9 Salads Perfect for Your Fourth of July Weekend
This year your Independence Day may be a little different, but whether you’re cooking for a small, safe group or just your own family, we’re sharing nine unique summer salads that will probably surprise and most definitely delight anyone who takes a bite. Try one, two, or any number of them for your Fourth of July Weekend and make the rest throughout the remainder of your summer vacation.
Eager to celebrate in more ways? Check out our most recent edition of our ChopChop Kids Club Newsletter. In it, you’ll find another not-your-average-salad recipe, potato facts, awesome kitchen skills, ideas for throwing your own parade, how to make your own Bill of Rights, and other exciting activities and opportunities to learn and have fun.
Savory Salads
1. Summery Tuna Salad
Salad in a tomato? That’s right. These Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes are filled with our Summery Tuna Salad and their small bite size makes them especially fun to pop in your mouth. Better yet? The red color from the tomatoes makes them extra festive for July 4th barbecues.
2. Creamy Cucumber Salad
This easy salad goes well with lots of summer main dishes—like our Greek-Salad Turkey Burger, traditional burgers, or a piece of grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for picnics and potlucks.
3. Greek Salad Kabobs
Of course, you could simply make a salad, but this is more fun, and the kabobs make cheerful summer appetizers.
4. White House Spicy White Bean Salad with Summer Corn and Crunchy Cucumbers
Did you know that we visited the White House twice during the Obama Administration? Our founder Sally Sampson and other ChopChop Family members got to interview Michelle Obama and work with different White House chefs! This recipe is from Nora Grant Ripley, daughter of Wendy Ripley, one of the White House pastry chefs. Click here for more White House recipes.
5. Tomato Salad with Basil and Feta Cheese
Nothing says “summer” like sun-warmed, fresh tomatoes you grow yourself or you pick up from a local farmers market. Combine that flavor with salty crumbled feta cheese, and you’ve got the perfect savory side dish for your Fourth of July.
Sweeter Salads
6. Watermelon Salad
A cold wedge of watermelon brings nothing but big smiles throughout summer. But if you start to crave something slightly different, try this unique salad. It might sound funny to mix watermelon with vegetables, but we think it will bring surprised smiles to you and your family during your holiday meal.
7. The Perfect Fruit Salad
The truth is you don’t really need a recipe for fruit salad but we’re giving you one to help get you started. Remember, a fruit salad can be as simple as a bowl full of cubed melon or as complicated as a dozen kinds of cut-up fruit. Mix and match however you like!
8. Peach, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
This surprising salad makes the most of the vibrant juiciness of peaches and tomatoes and varies the texture and color with a little creamy green avocado. Serve it as a no-cook side dish. Or, swap it for salsa and scoop it up with whole-grain chips.
9. Melon Salad with Chiles and Mint
Like the Watermelon Salad, we know it might be surprising to think of pairing melon with savory ingredients like herbs and chile peppers. But if you try it, you’ll see what makes it such a great and refreshing idea. And we have a hunch your family and friends will be asking for the recipe throughout your entire Independence Day celebration!
Looking for more recipes for your July 4th festivities? Check out our blog post, “4 Recipes for Your Fourth of July Cookout.” or make our delicious Fourth of July Parfait!