Your Ultimate 4th of July Menu: Recipes and Pairings Worth Repeating

Whether you're hosting a backyard bash, heading to a potluck, or planning a laid-back picnic under the fireworks, we've rounded up our favorite summer party recipes that are too good not to revisit. From fresh, flavor-packed apps to vibrant salads, show-stopping mains, and a dreamy dessert, this lineup has everything you need to celebrate in delicious style.

Even better? We’ve paired each dish with a wine suggestion to keep your glass as full as your plate. Let the summer feasting begin!

Appetizers:

Happy Accident Grilled Grapes (with Goat Cheese)

A little sweet, a little smoky, and totally unexpected—this appetizer is a delightful surprise for your summer table. Juicy grapes are lightly grilled until blistered, then paired with creamy goat cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flakey salt or smoked Aleppo pepper. Serve with your favorite crackers or baguette slices for a simple yet elegant bite.

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Cups

These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Cups are light, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for sharing with friends and family. They deliver all the bold, zesty goodness you love without weighing you down. A festive, feel-good favorite for your summer celebration!

"The Dip"

This five-ingredient, Mexican-style hot cheesy dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—especially at your 4th of July potluck! Make ahead, then pop it in the microwave for 5–8 minutes, let it cool slightly, and dive in with your favorite tortilla chips. Easy, comforting, and totally irresistible.

Salads:

Sunny Melon Salad

This vibrant, refreshing salad is made for sunny days! It’s effortlessly portable—perfect for camping trips or picnics—yet elegant enough to serve at a sunset dinner party. Naturally vegan and bursting with flavor, it’s delicious on its own or elevated with a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto for a savory twist.

Grilled Peach Salad with Prosciutto

Peaches are at their peak in early summer, making them a juicy, flavorful highlight for any Independence Day spread. This dish combines sweet, juicy peaches with savory prosciutto, crunchy hazelnuts, pecorino cheese and a hint of honey. Perfect for summer days when you want something fresh and fabulous!

Spring Pasta Salad with Lemon & Tarragon Gremolata paired with Sauvignon Blanc

Light, bright, and full of seasonal flavor, this pasta salad is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp asparagus, snow peas, and fresh spinach, all brought together with a creamy goat cheese dressing. A zesty lemon-tarragon gremolata adds a fresh herbal kick, while roasted pepitas bring the crunch.

Mains:

Copper River Cedar Plank Salmon - It’s that time of year – salmon runs are in full swing, and fresh salmon is readily available. Grilled cedar planked salmon has a subtly smoky flavor, never sticks to the grill, and makes for easy clean-up! This recipe is a little bit sweet, salty, woodsy, and it’s rich without being too heavy.

Malbec-Marinated Columbian Grilled Flank Steak With Aji Sauce

Dive into a mouthwatering Colombian flank steak, bursting with the flavors of cumin, green onions, Malbec, and covered with a fresh green sauce of jalapeños, oregano, green onions, sweet onions, and cilantro.

The Ultimate Smash Burger

Juicy ground beef and pork smashed with onions on a hot griddle for that perfect caramelized crust. Topped with melty cheese, griddled mushrooms, bacon, jalapeños, “shrettuce,” tomato, and our tangy house-made sauce—all on a toasted brioche bun. One bite, and you might never go back to ordinary burgers!

Dessert:

Strawberry Rhubarb Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée? More like crème brû-YAY! Indulge in the sheer delight of this rich, velvety custard beneath a crisp, caramelized sugar crust! Whip up this sweet and tangy masterpiece full of the flavors of early summer - it's easier than you think.