9 Salads That Deserve a Spot at Your 4th of July Cookout

Add some sparkle to your backyard barbecue with one of these easy-to-make recipes.

June 25, 2020

Photo by: Ryan Liebe ©Ryan Liebe—2016

Ryan Liebe, Ryan Liebe—2016

The 4th of July is right around the corner and that means it’s time for a cookout! Whether you need a stunning side dish for your burgers or grilled chicken, or you want to make fruit and veggies the star of the show, these easy salads are sure to add some sparkle to your 4th of July celebration.

Patriotic Potato Salad (pictured above)

Cherry tomatoes are combined with blue and white potatoes to give this salad a patriotic twist. It’s dressed simply — with vinegar, scallions, basil and parsley — for a bright, herby take on a classic.

Classic 100, Vinegar Coleslaw

Classic 100, Vinegar Coleslaw

Photo by: Caitlin Ochs

Caitlin Ochs

This vinegar coleslaw from Food Network Kitchen is called “the best” for a reason. It’s versatile, perfectly delicious and, because it’s mayo-free, you won’t have to worry if you leave it out for everyone to serve themselves.

Detail of host Tia Mowry's dish, Zuccini Salad, as seen on Cooking Channel’s Tia Mowry At Home, Season 3.

Detail of host Tia Mowry's dish, Zuccini Salad, as seen on Cooking Channel’s Tia Mowry At Home, Season 3.

Photo by: Zac Hahn

Zac Hahn

Serving arugula can be tricky because it has a tendency to wilt once it’s dressed. Eliminate that worry by pureeing it into a peppery pesto that you can toss with raw zucchini. It’s a perfect fit for simple, summery grilled chicken or steaks.

Giada uses bitter greens in her festive riff on the Tricolore Salad — but balances the flavor by adding sweet blueberries and grapes and salty gorgonzola. She finishes everything with a tangy Champagne vinaigrette for a salad that’s great with anything you’re grilling up.

Photo by: RYAN DAUSCH

RYAN DAUSCH

This showstopper of a salad takes cucumber to the next level by combining it with bold spices, cantaloupe and cherries. The salad is insanely flavorful and equally at home with burgers as it is with chicken wings.

Give your ordinary grilled corn a makeover with sweet and savory spices, lime, and mint. Aarti shows you how with this easy recipe that tastes just like Indian street corn.

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm 
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

GRILLED_PANZANELLA_013.tif

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

Think of this as classic Panzanella — from a cookout point of view. The bread and vegetables get a nice char on the grill before they’re tossed together. The bread soaks up all the delicious juices and salami lends a salty bite.

Crunchy, spicy radishes are tossed with a sweet citrus dressing for a bright and refreshing dish that perfectly complements smoked or barbequed meats and grilled fish.

FN Flat Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

FN Flat Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Photo by: Armando Rafael

Armando Rafael

Is it salad or dessert? We aren’t sure, but no summer meal is complete without this beloved, retro dish.

Related Content

Next Up

The Staub Pieces That Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Infuse handcrafted French cookware into your home with an heirloom-quality piece from Staub.

Dietitians and Chefs Agree — These 5 Costco Products Deserve a Spot in Your Shopping Cart

Including "by far the best-tasting store-bought marinara," according to one cookbook author.

From Burgers to Pasta Salad, These Cookout Foods Ship Directly to Your Door

Skip the grocery store and get everything you need for your next backyard barbecue on QVC.

15 Recipes to Make for a July 4th Potluck

Whether you're bringing a side, dessert or the main event, we found the perfect potluck recipes for this summer holiday.

Star Judges' 4th of July Recipes Won’t Disappoint

Want to wow your guests this holiday weekend? Inspired by the episode, Star Talk has rounded up the best takes on these dishes from Star judges Bobby, Giada and Alton.

Starbucks Rings in July 4th With a Camera-Ready Frapp

The red, white and blue Firework Frappuccino is “summer vacation in a cup.”

DIY Summer Cookout

The Kitchen is throwing a nautical beach party with fun and beachy DIY decor.

The Best July 4th Kitchen Sales to Shop This Weekend

When you need a break from the heat, how about some online shopping?

10 Summery Drinks That Are Perfect for 4th of July

Turn your backyard barbecue into an all-out celebration with refreshing drinks and cocktails for the whole family.

The Best 4th of July Sales to Shop This Year

Take a break from your weekend plans to shop these Independence Day deals!