4th of July week is my favorite!! In fact I kind of consider it the perfect excuse to enjoy a week long vacation in the middle of the summer. It has always been an eventful week in our house because my mom’s birthday is July 3 which gives us even more reason to celebrate. We have a busy week with a big bbq tomorrow in honor of my mama, 4th of July festivities and then we will be heading to Wisconsin from Thursday-Sunday to enjoy some time at my lake house. I can’t wait! Needless to say the entire week revolves around celebration which means lots of food and lots of drinks. I’m not mad about it and am already excited to make a few of my favorite go-to summer recipes for family and friends this week. 

10 summer recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July festivities!

Angel Food Cake with Lemon Cream and Sugared Blueberries. Not only is this cake delicious and beautiful but it is so EASY. So festive, too! It’s usually my go-to for Easter and/or Mother’s Day but the white whip cream frosting and blueberry topping makes it perfect for the 4th! I would even add strawberries or raspberries to make it even more festive. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m going to do for my mama’s birthday. We are hosting and this dessert is her favorite so it is definitely on the menu!

Easy Summer Pasta Salad. If you scroll down to the bottom of this post you’ll find the recipe! I make this once a week in the summer and it is a crowd favorite. Again, super easy and the perfect side to burgers, steaks, bbq chicken, kabobs – anything. I always bring it with me to dinner parties, block parties, bbq’s. I keep these ingredients stocked in the summer because we always have last minute get togethers where I need to whip something up and this is always my go-to.

Greek 7 Layer Dip. You know when you want an appetizer that feels indulgent but is relatively healthy? And you don’t want to just go with a crudite platter, you want something that looks like you put forth a little effort. This recipe is delish! I brought this to fireworks last 4th of July and people I didn’t even know were asking for bites. It is refreshing and light but tastes indulgent. We like to add a layer of chopped pepperoncini peppers, too. 

Perfect Turkey Burgers. We grill out almost every single night in the summer and this is one of my favorite burger recipes to make when we want to switch it up! I actually made them one night on Cooking With Liz (we will bring this back, I promise!!) and they were a total hit. They are so juicy and delicious. Trust me you will not be disappointed!!

Giardinera Lime Shrimp. Ok, I don’t have a link for this recipe because it belongs to a friend of my moms but I remember sharing it on instagram last year and you guys flipped for it. I actually plan to make it tomorrow for my mom’s birthday so will save the story on my IG Highlights for you to refer to there as well. BUT, this the easiest appetizer and can be made the night before any plans you may have! Take a large ziploc bag and add 1 pound of cooked/de-vained shrimp, 1 jar of giardinera, the juice of 2 limes, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and a dash of salt. Mix well and refrigerate! The longer it marinates, the better! If you want to double the recipe just make 2 separate bags and double the ingredients. I usually serve in a my Emile Henry Ruffled Pan (white) with tooth picks!

Strawberry Basil Margarita. Hand me a margarita and mama is happy. I looove margaritas and this one looks so delicious and refreshing. 4th of July is the perfect excuse to make this pretty cocktail!

Coconut Water + Fresh Berry Popsicles. At the beginning of the summer I vowed to make popsicles with Charlie. I even ordered this mold with determination! Wouldn’t this be a fun 4th of July activity with kiddos? I love that there is no added sugar and these and would be so refreshing on a hot summer day. You could also add champagne or rosé for an adult party!! Oh my gosh that is a great idea. I also plan to make these creamy peach and honey popsicles and these watermelon popsicles.

Lemon Spaghetti. Sometimes I crave pasta in the summer but it always feels a little heavy in the heat (please note: I will NEVER turn down pasta). I have been making this lemon spaghetti after discovering it 5 or so years ago and it is a HIT. Perfect for dinner parties when you don’t want to be prepping in the kitchen for too long. This pasta recipe is light, refreshing and seriously so delicious. The combo is unexpected but yummmmmy.

Antipasto kabobs. Another crowd pleaser appetizer that are delicious and surprisingly fun to make! I swear Dave and I eat 5 servings of these before even arriving to the party. Everyone loves these! Promise. 

Kale BLT Salad. One of my favorites! We eat this as an entree and make it as a side. It is like an elevated wedge salad but could also be a meal in itself. On nights when we want something relaxed and easy, this is our dinner. When we are having a barbecue this is always a side dish!

Ok guys, what am I missing?! What are your favorite summer dishes? I am always looking to add new recipes to my book so I’d love your comments! xoxo