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68 Delicious 4th of July Recipes to Make for an Epic Summer Cookout

We all scream for ice cream pie

4th of july recipes: strawberry ice cream pie in a bowl on a marble counter
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell

The Fourth of July demands grilled mains, red-white-and-blue desserts and lots of frosty cocktails (and mocktails). But don't let that stress you out this year, because I have all the recipes you need to throw a mouthwatering Independence Day cookout.

From classic dishes, like coleslaw and burgers, to more inventive ideas, like cauliflower "potato" salad and grilled watermelon skewers, here are the very best entrees, sides and desserts to whip up before the fireworks. I love these picks because they're seasonal and festive without asking too much of the host, plus some of them are no-cook and can be made ahead. Read on for the 68 best 4th of July recipes for your holiday cookout (or any cookout, really).

55 4th of July Appetizers for the Ultimate Summer Celebration


1. Rum-Less Rum Punch Mocktail

  • Time Commitment: 5 minutes
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, no cook, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 2

"This rum-less rum punch is honestly just as easy to make as lemonade," explains PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen, "but the combination of sweet and tart flavors tastes way more special." Sure, you could spike these tropical sippers with rum, vodka or tequila—but mocktails are all the rage, and everyone can get in on the punch bowl if it's booze-free.

2. Spicy, Crunchy Sesame Cucumber Salad

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, vegan
  • Serves: 4

"It’s refreshing, crisp, juicy and savory with just the right amount of heat to bring me back for another bite," raves Gillen. Shaving the cucumbers into ribbons with a vegetable peeler or mandoline makes for a more sophisticated presentation. Prep this beauty a day or two ahead of the barbecue to save yourself time the day of.

3. Pink Lemonade Bars

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 16

Behold: summer's official drink in dessert form. "The secret isn't food dye, but raspberry puree, which tames the tart citrus flavor and adds a berry hue," explains Gillen. "The filling is thickened with flour instead of cornstarch, which means it's guaranteed to set and won't become weepy over time." Wash 'em down with...well, more lemonade.

4. Atlantic Beach Pie

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

"The sweet-and-salty riff on North Carolina lemon pie rose to prominence after chef Bill Smith's rendition was featured on NPR," explains Gillen. This unique, eight-ingredient treat is pretty foolproof, since it sets to perfection in the fridge. It boasts a lemon-condensed milk filling and a saltine cracker crust.

5. BLT Pasta Salad

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 8

This barbecue side combines all the crunchy, savory, creamy ingredients of the classic sandwich—minus the bread. Make the pasta salad ahead to save time, but add the bacon right before serving so it doesn't go soggy in the fridge.

6. Avocado Potato Salad

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 8 to 10

Sayonara, mayo. I'm using Greek yogurt to make this side dish super creamy and tangy. Add hot sauce or pickled red onions for extra zing. Pass the ribs, please.

7. Grilled Watermelon-Feta Skewers

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Sweet watermelon and tangy feta cheese are the new caprese. Rather than just chopping the ingredients and tossing them in dressing, these skewers come together on the grill and make the perfect grab-and-go summer appetizer.

8. Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Crumbly graham cracker crust, warm roasted strawberries, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sold yet? Sprinkle on some blueberries for a patriotic finishing touch.

9. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, high protein
  • Serves: 6

A few classic Italian flavors come together for one simple yet satisfying pasta salad. It's also pretty flexible; you can substitute burrata or bocconcini for ricotta, or pepperoni or crumbled sausage for salami. I'll take extra artichoke hearts on mine, please.

10. Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
  • Serves: 4

This dish is bursting with summer flavors (and it doesn’t look too shabby, either). Load up on zucchini at the farmers market to spice up the timeless combo of tomato, fresh mozz and basil.

11. Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 8 to 12

Brandy and sparkling white wine make this 4th of July cocktail an easy win. For the garnish, use a cookie cutter to punch apple slices into stars.

12. Mexican Street Corn Dip

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Whip up a batch of party dip, grab a bag of tortilla chips and invite some friends over. You won't need much help cleaning the plate, considering it has all the essentials, from homemade queso to sour cream to fresh cilantro.

13. Crispy Grilled Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

You only *think* chicken breast is boring. Once you taste these charred ones alongside freshly grilled corn on the cob, you'll consider yourself a convert, promise.

14. Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
  • Serves: 6

The most festive summer salad I ever did see. My favorite part is the sweet, creamy strawberry-poppy seed dressing (and the caramelized pistachios, which I'd make a second batch of just for snacking).

15. Berry-Coconut Rocket Pops

  • Time Commitment: 3 hours (includes freezing time)
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, dairy free
  • Serves: 8 to 10

This copycat ice pop, made from berries and creamy coconut milk, is a treat both kids and grown-ups will love. Despite it not containing any artificial dyes, it tastes like straight nostalgia.

16. Cucumber, Basil and Watermelon Salad

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, no cook, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 4

Hellooooo, refreshment. There's no antidote for a sweltering summer's day like hydrating cukes, mango and watermelon. You’re going to fall hard for the zingy soy-ginger dressing, spiked with garlic, lime and serranos.

17. Light and Tangy Coleslaw

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
  • Serves: 6

This summer side (which calls on Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt instead of mayo) comes together in a flash and can be made up to four hours in advance. Serve it with everything from salmon to pulled pork.

18. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
  • Serves: 8 to 12

In less than an hour, you can have 48 of these delightful little bites on the table, baked with two kinds of gooey cheddar cheese. Don't be surprised when they disappear in 30 seconds flat.

19. Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 3 hours
  • Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 2

Behold, the ultimate barbecue main. Slice these babies up and serve them alongside the remaining sauce. (You’re going to need extra napkins for this one.)

20. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 6

Forget the mayo and starchy spuds. Choose this lighter spin on classic potato salad, made with Greek yogurt and my favorite cruciferous veggie instead. Be sure not to overcook the cauliflower, or else it'll turn to mush once dressed.

21. Greek Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
  • Serves: 6

Sweet, savory and refreshing, this is the official salad of the season in my book. Make the oniony basil dressing ahead to save time (or an extra batch to drizzle on salads, sandwiches, soups or roasted veggies).

22. Avocado Deviled Eggs

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
  • Serves: 5

And you thought Easter was the only holiday occasion that called for eggs. These creamy bites will fit in at any party or picnic. Even the kids can help you prep this one.

23. Chilled Cucumber Salad

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
  • Why I Love It: no cook, vegan, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

A healthy and refreshing dish to add to your 4th of July recipe spread. All you have to do is slice some cukes, season them and let them marinate in the fridge. Easy peasy. Top your bowl with sour cream for a dose of tang.

24. One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet

  • Time Commitment: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, crowd-pleaser, dairy free
  • Serves: 8

In the summer, I try to chill as much as possible. Luckily, this treat fits right into my schedule, since it’s made from nothing but twice-frozen watermelon. Top each bowl with a drizzle of cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

25. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Instead of boiling your farmers market corn haul and dousing them with butter and salt, give the cobs a flavor upgrade by drizzling them with your go-to sriracha. Thank us later.

26. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe
  • Serves: 6

I hope you didn’t put away your slow cooker for summer—the appliance will help you cook lots of meaty mains without turning your kitchen into a sauna. Let your Crockpot do the heavy lifting, then pile these sammies high with tangy coleslaw.

27. 8-Layer Hummus Dip

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6 to 8

Start your celebration with this party appetizer that's loaded with pine nuts, pesto, sweet peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro and feta cheese. Serve it with toasted pita points, pita chips and raw veggies.

28. Greek Lemon Orzo Salad

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6 to 8

So fresh, so clean, so Greek. Serve the dish solo or alongside your favorite protein. (Might I suggest grilled lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki?)

29. Spicy Glazed Meatballs

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

I'd prepare these bites with fresh ingredients, sauté them in a pan and coat them in a sticky glaze that's equal parts tangy, sweet and spicy. Place them alongside toothpicks and napkins so your guests can serve themselves.

30. Pink Drink Popsicles

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes (plus freezing time)
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8

Inspired by the most Insta-worthy drink you can order at Starbucks. These pops, which are lightly caffeinated with green tea, can be upgraded with drizzled white chocolate, coconut flakes or freeze-dried strawberries.

31. Cauliflower ‘Tater’ Tots

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

When you need a break from all those potatoes, opt for these cuties that are crispy, satisfying and just right for dipping. As long as there's ketchup on their plates, your kids won't mind the substitute.

32. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

You could make sandwiches the traditional way...or you could roll all the ingredients into a tortilla and slice it into rolls for a more photo-ready presentation. Bonus points for serving them with pepperoncini and prosecco cocktails.

33. Blueberry Crumble Pie

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 10

An all-American dessert recipe, only instead of a traditional pie crust, the recipe uses a streusel-like topping to mix things up. It's even more delicious when topped with vanilla ice cream...but you knew that already.

34. Spinach Dip-Stuffed French Bread

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 12

There are few party dips as universally beloved as spinach dip. In case you thought it couldn't get any tastier, this recipe bakes it into a loaf of bread for good measure. Bring on the Parmesan, mozz, sharp cheddar and cream cheese.

35. Shrimp Boil Skewers with Corn, Sausage and Potatoes

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Low-maintenance meals are my love language. Just pop these Cajun butter-drenched skewers on the grill, lay some newspaper down on the patio table and let your guests dig in.

36. Cuban Sliders

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 15

The ham-and-cheese sandwich has never been easier to prepare for a crowd. (Bonus points for zhuzhing them up with traditional mojo pork.) Get your kids to help you assemble these delicious bites, then warm them in the oven before serving.

37. Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 4 to 6

I have a secret: These crispy wings are baked from start to finish, so you won't need to brave a pot of spitting oil to prepare them. Not to mention, they're seasoned to perfection. Pass the ranch dressing.

38. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 8

Why limit yourself to red, white and blue this holiday? These colors are sure to please any crowd, especially because the tomatoes are paired with creamy ricotta and pesto vinaigrette.

39. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

For big, bold flavor, I'd marinate the steak before it goes onto the grill, then serve it with a fresh herb sauce for an extra boost. Just think of the marinating time as a built-in cocktail hour for the cook.

40. Baked Chicken Quesadillas

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein
  • Serves: 8

When I think of comfort food, my mind goes straight to these guys. They're warm, crispy and oh-so cheesy, plus any picky kids at the party will gobble the quesadillas up without a fuss.

41. The Ultimate Party Sub

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 4 to 6

A dressed-up, extra-large sandwich is the easiest way to feed the hungry masses. So with this 4th of July recipe, serve the massive sub with a few sides (potato salad, veggie chips and pickles should do the trick) and you’ll be sure to get the party started.

42. Salmon Burgers

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: pescatarian, high protein, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Want to add a bit of sophistication to your summer cookout? Try these tender, flavorful burgers that won't weigh you down as much as beef. They're packed with fresh dill, minced scallions and Old Bay.

43. Charred Corn and Rosemary Grilled Pizza

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

A taste of summer in every bite. Charring the corn gives the whole pie a smoky flavor you'll crave year-round. Feel free to prepare it indoors on a grill pan if you don't want to fire up the barbecue.

44. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 12

Why choose between your two favorite summer desserts? This easy recipe gives you the best of both worlds. The cupcakes' filling is nothing but strawberries and brown sugar.

45. 15-Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, no cook
  • Serves: 8

These sliders are always invited to the party. No one needs to know you used store-bought rotisserie chicken and bottled Buffalo sauce to make them.

46. Angel Food Cake with Mixed Berries

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 10

Not every cake needs multiple layers and heaps of buttercream frosting to impress. This light-as-air treat is best served with plenty of fresh berries and whipped cream.

47. Cheater’s Prosciutto Hawaiian Pizza

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

Present this bright, grilled flatbread as an alternative to burgers and hot dogs or as an unexpected appetizer. (And in case you need help, this is the easiest way to cut a pineapple.)

48. Slow Cooker Baked Beans

  • Time Commitment: 6 hours and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe
  • Serves: 6

One barbecue essential, coming right up. A pound of navy beans turns soft, savory and sweet after six hours in the Crockpot. Don't be shy with the brown sugar, OK?

49. Whole Roasted Carrots

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, vegan, <10 ingredients
  • Serves: 4

Forget boiling carrots until they're bland and mushy. From now on, roasting them with fresh herbs is the only method you'll ever need. Might I suggest finishing them with spicy or garlicky compound butter?

50. Thai Turkey Burgers

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 3 to 4

Switch up your usual cheeseburger for this Thai-inspired patty topped with crunchy cabbage-carrot slaw and spicy aioli. Pair them with pickled veggies, dressed greens, sliced avocado or rice noodles.

51. Mint Chocolate Chip Yogurt Ice Pops

  • Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes (includes freezing time)
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8 to 10

Mint chocolate chip ice cream lovers, rejoice. This lighter, DIY version is the ultimate sweet treat on a hot summer day. The easy chocolaty coating offers the optimal dose of crunch to every bite.

52. Champagne Doughnuts

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, one bowl, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 12

The mother of all holiday desserts, these doughnuts are baked in the oven—not fried—and spiked with Champagne. If that doesn't call for a celebration, I don't know what does.

53. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Cap off your favorite 4th of July recipes with the quintessential American dessert. The mini dessert's portions are just the right amount after a big meal, and the mason jar packaging is a lot cuter than a standard pie dish.

54. Rodney Scott’s Honey-Butter Fish

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, pescatarian, high protein, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Take your pick of trout, catfish, red snapper or branzino. Regardless of the seafood you choose, it's going to taste divine covered in sweet-and-spicy rib rub and homemade honey butter.

55. Everything Chicken Wings

  • Time Commitment: 55 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, keto, low carb, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

Three ingredients + one hour = a party appetizer everyone at the cookout can get behind. Use store-bought everything bagel seasoning instead of mixing your own to save time—I won't tell.

56. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, high protein, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

All the tangy, creamy flavor you crave—minus gloppy mayo. Lean on Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and rice vinegar instead for these make-ahead stuffed peppers.

57. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, one bowl, make ahead, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 6

Sweet summer corn. Buttery avocado. Tender black beans. Allllll the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Need I say more? (A sprinkle of cotija cheese may help sway any fussy eaters at the table.)

58. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce)

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 5

BRB, diving head-first into a pool of garlicky lemon butter. Put a tray of these on the table for everyone to nosh on while you finish cooking the steaks and pork chops.

59. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Talk about a stunning centerpiece. One look at those drool-worthy char marks on the peaches and halloumi cheese, and your guests will gush over your grilling skills.

60. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

This recipe couldn't be more summery if it tried. Picture golden fritters of corn and scallions beneath slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, peaches and basil. Char the produce on a grill pan if you're feeling ambitious.

61. Rodney Scott’s Pimento Cheese

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no cook, crowd-pleaser, one bowl
  • Serves: 8 to 10

For the uninitiated, your first taste of pimento cheese will absolutely blow your mind—don't say I didn't warn you. The key to its silky-smooth consistency is shredding your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.

62. Grilled Melon with Tahini, Chili Oil and Sesame Seeds

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegan
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Your guests will never see this six-ingredients appetizer coming. Creamy tahini, spicy chili oil and crunchy sesame seeds offer flavor and texture to this classic summer starter. Take your pick of honeydew or cantaloupe.

63. Strawberries and Crème

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with fresh summer produce and whipped cream. (Here, it's tangy from the addition of crème fraîche.) Pair the berries and cream with shortbread, sablés, pound cake or nothing at all.

64. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

This flavorful handheld is quickly rising in the ranks as my favorite burger of all time. It's lighter than a traditional beef patty, so it's basically the perfect warm-weather dinner that won't bog you down. Eat it with salad, chips, fries…or all three.

65. Roasted Stone Fruit with Wild Whipped Cream

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Nothing against s'mores, but there are plenty of desserts that you can make over a fire with the help of aluminum foil. Here, the stone fruit is sprinkled with lemon-vanilla sugar for nuanced flavor before it's roasted.

66. Potato Salad with Fried Capers

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

"I love the bright, briny flavor of capers and the texture they add to dishes," writes recipe creator Yumna Jawad. "But let me tell you: When fried, they might actually be even more amazing. They lose some of their pungency and become crisp, light and almost nutty." (Skip the frying if you're pressed for time, though.)

67. Rarebit Mac ‘n’ Greens

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
  • Serves: 8

This gooey delight is endlessly versatile. Kale, spinach, collards and mustard greens are all fair game, and the dairy aisle is your oyster (though the recipe calls for extra-sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Emmentaler and fontina). The results will turn out drool-worthy no matter what.

68. Watermelon Sweet Tea

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 12

Before you spend the day (or the night before) squeezing a boatload of citrus for a family-sized pitcher of lemonade, consider this seasonal stunner. “In Raleigh, we started to add watermelon puree to our sweet tea as a natural sweetener,” writes cookbook author Ryan Mitchell. “Buying cases of soda can get expensive. But with a few tea bags and some sugar, everyone gets a cup.”


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Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.

taryn pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...