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25 Easy 4th of July Side Dishes for Your Cookout

When you’re planning your 4th of July cookout, it’s often the side dishes that bring everything together.

You want food that tastes good, doesn’t take all day to make, and hits the right mix of fan-favorites and something new.

From cold salads to baked favorites, here’s a good list of easy crowd-pleasers that will help round out your table!

American Potato Salad

This classic never goes out of style! 

A wooden bowl filled with creamy potato salad topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, celery slices, and chopped red onion, set on a red and white checkered tablecloth.

Add in some raspberries and blueberries for a patriotic effect.

This side dish is fun, easy, and customizable!

Patriotic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Nothing says summer celebration like grilled corn on the cob.

Grilled corn on the cob with star-shaped butter on top, served on a plate over an American flag-themed tablecloth.

Brush with olive oil and grill directly over the flame for a bit of char.

Add your favorite seasoning like chili-lime, garlic-parmesan, or just salt and pepper. 

You can also use a cutter to make cute butter-shaped stars!

Red, White, and Blue Coleslaw

No Fourth of July spread feels complete without a bowl of creamy coleslaw.

A wooden bowl of coleslaw with blueberries sits on a checkered tablecloth, with hot dogs, burgers, and an American flag-themed plate in the background.

Stick with a base of cabbage and carrots or mix it up with purple cabbage or broccoli slaw!

Use vinegar, lemon juice, or celery seed to balance the creaminess.

A fun add: blueberries! To add some pop of festive color! 

Star Spangled Watermelon Feta Salad

Sweet watermelon and salty feta make a refreshing combo.

A bowl of watermelon cubes, star-shaped pieces of white cheese, and blueberries, set in a star-patterned bowl on a patriotic-themed table.

Add some mint and a squeeze of lime for a simple, fresh finish.

This dish is instagram-worthy!

Patriotic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Comfort food that always deserves a spot on the table.

A casserole dish filled with macaroni and cheese featuring red, blue, and yellow pasta, set on a red and white checkered tablecloth.

Mix cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, gouda and bake with breadcrumbs on top if you want that crisp finish. 

Fourth of July BBQ Baked Beans

A classic potluck staple, BBQ baked beans bring a touch of smoky sweetness and hearty comfort to any Fourth of July feast.

A blue pot of baked beans decorated with small American flags sits on a red, white, and blue checkered tablecloth with patriotic-themed plates and cup in the background.

Try different beans like pinto or black for variety.

Sweeten with maple syrup or another sugar alternative if you like a twist on the unusual flavor.

Add some toothpick flags for a patriotic look.

Red, White, and Blue Skewers

Nothing says summer celebration quite like the vibrant simplicity of Caprese skewers.

Skewers with strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella balls, and star-shaped cheese arranged on a patriotic-themed plate, with an American flag and cup in the background.

Thred strawberries, blueberries, and frozen greek yogurt covered pineapples (in the shape of stars!) on skewers.

Put these out by the pool for a light and fresh snack!

Patriotic Deviled Eggs

This dish is a picnic-table classic. Its easy and customizable.

A plate of deviled eggs topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles and star-shaped decorations, arranged festively on a table.

Try classic paprika, sriracha for heat, or cute festive sprinkles for something fun!

Patriotic Pasta Salad 

Sunshine on your plate, that’s what you get with pasta salad tossed in zesty Italian dressing.

A bowl of tri-color rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and cubed chicken, surrounded by American flags and patriotic decorations.

Mix colored pasta shapes with chopped vegetables and toss in italian dressing. 

For variation, try balsamic or creamy pesto

Star Garlic Butter Roasted Green Beans

Toss green beans in garlic butter and roast. Serve alongside grilled meat or cold salads.

A platter of cooked green beans garnished with small star-shaped pieces of cheese, set on a patriotic-themed tablecloth with red, white, and blue colors and white stars.

Grab that shape-cutter again and make some cute star-shaped butter to top with. 

Star Shaped Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread

When you’re craving a side that’s both comforting and bold, cheesy jalapeño cornbread delivers on every level.

Star-shaped cornbread muffins with sliced jalapeños on top, arranged on a patriotic star-patterned plate.

These golden sides are spicy, cheesy, and best served warm! 

Add-ins like bacon or scallions are optional but great.

Patriotic Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Cool and crisp! Slice up some fresh tomatoes and grab a cookie cutter to make these cucumbers into stars!

A bowl of salad with sliced cherry tomatoes and cucumber stars sits on a red, white, and blue star-patterned tablecloth with patriotic decorations.

Toss into vinaigrette, and serve cold. Its a great contrast to the heavier dishes. 

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

Nothing says festive like a bowl full of red, white, and blue fruits.

A bowl decorated with stars and stripes holds a fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, green grapes, and apple chunks on a patriotic-themed table.

Strawberries, blueberries, and something pale like apple, banana, or melon. 

You can also drizzle some honey or a squeeze of lemon. 

Patriotic Oven-Baked French Fries

Skip the fryer for these guys! 

A tray of seasoned French fries with small American flags, served with a bowl of ketchup on a red, white, and blue cloth.

Slice some potatoes, coat in oil and seasoning, and roast until golden.

Serve with some ketchup and add some American Flags! These go quick!

Patriotic Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Slaw

Crunchy, light, and all things sweet this dish is sure to be a hit.

A bowl of salad with broccoli, carrots, cucumber slices cut into star shapes, and cabbage on a table with a blue and white star-patterned tablecloth.

Use store-bought mix or shred some of your own veggies. Dress with vinegar and a touch of honey. 

This is a beautiful color pop for your table. 

Star Spangled Honey-Lime Grilled Pineapple

Tropical flair meets backyard barbecue with honey-lime grilled pineapple.

Star-shaped grilled pineapple slices arranged on a blue plate, with an American flag-themed tablecloth in the background.

Its a side dish that instantly brightens your 4th of July table.

Brush pineapple with honey and lime juice, then grill until caramelized.  Great served warm or chilled. 

Patriotic Ranch Salad

This is a super easy side dish option everyone will enjoy!

A bowl of salad with lettuce, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing, set on a table with an American flag napkin and a glass of dressing nearby.

Add whatever vegetables you and your guests love and toss in rach or Greek yogurt-based dressing. 

Add cheese or bacon if you want some extra flavor.

Fourth of July Broccoli Bacon Salad

If you’re looking to balance creamy pasta dishes with something crisp and vibrant, you’ll love bringing broccoli bacon salad to your spread.

A bowl of broccoli salad with bacon, red onions, and dressing sits on a picnic table with patriotic-themed plates, cups, and a red-and-white checkered tablecloth.

Take some raw broccoli, crispy bacon, and tangy mayo-based dressing.

Add raisins or sunflower seeds if you like the texture. 

Red and White Greek Orzo Salad

Nothing says summer like a vibrant Greek orzo salad, bursting with Mediterranean flair.

A plate of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and star-shaped cheese slices, set on a table with patriotic decorations.

A cold pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta!

Toss in olive oil and lemon juice. This one is super easy to prepare ahead of time

Patriotic Maple Glazed Carrots

Roast up some baby carrots, or peeled large ones with a bit of oil and maple syrup.

A plate of glazed baby carrots topped with small American flags on toothpicks, set on a patriotic-themed table.

These guys are ready when they are soft and slightly caramelized. 

A good side to balance the salty mains! Be sure to add some mini toothpick flags for a patriotic look.

Fourth of July Dill Pickle Potato Chips

Buy them or make some of your own!

A white platter of seasoned potato chips on an outdoor table, surrounded by blue glasses, a bowl of pickles, and patriotic decorations.

Season thin-sliced baked potatoes with dill and vinegar for a punchy snack. 

Serve them in a big bowl and they’ll disappear fast!

Patriotic Southwestern Black Bean Salad

This black bean salad is a fan favorite! 

A bowl of bean and corn salad sits on a picnic table with corn on the cob, a drink, tomatoes, cheese, and a grill in the background, featuring a patriotic tablecloth and decorations.

Corn, tomatoes, black beans, bell peppers, and lime juice! Add cilantro or a touch of spice for extra flavor.

Can serve on the side, or dip some crunchy chips into them!

Star Shape Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Slice up some zucchini and bake with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan. Keep the slices spaced out for an extra crunch!

A tray of star-shaped baked zucchini tater tots arranged neatly on parchment paper, surrounded by American-themed decorations.

This is a trendy, shareable favorite that everyone can enjoy on the 4th of July.

Patriotic Red and Blue Berry Spinach Salad

Toss spinach with berries, nuts, and crumbled cheese. Use a light vinaigrette to tie it all together. 

A bowl of spinach salad topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries, placed on patriotic-themed napkins with American flags in the background.

Add some mint on top for some extra flavor. 

Fourth of July Ambrosia Salad

This retro favorite is made with strawberries, oranges, and blueberries. Add some marshmallows and whipped topping!

A glass bowl filled with a creamy fruit salad topped with mandarin oranges, blueberries, strawberries, and shredded coconut sits on a red and white checkered tablecloth.

Add some coconut if you like that flavor and chill before serving. 

Patriotic Side Dishes

You don’t need to overcomplicate things to make a great cookout.

These sides cover all the bases, cold and hot, sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy.

Pick a few that match your vibe, prep what you can ahead of time, and enjoy the holiday

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