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.

The July 4th holiday calls for lots of potluck celebrations. Here are some helpful tips and healthy recipes for whichever part of the meal you’re assigned to bring.

Food Safety Tips for July 4th Potluck Dishes

Always keep time and temperature in mind. If food sits out over 2 hours at room temperature it can potentially make folks sick. Food should travel in the air conditioned area of your car and not in a hot trunk or roof. High-risk foods like tuna salad, sliced fruit or raw meats should be kept on ice, especially if you're traveling an hour or more.

Raw meats and poultry should be kept in a separate cooler from any ready-to-eat foods (like salads). Separate utensils and platters should be packed to avoid cross-contamination.

Jicama and Watermelon Salad (pictured above)

A potluck dream! No lettuce means this salad won’t get soggy. A base of crunchy and sweet watermelon and jicama will help keep guest hydrated; add some crumbled feta for a salty bite.

Food Network Kitchen’s Guacamole, as seen on Food Network.

FNK_Guacamole_H

Food Network Kitchen’s Guacamole, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet

Renee Comet

It’s not a party without the guac! This crowd-pleaser is always a hit.

Ellie Krieger's Babganoush as seen on Food Network

Ellie Krieger's Babganoush as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Roasted eggplant spiked with tahini, garlic and lemon is incredibly flavorful and highly recommended with pita chips for dipping.

GUY F ROASTED RED BELL PEPPER HUMMUS

GUY_F_ROASTED_RED_BELL_PEPPER_HUMMUS_H.jpg

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Homemade hummus is shockingly easy to make and so much more flavorful than store-bought. This version packs plenty of spice from jalapenos and dried chilies. Serve with crunchy carrot sticks.

American Macaroni Salad: Food Network Kitchens

American Macaroni Salad: Food Network Kitchens

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

A potluck classic made a little bit healthier with properly portioned dressing and plenty of fresh veggies.

Bobby Flay's Coleslaw with Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette

Bobby_Flay_Fit_Coleslaw_With_Cumin_Lime_Vinaigrette.tif

Bobby Flay's Coleslaw with Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

This mayo-less coleslaw is spiked with plenty of spice and citrus. It’s perfect served with pulled pork and ribs.

Grain salads are a perfect picnic side to enjoy with meat or veggies off the grill. Quinoa adds protein and fiber to make this salad extra satisfying. Make ahead but add the avocado right before serving.

Giada De Laurentiis's Grilled Seafood Salad, as seen on Food Network's Everyday Italian,Season 1

Giada De Laurentiis's Grilled Seafood Salad, as seen on Food Network's Everyday Italian,Season 1

Photo by: KATE MATHIS

KATE MATHIS

A salad you don’t typically see at a picnic spread. This grilled seafood salad is a great pescatarian-friendly addition to a potluck.

Food Network Kitchen’s BBQ Spaghetti Squash Sliders, as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen’s BBQ Spaghetti Squash Sliders, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: KATE MATHIS

KATE MATHIS

A fun and flavorful vegetarian option to include on your barbecue spread. For a protein boost, add some extra firm tofu.

Food Styling: Jamie Kimm
Prop Styling: Marina Malchin

Sausage and Peppers Skewers_15.tif

Food Styling: Jamie Kimm Prop Styling: Marina Malchin

Grillfests call for skewers. Quick cooking chicken sausage stacks up perfectly with cuts of onions and bell peppers.

Food Network Kitchen’s Healthy Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers.

Food Network Kitchen’s Healthy Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

These pepper cups take tortillas out of the equation. Prepare in the oven or on the grill in an aluminum trays tray for easy clean up.

Every bite of these lemony bars taste like summer. Make ahead and store in the freezer to prevent quick melting on the picnic buffet.

A sweet and salty gluten-free cookie option that everyone at the party will fight over – make a double batch!

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

These nostalgic cupcakes make everyone smille. They will quickly become a holiday picnic tradition.

Fruit skewers, skewer, Keewee, orange, blueberry, pineapple, strawberries, chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate,

Fruit skewers, skewer, Keewee, orange, blueberry, pineapple, strawberries, chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate,

Skewers can also be for dessert. Finish with white or dark chocolate for a smidge of decadence.

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