce Wraps
Vegan
“I Just made these for dinner and they were delicious! My whole family loved them. Easy to put together and fun to assemble at the table. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes!” – Katherine
More radish recipes »
Summer Squash
Pesto Squash Noodles and Spaghetti with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)
“Didn’t think twice about whipping this one up for tonight since all I had to buy were the zucchinis and tomatoes. I made it vegan with nutritional yeast and OH MY this is an amazing recipe. So simple! You are quickly becoming my favorite food blogger! Can’t wait to share this creation with my loves. Thanks” – Lauren
More zucchini recipes » (also yellow squash)
Tomatoes
Mediterranean Tomato & Feta Dip
Gluten free
“Made this tonight for a quick dinner. It was so delicious! I’ll be bringing this to all the parties/BBQs I go to this summer. I love your blog :)” – Jodi
More tomato recipes »
Don’t forget to tag your recipe photos #cookieandkate on Instagram so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
