10 Easy Recipes for a Laid-Back Fourth of July BBQ
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I am all about a chill Fourth of July. Good food, good people, a cold drink in hand, and absolutely no stress in the kitchen. These are the recipes I turn to when I want my BBQ spread to feel easy and impressive at the same time, mains, sides, and snacks included. Let’s make this the most low-key, delicious cookout of the summer.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
A fun upgrade from the usual burgers and dogs. The chicken gets marinated in a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce and comes off the grill juicy, sticky, and just sweet enough. These are always the first thing to go at a cookout. Full recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Grilled Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin
Juicy grilled pork gets a bold upgrade from a fresh, herb-packed chimichurri that works as both marinade and drizzle. Bright, zippy, and basically made for a Fourth of July spread. Full recipe: Grilled Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Always a crowd pleaser, and the chimichurri takes them to a whole new level. Bold, zesty, and totally no-fuss. Make extra sauce because it will disappear fast. Full recipe: Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Balsamic Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Colorful grilled veggies, crumbled feta, and a zippy balsamic vinaigrette tossed with pasta. Make ahead friendly, holds up beautifully outdoors, and feels a little fancy without any extra work. Full recipe: Balsamic Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Mexican Watermelon Salad
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Sweet, salty, crunchy, and so refreshing. Juicy watermelon tossed with crisp arugula, toasty pepitas, a tangy lime vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Basically summer in a bowl. Full recipe: Mexican Watermelon Salad
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
The veggie side that actually gets eaten. Roasted until sweet and caramelized with just a hint of thyme, these fit in perfectly next to whatever is coming off the grill. Full recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash
A little char, a light marinade, and you have got a side that goes with everything. Easy to prep and hard to mess up, which is exactly what you want at a cookout. Full recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash
Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Bold, smoky, and seriously juicy off the grill. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, and these are always one of the first things to disappear at a cookout. Full recipe: Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Skewers
My newest grill obsession. Chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory mix of fish sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs, grilled until perfectly charred. Serve with rice and an incredible peanut sauce on the side. Full recipe: Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Skewers
Peach Mango Salsa
Sweet, a little spicy, and bursting with summer flavor. Juicy peaches and mango chopped up with jalapeño and fresh lime, perfect spooned over grilled chicken or fish, piled onto tacos, or scooped up with chips. It comes together in minutes with zero cooking required. Full recipe: Peach Mango Salsa
