50 Essential Fourth of July Side Dishes
Updated: Jul. 01, 2022Every hero needs a sidekick. That's why we've rounded up all of the best 4th of July side dishes. These salads, slaws, veggies and more complement whatever star you throw on the grill.
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Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this 4th of July side dishe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you’re really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Watermelon Feta Flag Salad
Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
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Summer Avocado Salad
Garden-fresh veggies and a sprinkling of feta cheese make this cucumber, tomato and avocado salad a healthy summer standout! —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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Ranch-Style Beans
We serve these ranch-style beans at all of our barbecues. It seems most people who live here like spicy flavorful food, and this fits the bill just right. —Wilma Ruth James, Ranger, Texas
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Sliced Tomato Salad
I got this recipe from my grandmother. It’s a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
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Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
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Grilled Mushroom Kabobs
Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta
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Radish Cucumber Salad
I put this cucumber radish salad together with vegetables I had left in my garden. My family liked it so well, I started bringing it to community suppers and was often asked for the recipe. It’s a refreshing 4th of July side dish for any meat entree. —Mildred Sherrer, Bay City , Texas
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Potatoes Romanoff
I like to serve potatoes Romanoff with steak and green beans, but it’s a dish that pairs nicely with just about any roasted or grilled meat. Sometimes I assemble the casserole in advance so I just have to pop it in the oven when I get home. –Rita Deere, Evansville, Indiana
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Sweet Onion Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs
For my mother’s 92nd birthday, we had pimiento cheese deviled eggs as part of the spread. They’re timeless and always in good taste. —Linda Foreman, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
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Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce
This creamy pasta dish feels indulgent without being overly rich, thanks to its heart-healthy avocado pasta sauce! The flavorful avocado and spinach sauce is so smooth and thick, you will think cream is hiding in there. But the guilt-free sauce is dairy-free with a rich texture. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
“They’re easy to fix as an appetizer or salad,” says Mary Lou, a Florida native. “It’s impossible to eat just one.”
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Summer Squash Side Dish Casserole
My daughter-in-law created this healthy yellow squash recipe and shared it with me. I was delighted since my husband and I were cutting down on fried foods. You can easily double or triple this squash casserole to serve at family dinner. —Sue Joyce, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Grilled Peach Couscous Salad
You’ll feel inspired at the farmers market with the recipe for this couscous salad in tow. Grilled peaches and limes plus a subtly sweet dressing bring pizazz. —Emily King, Fayetteville, Arkansas
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Four-Berry Spinach Salad
Nature’s candy abounds in the berry-filled salad. Its slightly tart dressing contrasts deliciously with sweet in-season fruit. —Betty Lise Anderson, Gahanna, Ohio
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Caribbean Island Coleslaw
After trying a similar version of this coleslaw while visiting the island of St. Kitts, I returned home and wanted to make it myself. I’ve taken it to so many events, and it’s always a hit. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
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Tomato Cobbler
I make this tomato cobbler recipe during the height of summer, when tomatoes are abundant and super flavorful. The topping is a cross between that of a crisp and a cobbler. It’s a delightful way to use up fresh garden produce. —Mohammad Abdullah, Fremont, California
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Miso-Buttered Succotash
The miso paste in this super simple and healthy canned vegetable recipe gives depth and a hint of savoriness. To brighten the flavor profile even more, you could add a splash of your favorite white wine. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina
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Cucumber Melon Salad
This colorful salad is tangy and delicious. The unexpected combination is such a pleasant surprise. You can use whatever type of melon you have on hand. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
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Grilled Potato Fans with Onions
Looking for the ultimate 4th of July side dish? These seasoned potato “fans” are filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves and savory Parmesan cheese. —Sharon Crabtree, Graham, Washington
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Grilled Vegetable Platter
The best of summer in one dish! This pretty grilled vegetable recipe is meant for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really kicks up the grilled vegetables’ flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
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Air-Fryer Italian Bread Salad with Olives
This quick and flavorful salad recipe always gets rave reviews from my friends and family. It’s a timesaver during the holidays, as it can be made ahead. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, FL
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Patriotic Gelatin Salad
Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a “bang” as a 4th of July side dish. It’s exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
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Mom's Tangy Potato Salad
This chunky potato salad is a great dish for a family picnic or on a night when you're grilling out. The homemade dressing makes it extra delicious. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Tabouleh
Tabouleh, also known as tabbouleh, is a classic Middle Eastern salad. The fresh veggies and mint leaves make it light and refreshing on a hot day. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Lake Ridge, Virginia
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Creamy Coleslaw
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This creamy coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
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Pennsylvania Dutch Corn Pie
This Pennsylvania Dutch corn pie is full of old-fashioned goodness, with tender diced potatoes and a fresh, sweet corn flavor. Once you’ve tasted this delicious pie, you’ll never want to serve corn any other way! —Kathy Spang, Manheim, Pennsylvania
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Slow-Cooker Pinto Beans
I love pinto beans, but I always feel the flavor can easily turn too bland. I added a little this and a little that and came out with this amazing but easy slow-cooker pinto beans recipe. —Erica Vanderpool, Clarksville, Tennessee
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Colorful Spiral Pasta Salad
Tackle gatherings with a bright pasta salad. This tricolor toss-up with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
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Nutty Broccoli Slaw
My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
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Zucchini Patties
These zucchini patties have a nice flavor and are compatible with just about any entree. My sister gave me this recipe and I, in turn, have given it to many of my friends. —Annabelle Cripe, Goshen, Indiana
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Corn and Black Bean Salad
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
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Barley Corn Salad
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
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Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
I was under a doctor’s orders to reduce the amount of sodium I was eating, but I just couldn't part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments, I came up with this potluck favorite—and now everyone's happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
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Corn ‘n’ Cucumbers Salad
This was one of my mother’s recipes and I think of her whenever I make it. It’s a nice change from a regular cucumber salad.
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Patriotic Potatoes with Mustard Sauce
Show your true spirit with a bowl of red, white and blue potatoes dressed with bacon and sour cream. They’re tops in my hit parade of patriotic 4th of July side dishes. —Julie Murphy, Peachtree City, Georgia
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Bow Tie & Spinach Salad
With pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana
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Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad
This tomato salad is a summertime must. A standout dressing takes the tasty ingredients to a brand-new level. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Orzo Vegetable Salad
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
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Juicy Watermelon Salad
This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
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Mixed Veggies and Rice
To add variety to sides for those who don’t care for potatoes, I came up with this colorful dish. It’s an easy slow-cooker recipe that you can put right onto the buffet table. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
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Loaded Potato Salad
Get a load of this loaded potato salad with sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and more. The ingredients come together to give you all the richness of restaurant potato skins at your next picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova Scotia
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Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It's amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio
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Bacon Macaroni Salad
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
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Jen's Baked Beans
My daughters wanted baked beans, so I gave homemade ones a shot. With mustard, molasses and a dash of heat, I made these beans absolutely delicious. —Jennifer Heasley, York, Pennsylvania
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Broccoli Slaw
Here's my favorite twist on broccoli salad. It's so easy to make and has an irresistible tangy crunch. —Konny Thomas, Citrus Heights, California
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Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Greek Couscous Salad
Bright flavors and crisp raw veggies make a satisfying salad that's hearty enough to be a full meal. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Originally Published: June 02, 2021
