Festivities for the  4th of July are coming up fast. No matter where you're celebrating, whether at home, at a friend's or in the great outdoors, making dishes that are easy to take on the go can be a game changer for your celebrations. Classic American dishes like burgers and hot dogs don't generally transport well on the fly, but luckily we have a few make-and-take dishes up our sleeve that will make potlucking and picnicking on Independence Day go off without a hitch.

Bring an extra-easy, patriotic appetizer that doesn't take more than 20 minutes to make from start to finish. Make quick red pepper salsa and creamy garlic-lime dip at home for  Red and White Double Dippers with Blue Corn Chips. The dips are easy to pack up and bring, while the chips require just a trip to the store.

Cook up a big batch of orzo and toss with cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs and feta cheese for an easy-to-make  Orzo Salad.  Since it's a cold salad that just needs to be scooped to be enjoyed, this crowd-pleasing dish is a fuss-free option to take to a party.

Soup may not sound like the most-convenient dish to schlep, but not all soups are created equal. Make Anne Burrell's refreshing  Gazpacho ahead by pureeing the veggies in a blender, and transport the finished product in a plastic pitcher or bowl.

Instead of toiling with dessert while you should be mingling, watching the fireworks and taking part in other 4th of July-ish things, plan on a treat that's best assembled a day in advance. Layered with homemade chocolate pastry cream, wafer cookies and bananas, Bobby Flay's  Milk Chocolate Banana Pudding is a scoopable finale for a cookout, and all there's left to do before eating is top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Don't forget to pack a drink to wash it all down. Ree Drummond's  Raspberry Lemonade is an easy, kid-friendly refresher that might taste even better when swigged in the great outdoors out of a plastic cup.

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The Heritage Cook:  Tangy Caprese Salad with Pickled Cherries (Gluten-Free)

Creative Culinary:  July 4th Red, White and Blue Patriotic Poke Cake

Weelicious:  Blue Corn Chip Crusted Fish Sticks with Red Pepper Coulis

The Lemon Bowl:  3 Steps to Perfectly Cooked Sweet Corn

Taste with the Eyes:  Dessert for the 4th of July: Elderflower Berry Pavlova

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Elephants and the Coconut Trees:  Heirloom Tomato Pie