Fireworks, parades, festivals and fairs.  Grilling, swimming, and picnics in the park. There are so many great ways to celebrate the Fourth of July!!

We’ve pulled together a handful of recipes for a yummy and fun picnic if you like to add something new to your favorites.  And, no matter what you do, get outside and enjoy the festivities.

Happy Fourth to those in the US, stay safe and have fun!!

Summer Corn Salad

Recipe by lilluna.com

Vegetarian, Gluten free, Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Basil, fresh
  • 1 ½ cups Cherry tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups Corn
  • ½ Cucumber
  • 2 tbsp Italian dressing
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/3 cups Feta cheese

-Whisk together 2 tbsp of oil, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.

-Cooking corn in a skillet with remaining oil until tender.

-Pour corn into a large bowl, cool slightly and add tomatoes, cucumber and basil.

-Right before serving, drizzle with dressing, feta cheese and Italian dressing (if desired).

Roasted red pepper hummus, avocado & feta sandwich

Recipe by primaverakitchen.com

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices whole wheat bread
  • 1/2 cup Roasted red pepper hummus
  • 2 Ripe avocados, pit removed
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Freshly chopped basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Roasted red peppers drained

-Spread the bread slices evenly with roasted red pepper hummus. Set aside.

-In a small bowl, combine avocado and feta cheese. Mash with a fork. Add the lemon juice, basil, salt and pepper.

-Spread the avocado and feta mixture over the red pepper hummus. Top with roasted red peppers, on two slices of bread. Place other pieces of bread on top to form a sandwich.

-Brush the outside pieces of bread with olive oil or butter and place on a hot grill or hot pan. Grill each side until toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately

-Note-you can serve the sandwich cold, without grilling it.

-For gluten free, use gluten free bread.

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Recipe by lilluna.com

Ingredients:

  • 48 Strawberries
  • 1 box White cake mix
  • 4 cubes Vanilla candy coating
  • 16 skewers (serves 16)

-Begin by making Cake as directed on the back of the box. Possibly make in a larger pan (11/16) so that the cake squares aren’t too big.

-Once made and cooled, cut cake into 1 ½ inch squares.

-Rinse strawberries and cut off tops.

-Add strawberries and cake pieces to your skewers making sure strawberries are on the end (they will keep everything on the skewer). Place on parchment paper.

-Melt candy coating by adding a few squares of the coating in a small pan on low heat. Stir constantly until melted.

-Drizzle white chocolate over your skewers. Refrigerate for half hour. ENJOY!

Melon Ball Bowl

Ingredients:

A variety of melons

Use a melon baller and scoop watermelon. Serve and enjoy.

 

Kid friendly Charcuterie Board

Ingredients:

  • Grapes
  • Dried apricots
  • Banana chips
  • Cubed cheese, cheddar, Swiss, Pepper jack
  • Crackers
  • Mini pickles
  • Mini carrots
  • Olives
  • Sliced peppers
  • Cucumber slices
  • Hummus dip

Store in one large container or in multiple containers. Its great to have a bunch of little bites for everyone to snack on before the meal.

Here’s a useful website when it comes to ideas about ingredients, kitchen accessories, and similar things: Food Champs.