Hiya! How’s your weekend going so far? As promised, here’s your go-to guide to make planning for the 4th a little more manageable. Whether you’re doing the traditional BBQ or picnic or just chilling out at home to watch the fireworks on TV, I’ve got loads of summery party treats that are sure to make any kind of Independence Day celebration mighty tasty!!

APPETIZERS

No matter what you’re doing, Its kind of a no-brainer that you need lots of snicky snacks for the 4th—keep ‘em light and easy—it’s hot and you don’t want to spend a lot of last-minute prep time in the kitchen. Plus, if you’re hosting a party, it’s likely you’ll have staggered guests, so you don’t want to have to keep reheating dips and hors d’oeuvres.

Easy Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Salted Caramel Popcorn

MAIN DISHES

I’m going heavy on the grilling here because I think that’s what most of us will be doing, but I’m throwing in a couple of easy oven recipes and a pasta or two in case you’re looking to change it up a bit or need a vegetarian main.

Grilled Chicken Burgers with Copycat Shake Shack Sauce

Grilled Chicken with Tangy Peach Glaze

Chicken, Mango and Scallion Tacos

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Barbecued Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken

Sticky Molasses Chicken Wings

Maple Chipotle Barbecued Brisket

Crazy Easy Grilled Marinated Flank Steak

Warm Weather Bolognese

Macaroni & Cheese, Sheet-Pan Style

Roasted Vegetable Lasagne

Roasted Veggie Soft Tacos

SIDES & SALADS

Everyone loves the sides, so feel free to make plenty and if you have lots of leftovers, count yourself lucky!!

Layered Summer Vegetable Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Summer Squash Bake

Corn & Tomato Salad

Zucchini Slaw

Classic Buttermilk Cole Slaw

Orzo, Chickpea and Radicchio Salad

Homemade Pickled Red Onions

Spicy Black Eyed Pea Salad

Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Pasta Salad with Asian-Style Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Squash and Pine Nuts

Zesty Creamed Corn

Spicy Pinto Beans

Strawberry Tabbouleh Salad

Spicy Peanutty Sweet Potato Salad

Frizzled Onions

Grilled Sweet Potato and Corn Salad

Red Potato & Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

DRINKS

You want plenty of cold drinks and these are two of our absolute favorites! So pretty and the red and blue definitely feel patriotic!

Strawberry Lemonade

Fresh Blueberry Lemonade

DESSERTS

Lots of different choices here. If you’re not going to be home, keep it simple and yummy. Pie is great but crazy hard to serve on a picnic or boat—go for more handheld treats that you can make ahead and that don’t need last minute refrigeration. And of course, you could always just make s’mores!!

Easy-As-Pie Apple Slab Pie

Strawberry Blueberry Crostata

Easy Blueberry Tart

Summer Berry Lemon Trifle

Famous Strawberry Pie

No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bars

Luscious Lemon Shortbread Bars

Strawberry Crumble Bars

Jiffies

Peanut Butter M&M's Rice Krispies Treats

Easy Toasted Coconut Key Lime Pie Bars

Supernatural Brownies