With June coming to a close, it’s time to start planning details for upcoming Independence Day parties. And when you eat a meatless diet, this typically means scoping out vegetarian Fourth of July recipes that everyone will love and appreciate. These dishes are the kind that can fit seamlessly into the BBQ scene while encompassing the chill, laid-back vibe of poolside hangs and summer grilling.
Luckily, if you’ve been on top of your vegetarian game, you know all about the potential of vegetables, fruits, and everything in between. You know very well that throwing a July 4th party — or attending one — doesn’t mean munching on celery sticks for the whole day. It’s about clever preparation and combinations of vegetarian ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor. I mean, half the battle is just learning about vegetarian ideas to begin with.
That’s where this list comes in. From marinated carrot “hot dogs” to summer squash tacos, these recipes are all about finger food that is easy to split and share. There is even a possibility that your meat-loving friends and family might fall for a few of these ideas… you have been warned.
Everything from appetizers to desserts are covered in this list. Happy Fourth of July!
1. Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
Nothing says "summer party" like a potato salad in red, white, and blue. This recipe by Baked by Rachel brilliantly uses three different types of potatoes to create a festive appetizer or side dish.
2. Avocado Peach Salsa
Sweet and savory salsas are a must at summer celebrations. Pair it with chips or use it to top off some vegetarian enchiladas for a delicious meal. Visit Good Life Eats for the recipe!
3. Herby Picnic Potato Salad
For another take on the potato salad, make a flavorful herb-filled version with some help from Green Kitchen Stories.
4. Citrus Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Who says veggies should have all the fun? A Beautiful Mess demonstrates how to make a citrus alternative complete with creamy yogurt dressing.
5. Fried Pickles with Spicy Dill Pickle Mayo
Skip the usual fried wings for a tasty batch of fried pickles. A Beautiful Mess even provides a recipe for a complementary mayo dip. Bet you can't eat just one.
6. Grilled Corn with Sriracha Scallion Butter
Spruce up the traditional grilled corn with Sriracha scallion butter from Domestic Fits. Vegetarian or not, your guests will swoon over this one.
7. Ricotta-Stuffed Shells with Roasted Tomato Sauce
Skip the meaty sauces and serve a ricotta dish complete with a roasted tomato sauce. Check out Naturally Ella for the low-down.
8. Southwestern Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
Summer parties are all about burgers. For a vegetarian twist, go for these Southwestern sweet potato veggie versions by Good Life Eats. I'm thinking these would taste awesome with some homemade guacamole.
9. Summer Squash Tacos with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce
Equal parts hearty and flavorful, Cookie and Kate's summer squash tacos will make meat tacos a thing of yesterday.
10. Summertime Pasta Salad
We can't forget about the cold pasta salad dishes, of course. This one by Cookie and Kate can be whipped up in a jiffy.
11. Black Bean Burgers with Quinoa
For a vegetarian burger that is also gluten-free, try Good Life Eats' black bean quinoa recipe. They're filling enough to eat by themselves or with a side of veggies.
12. Lentil Pea Burgers with Lemon Basil Mayo
Looking for something a little different? Making Thyme for Health created this lentil pea burger with a summery lemon basil mayo sauce. Yum.
13. Marinated Carrot Dogs
So, we've got the burgers under control. But what about the hot dogs? Take same carrots and make a vegetarian alternative with some help from Quinoa, Kale, and Exhale.
14. Blueberry Apricot Super Salad
Blueberries and apricots come together to create a vibrant, healthy salad perfect for those summer parties. Visit Green Kitchen Stories for the recipe.
15. Vanilla Fruit Salad
For a sweet twist on the average fruit salad, Averie Cooks created this unique fruit salad dish. All it takes is a few extra ingredients and you're good to go.
16. Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
In true July 4th fashion, Dessert Now, Dinner Later's dessert naturally shows off a patriotic color palette. Plus, how darn cute are they?
17. Fourth of July Cake
Fashion Edible proves that sometimes all it takes is clever positioning and a good ol' birthday cake. It might even look too good to eat.
18. Grilled Watermelon Salad
Shake things up with an unconventional grilled watermelon salad from Domestic Fits. Because cooking fruit accentuates their natural flavors, this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
19. Roasted Berry and Honey Coconut Popsicles
Help your guests cool down with this delicious frozen treat from Cookie and Kate. It's another awesome way to incorporate cooked fruits into your menu.
20. Rhubarb and Strawberry Froyo
Made with natural sweeteners and a yogurt base, this frozen dessert is both healthy and delicious. Click on over to Green Kitchen Stories for the full recipe.
21. Chocolate Coconut Brownies
A party isn't a party without chocolate, am I right? These babies by Domestic Fits are vegan, too.
22. Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert Bites
Keep the fruity patriotic theme with these treats by Good Life Eats. Little to no effort required.
Images: Baked by Rachel; Good Life Eats; Green Kitchen Stories; A Beautiful Mess; A Beautiful Mess; Domestic Fits; Naturally Ella; Cookie and Kate; Cookie and Kate; Good Life Eats; Making Thyme for Health; Quinoa, Kale, and Exhale; Green Kitchen Stories; Averie Cooks; Dessert Now, Dinner Later; Fashion Edible; Domestic Fits; Cookie and Kate; Green Kitchen Stories; Domestic Fits; Good Life Eats
