This Is What I'd Make If You Came Over for the 4th of July

Everything worth making Saturday.

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Friends, the 4th of July is basically here and if you haven’t figured out what you’re making yet, this is the post for you.

I won’t actually be home to cook this year — but if I were, and if I could have you all over, these are the exact recipes I’d make. The grill would be on, there’d be something cold in everyone’s hand, and the table would look something like this.

I organized everything by category so it’s easy to pull from: the grill recipes, the sides, a drink, and a dessert. Most of it can be prepped ahead, which means you’ll actually get to enjoy the holiday instead of spending it all in the kitchen. And if you’ve already tried any of these, I’d love to know — send me a message or drop a comment. It always makes my day. 😚

• A good grill. If you’re in the market, I cannot recommend the Weber Searwood XL enough—it’s powerful, consistent, and gives you that wood-fired flavor. For a more affordable option, any compact Weber gas grill will get the job done just fine!

• A smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone so you know exactly when everything is done.

• Metal or reusable skewers. For the chicken skewers — reusable metal ones are worth having. They hold up well and flip easily on the grill.

• A baking sheet for the strawberry shortcake.

• A grill brush. The bristle-free stainless steel kind. It really does make a huge difference!

• A high-speed blender. For the margarita and any sauces or dressings being made ahead.

You can shop all of my kitchen favorites over on my Amazon Storefront — I keep it updated with exactly what I’m actually using.

This Easy Grilled Bang Bang Corn combines perfectly grilled corn with a tangy Bang Bang Sauce and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for the perfect summertime treat. Serve it poolside with your favorite BBQ or enjoy it as a delicious snack, all on it’s own – no matter how you choose to enjoy it, there’s no wrong way!

If you love pickles, you have to try my Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers. These tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken skewers are marinated in pickle juice and skewered with fresh pickle slices for that salty, tangy, dill pickle flavor that you know and love. Plus, they can be prepared two different ways — either on the grill or in the air fryer — making it the perfect, versatile recipe to add to your menu!

There is nothing more juicy and flavorful than chicken thighs marinated in a creamy, spicy coconut sauce and grilled until perfectly charred. These are the Grilled Spicy Coconut Chicken Thighs.

These crispy, loaded Summertime Chicken Nachos with Corn Salsa are gluten-free and perfect for serving a crowd… or, enjoying all on your own! This recipe is SO easy and comes together in just a matter of minutes. It’s perfect for serving poolside alongside some tacos and a margarita for the ultimate summertime meal!

If you’re looking for a steak recipe that is juicy, tender, and practically melts in your mouth, then look no further than this one! My Easy Oven-Baked Tri-Tip Roast is perfectly cooked, perfectly delicious, and is seasoned with my signature spice blend that is truly crave-worthy. It doesn’t get any better than this! I got this recipe from my mom, who made this all the time growing up.

These Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd! The pork shoulder is tender, juicy, and pairs perfectly with the crunchy slaw. And, when it’s topped off with a dollop of barbecue sauce and sandwiched between two fluffy brioche buns? It’s the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich that everyone will enjoy!

If you’re looking for your new favorite salad recipe that will be on repeat all summer long, then look no further than my easy Watermelon Strawberry Cucumber & Feta Salad. This bright and refreshing summer salad comes together with chunks of fresh cut watermelon, sliced strawberries, and cool cucumbers that are tossed with feta cheese and fresh mint, then topped off with a delightful honey vinaigrette. The end result is a super fresh salad that is perfect for pairing along any of your favorite summertime recipes!

If you’re dreaming of backyard BBQs and summertime street fairs, then you are going to love my Street Corn Pasta Salad with High Protein Chili Lime Dressing. This bright and flavorful pasta salad has all of the elements of a Mexican street corn that you know and love (from the tender corn kernels to the creamy cotija cheese), but added to a bowl of perfectly-cooked pasta. Plus, the entire dish is topped off with a High Protein Chili Lime Dressing that is so good, you could practically drink it.

Ever seen tater tots and thought those would definitely be good in salad? Welcome to the club! This Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Creamy Dill Pickle Dressing is what happens when comfort food meets veggies. Crispy smashed tater tots are baked until golden and crunchy, then mixed with fresh, cool vegetables and a tangy, dill-forward yogurt dressing that takes it over the top.

Say goodbye to boring, soggy salads with my Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing. This salad comes together with a base of crunchy broccoli, tangy cabbage, bacon, and cashews, paired with a sweet and delicious homemade vinaigrette, for a salad that only gets better with time!

If you’re looking for a salad that is equal parts refreshing, bright, and packed with flavor, this Miso Lime Cucumber Salad is about to become your new obsession. Crisp Persian cucumbers and shallots are tossed with fresh cilantro, crunchy salted peanuts, and a creamy miso-lime dressing that is tangy, a little sweet, and completely addictive.

If a crisp and refreshing margarita is calling your name, then you will love this Spicy Skinny Cucumber Margarita. This margarita takes on a light and refreshing twist that is a little spicy, a little boozy, and overall delicious!

If the warmer weather has you craving a light, fluffy, and creamy strawberry short cake, then it’s time to run to your kitchen and grab your sheet pan, because this is the Best Healthy Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake. It’s made from a light and airy gluten-free cake that is then topped with your favorite whipped topping and delicious, sugar-coated strawberries. This cake yields 12 slices, making it perfect for serving at a party!

You can find everything I use for my recipes on my Amazon Storefront and shop all of my fashion, beauty, and home favorites on my ShopMy!

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