2023 Fourth of July Recipe Roundup: Burgers, Kebabs, Sides & More

Planning a Fourth of July barbecue? A low-key backyard hangout? Maybe a blowout, long-weekend bash? However you’re celebrating, we have all the Fourth of July recipes you need to keep all guests feeling full and festive. 

From juicy, topped burgers (both meat and vegan) to savory sides and all the cocktails, mocktails, and desserts to serve as the finale, the only thing missing is the fireworks. 

Fourth of July Burger & Sandwich Recipes 

Best Burger Recipe
There’s nothing like a classic American burger on the Fourth of July. For this one, we recommend Thrive Market’s humanely raised ground beef and organic spices. 

Mushroom, Spinach, and Chickpea Veggie Burgers
Vegan guests will love these homemade, veggie-packed burgers topped with a sriracha-based sauce. 

Brioche Beef Burgers
Sweet, caramelized onions, green peppers, and American cheese add big flavor to burgers sandwiched by fluffy brioche buns.  

Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Slow-cooked chicken with Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce makes the base for this cookout-ready sandwich. 

Barbecue Tempeh Sandwich
Switch things up from the typical meat-heavy Fourth of July fare with this tempeh sandwich topped with vegan mayo, sprouts, and creamy avocado. 

Fourth of July Barbecue Recipes 

Dry Rub Baby Back Ribs
Paprika, cumin, and chili powder create deep flavor in these slow-cooked baby back ribs. 

Grilled Fruit & Seafood Kebabs Recipe
Peaches and pineapple replace the usual veggies on these seafood skewers. 

Lemon-Yogurt Chicken Kebabs Recipe
The key for making these juicy, flavorful kebabs? Marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, turmeric, and aromatic garlic. 

Cedar Plank Salmon With Grilled Vegetable Kebabs
Want to really impress your guests this Fourth of July? Cook your salmon on a cedar plank for smoky flavor, then serve it alongside shishito peppers and grilled eggplant. 

Fourth of July Side Recipes

Summer Lentil Salad with Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette
This hearty, elevated, nutrient-dense side also makes a perfect main course for plant-based guests.

Sweet Pickle Mac Salad
Update the usual heavy macaroni salad with sweet pickle relish and grated Maui onion. 

Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries with Dipping Sauce Trio
Choose between chipotle aioli or vegan garlic aioli to serve alongside these zesty sweet potato fries. 

Grilled Corn With Chipotle-Lime Mayonnaise Recipe
Perfectly charred corn gets even better with feta cheese and chipotle mayo in this take on Mexican street corn. 

Fourth of July Drink Recipes 

The Summer Staycation Mocktail
All the tropical flavor, none of the alcohol.

Kelis’ Favorite Red Sangria Recipe 
Pop-star-turned-chef Kelis loves this take on Spanish red sangria — and we’re sure your Fourth of July guests will, too.

Blueberry Mint Mocktail Recipe
For non-drinkers, this refreshing mocktail is equal parts hydrating and tasty.

Swirled Frozen Dragon Fruit and Turmeric Pina Colada
The tie-dye effect in this frozen cocktail is perfect for a festive Fourth of July bash. 

Easy Rosé Ice Pop Recipe
This cocktail isn’t shaken, stirred, or blended — it’s totally frozen, in the form of a wine-filled adult popsicle. 

Fourth of July Dessert Recipes 

Vegan, Dairy-Free & Keto Coconut-Lime Semifreddo
Too hot to turn on the oven? This no-bake, tropical treat is both vegan and suitable for low-sugar diets. 

Lower-Sugar Dark Chocolate Mousse
Top these cool, chocolatey, low-sugar desserts with fresh fruit and whipped cream. 

Paleo Banoffee Tart 
This healthier take on a classic English dessert features bananas, cream, and toffee in a DIY crust made of granola and dates.  

Collagen Lavender and Lemon Sorbet Recipe
Refreshing lemon and fragrant lavender create the ultimate summer flavor pairing in this collagen-infused, icy dessert.