Every hero needs a sidekick. That's why we've rounded up all of the best Fourth of July side dishes. These salads, slaws, veggies and more complement whatever star you throw on the grill.
45 Essential Fourth of July Side Dishes
Updated on Jul. 09, 2024
It’s time to celebrate everyone’s favorite summer holiday! Whether you’re going to a 4th of July potluck or hosting your own backyard party, we’ve got all the sides you need.
For something light and refreshing, like a vegetable coleslaw, you’re in the right place. If you prefer something on the heavier side, our BBQ baked beans are sure to be a winner amongst the party animals, too. Last but not least, the patriotic jello salad may just be the best tasting (and looking) side dish you will ever make. Cheers to red, white and blue!
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
You can’t celebrate Fourth of July without corn on the cob! The creamy dressing and jalapeño kick makes this dish surprisingly unique and delicious. If you’re really feeling wild, we recommend sprinkling crumbled bacon on top!
1/45
2/45
Watermelon Feta Flag Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This incredibly delicious salad resembles the American flag, making it the ultimate July Fourth side dish. It’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue.
3/45
My Favorite Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
4/45
Ranch-Style Beans
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This ranch-style beans recipe is served 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
These ranch beans are ideal for Fourth of July barbecues. The spiciness and sweetness of the sauce makes it an instant crowd pleaser.
5/45
Sliced Tomato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
This easy to make salad is fresh and ideal for hot summer days. The brightness of the tomatoes really bring out the spirit of America, too.
6/45
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This potato salad will be an instant hit wherever you go this July Fourth. We recommend tossing the cooked potatoes with vegetable or chicken stock and wine right after you drain them. The liquid will absorb like magic.
7/45
Grilled Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms cooked over hot coals always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste fantastic. As a mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors with the kids. —Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa
8/45
Radish Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I put this cucumber radish salad together with vegetables I had left in my garden. My family liked it so much, I started taking it to community suppers and was often asked for the recipe. It's a refreshing accompaniment for any entree. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
This salad is a refreshing dish to bring to any Fourth of July gathering. It pairs well with any kind of meat dish, and it is a cooling way to beat the July heat.
9/45
Potatoes Romanoff
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tangy potato cubes, topped with cheddar cheese, can be mixed ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to bake them. What a timesaver! I like to serve them with steak and green beans. —Rita Deere, Evansville, Indiana
These potatoes are a hearty dish that pairs well with roasted veggies as well as chicken or steak. The cheese on top will easily get your neighbors excited about digging in.
10/45
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
This addictive pasta dish is indulgent, without feeling heavy. The avocado sauce is creamy and its bright flavor is sure to be a big hit with your fellow Fourth of July party-goers.
11/45
Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
They're easy to fix as an appetizer or salad. It's impossible to eat just one. — Mary Lou Robison, Greensboro, North Carolina
These cherry stuffed tomatoes are juicy and bursting with flavor. You simply can’t go wrong with this delightful dish that pairs well with just about everything.
12/45
Summer Squash Side Dish Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Start the summer off right with this summer squash dish that will make your tastebuds sing. For larger July Fourth parties, you can easily double or triple this dish.
13/45
Grilled Peach Couscous Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This salad is perfect for when you need a break from all the burgers you may have consumed. The grilled peaches and limes with the sweet dressing will make this your new favorite summer salad.
14/45
Four-Berry Spinach Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nature's candy abounds in the berry-filled salad. The slightly tart dressing contrasts deliciously with the sweet in-season fruit. —Betty Lise Anderson, Gahanna, Ohio
On the Fourth on July, you can’t go wrong with fruit. The addition of the red vinegar and fresh spinach makes this salad tangy and full of flavor.
15/45
Tomato Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this 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
This tomato cobbler is a contest winner for good reason! There’s no better time than the Fourth of July to enjoy fresh tomatoes in the height of their season.
16/45
Succotash
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't get more southern than this succotash recipe. It comes from my mother, who was a fantastic cook. This dish made her famous—at least with everyone who ever tasted it. —Rosa Boone, Mobile, Alabama
17/45
Cucumber Melon Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This colorful salad will keep you feeling refreshed and revived all day long. Who wouldn’t love some fresh fruit on their plate?
18/45
Grilled Potato Fans with Onions
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for the ultimate grilled potato? These seasoned potato fans are filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves and savory Parmesan cheese. —Sharon Crabtree, Graham, Washington
Looking for the ultimate Fourth of July side dish? These seasoned potato “fans” are oozing with grilled onions and flavor.
19/45
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
This classic summer dish is a fan favorite and we agree. The grilled colorful vegetables are almost too pretty to eat.
20/45
Patriotic Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. 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
Guests will love this jello salad that is full of fruit and creaminess in every bite. Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but its colors are undeniably patriotic.
21/45
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite will win you over.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
This salad combines peppery arugula with sweet strawberries and feta cheese. All these flavors coming together make this a tasty and pretty salad to enjoy on the Fourth of July.
This hearty potato salad is a welcomed classic that’s ideal for this patriotic day. The homemade dressing makes it extra creamy and rich.
22/45
23/45
Tabouleh
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
The fresh veggies and mint leaves in this classic middle eastern salad make it light and refreshing on a hot day. For the Fourth of July, you can’t go wrong with this tasty and cooling salad.
24/45
Creamy Coleslaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
This creamy coleslaw recipe is ideal for potlucks. It also makes for a spectacular dip for crackers and chips.
25/45
Pennsylvania Dutch Corn Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
If you don’t want to serve corn on the cob this year, consider serving corn in a pie! This Pennsylvania Dutch corn pie has a sweet flavor from the corn, and the potatoes make it seem more indulgent than it actually is.
26/45
Slow-Cooker Pinto Beans
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
While pinto beans may seem boring on their own, the seasoning in this recipe elevates these beans to be a wonderful side dish option.
27/45
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
This tricolor pasta salad is loaded with broccoli, tomatoes and olives. The tangy dressing makes it a perfect quick and easy dish to make for large crowds and parties.
28/45
Nutty Broccoli Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
The sweet dressing in this recipe nicely coats a wonderfully crisp salad that is full of broccoli, onions and almonds. The crushed ramen noodles provide a delightful crunch.
29/45
Zucchini Patties
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
These zucchini patties are perfect for when you’re on-the-go and need to make something in a pinch. They also reheat well, so you can eat them for leftovers too.
30/45
Corn and Black Bean Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This salad is colorful, crunchy and flavorful. The sweetness of the corn balances with the black beans quite well. You can also use this salad as a dip.
31/45
Barley Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to the corn, barley, and red and green peppers. When you bring it to your next July Fourth get-together, watch how fast it goes!
32/45
Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
Total Time
9 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This dish is a potluck favorite! Plus, it’s low in sodium so you can eat as much as your stomach desires.
33/45
Corn ‘n’ Cucumbers Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cucumber corn salad 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. —Jean Moore, Pliny, West Virginia
This recipe a nice change from a typical cucumber salad. The corn adds a pop of color and flavor.
34/45
Patriotic Potatoes with Mustard Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 dishes. —Julie Murphy, Peachtree City, Georgia
Show your American spirit with a bowl of red, white and blue potatoes loaded with savory bacon and rich sour cream. You won’t regret making this dish for your next Fourth of July party.
35/45
Bow Tie & Spinach Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Your neighbors will love this pasta and spinach salad that you can customize to your liking. Feel free to change out the kind of beans or vegetables you’d like to use.
36/45
Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tomato salad is a summertime must. A standout dressing takes the tasty ingredients to a brand-new level. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This tomato salad is a summertime must and will be outstanding for a July Fourth cookout or potluck. A standout dressing takes the tasty ingredients to a brand-new level.
37/45
Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Need a little heat? Look no further than these spicy ears that will be a crowd favorite for sure.
38/45
Orzo Vegetable Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
You can’t go wrong with a cooling dressing over veggies and orzo. This side dish is light, but refreshing on a hot day like July Fourth.
39/45
Juicy Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This fruit salad is oh so juicy, and ready for you devour this summer. Combine seedless watermelon in different varieties of yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist.
40/45
Mixed Veggies and Rice
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This healthy and nutritious dish is perfect for when you want something lighter. The fresh veggies in this recipe make it delicious and perfect for the summertime.
41/45
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped my mother's potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin's, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana
42/45
Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Corn on the cob by itself is great, but this recipe is out of this world. The additional basil and lemon make this dish a summertime showstopper.
43/45
Bacon Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl! It’s creamy, savory and full of fresh vegetables to keep you satisfied and happy.
44/45
Broccoli Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
This unique salad has a wonderful tangy crunch to it. The combination of broccoli, carrots and red cabbage is a game changer.
45/45
Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
When it comes to summer, pasta salads are always a quick and easy dish to whip up. Every bite of this salad is full of veggies and you can’t resist the ranch dressing!
Tangy Macaroni Salad
This tangy macaroni salad is different than your average macaroni salad. It’s loaded with fresh veggies and is guaranteed to be a hit!
