Fourth of July Recipe Round Up

At the center of every great gathering is food. It brings us together. I’ve got tons of 4th of July food ideas for you! Whether you’re hosting, going to a potluck, BBQ or picnic healthy July 4th recipes can be front and center.

This post has been updated from the original posted in 2015.

Jump to:

• 4th of July Appetizers and Dips
• Vegan Main Dishes for the 4th of July
• Summer Salads
• Fourth of July Sides
• Desserts for Fourth of July

My best advice for those attending or hosting 4th of July parties is that healthy options and delicious recipes aren’t mutually exclusive. Yes, you can have it all….enjoy delicious and wholesome, healthy recipes for July 4th, and share them with friends and family.

4th of July Appetizers and Dips

For me, this is where it’s at! Healthy Vegan Appetizers are a must for any 4th of July celebration. It’s a day to hang around with your favorite peeps and snack along the way! If you have a few hearty vegan appetizers like artichoke crab cakes, baked falafel balls, or tofu satay to go with all the fun snackeroos, you’re golden!

Guacamole: Trust me, you don’t need anything fancy here. Just be sure to set your sights on buying avocados early…I like to buy when they’re still green and firm and let them ripen naturally on my countertop. When they’re about a day before ready, throw them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the most epic guac out there!

Pineapple Mango Salsa: I’m upping my salsa game here, big time. If you want regular tomato salsa, go for it, but this pineapple mango salsa is epic…and it will also go on top of whatever you’re putting on the grill.

Veggie Spring Rolls: Oh, that peanut dipping sauce is worth everything! Plus I give my best tips and tricks so you too can roll the perfect spring roll!

Watermelon Gazpacho: Cool and refreshing, easy to make and definitely can serve a crowd!

Ranch Dressing: My favorite vegan dip for crudites or charcuterie boards…5 minutes to make with simple pantry ingredients. Double as a fabulous spread for your picnic wraps.

Vegan Main Dishes for the 4th of July

Options…it’s all about options and not just in the shoe department. You’ve gotta have something for everyone and don’t forget about those who don’t eat meat! Here are my top choices:

Vegan Sloppy Joes: Oh, how American…and they’re so delish, even meat eaters love them. You can make the sloppy Joe mixture in advance too!

Quinoa Veggie Burgers: A homemade veggie burger is so much better than the cardboard that comes frozen in boxes. These are easy to make, with real ingredients too.

Pizza: Instead of ordering out, use my easy no yeast flatbread recipe…comes together quickly and is so easy to customize.

Vegan Lentil Salad: A meal in itself….protein packed lentils, roasted sweet potatoes and crisp and crunchy veggies…a crowd pleaser for sure.

Veggie Fajitas: Such a fun party idea…everyone builds their own and they’re so tasty too.

Summer Salads

Summer Slaw: So much better than traditional coleslaw…and better for you too! You’ll love the tangy Ginger Miso Dressing too.

Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad: Easy, delish and we can’t get enough.

Lemony Arugula Salad: If you’re looking for simple, this is it!

Summer Pasta Salad: Bright and colorful…and this one will stay good in your fridge all week. So go ahead and make this one ahead.

Vegan Nicoise: Loaded with goodness and gorgeous too!

Pesto Pasta Salad: Ugh…so good! Loaded with flavor and fun veggies too.

Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing: No need for a fancy salad when you have an incredible dressing like this to pour over some crisp romaine. Or make this Kale Caesar…truly delish.

Fourth of July Sides

Grilled Potato Salad: The summer recipe we make the MOST often…hands down the best potato salad recipe out there. Period. End of story. The potatoes are warm and the mustard aioli divine. There’s no mayo in this recipe, just yumminess and smiles all around.

Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Kabobs: Oh, the grill is on anyhow….why not throw on some of these veggie kabobs…insanely flavorful…they definitely make vegetables more fun.

Sesame Noodles: Ready in a flash, loaded with vibrant crunchy veggies and perfect for a make ahead side that everyone will love.

Mexican Street Corn: A big step up from boring corn on the cob….super flavorful, make it on repeat all summer long.

Southwest Quinoa Salad: When you’re asked to bring a dish to the potluck, here’s your “go to” each and every time…..because EVERYONE adores this recipe. Southwest flavors from lime, cumin, chili powder and fresh cilantro drizzled onto quinoa, black beans, edamame for plant-based protein in a light and refreshing delicious recipe.

Cilantro Chimichurri: I like to serve it on cauliflower steaks…but no matter what you’re grilling, this delicious herby sauce will elevate it.

Desserts for Fourth of July

If you’re staying home with the family, or having a small group of friends over, you’re still going to want some fun and fabulous healthy 4th of July Desserts too! Here are some of my favorite Vegan July 4th Desserts….some traditional and some modern twists on the classics!

Blueberry Tart: So delish, plus it’s vegan and gluten-free so everyone can enjoy it! You can use blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or a combo to make a gorgeous patriotic display…and this one is going to be everyone’s fave.

Strawberry Pie: Oh, so seasonally appropriate for July. The strawberries and ripe and plentiful…and this no-bake pie won’t heat up your kitchen either.

Vegan Fruit Dip: The tastiest way to elevate your fruit platter. So fun to make skewers to dip into this amazing dairy-free dip.

White Bean Blondies: Moist and delish….and this vegan dessert is made with wholesome vegan and gluten-free ingredients that won’t spike your blood sugar. Win-win….happy 4th!

Zucchini Brownies: For those who prefer a more traditional brownie, why not use up some of that garden zucchini at the same time? Don’t let the healthy ingredient list deter you….these brownies are truly fabulous.

Homemade Peach Cobbler: Super Summer Dessert, if you ask me. And if peaches are your love language, you may want to also try some simple grilled peaches with chocolate balsamic glaze. So tasty and easy to make too.

Insanely Delish Cookies. A must at every gathering…it’s just so hard to choose which ones to make! Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Loaded Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies or Peanut Butter Cookies….send help, please!

Chocolate Pie: No celebration is complete without some chocolate-y decadence…right? This healthy chocolate pie is sure to satisfy every sweet tooth!

Friends, never forget that food has the power to bring you closer to or farther away from your health goals. Whether you’re gathering with friends or eating alone, make choices that help you feel your best. When you get invited out, always bring a wholesome dish to share. When you have guests in your home, make sure you have healthy options that everyone can enjoy!

Enjoy the holiday…go to the picnics, the BBQs, the potlucks…and don’t forget, always spread the sunshine…have fun in the kitchen!