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50 Perfectly Packable Recipes For The Best Fourth Of July Picnic Ever

Nothing says independence like eating al fresco.

By and
blueberry crumble cheesecake bars
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Nothing says the Fourth of July like spending the day at the beach or park all day until the fireworks pop off at night. If you're away from your grill for mealtime, it's a good idea to pack a picnic for your Independence Day celebration. We've rounded up some of our best Fourth of July picnic ideas and recipes including portable sandwiches, salads, skewers, and more. And since it is a holiday, there are plenty of patriotic desserts to end your meal on a sweet note too.

A picnic just isn't a picnic without some incredible sandwich options, and we've got options for everyone in your crew. Ditch the regular ol' PB&J and make our vegetarian-friendly Italian sub or our turkey lavash wrap. For a lighter take, prep our classic chicken salad or our curried chickpea salad on your favorite crusty loaf or some crisp butter lettuce leaves.

Next step: side dishes. We've got essential summer sides like potato salad and pasta salad, with lots of creative twists too. Some standouts include our Greek chickpea salad, our cowboy pasta salad, and our gnocchi antipasto salad, but feel free to mix and match your favorite seasonal ingredients.

Whatever you do, don't forget about drinks and dessert! Round out your meal with some of our favorite packable picnic desserts like our cheesecake-swirled brownies or these all-American cherry pie slab bars, then load up the cooler with some homemade lemonade and iced tea. Let this Fourth of July be your most delicious celebration ever!

1

Chopped Sandwich

black forest ham, genoa salami, hot soppressata, and provolone cheese, chopped with classic italian sandwich veggies and pesto mayo on a toasted ciabatta roll
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Inspired by two of our favorite lunch bites—a classic deli sub and a chopped salad—this bite features an bevy of savory ingredients. Think: Black forest ham, genoa salami, hot soppressata, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and pesto mayo, all spread on a toasted ciabatta roll.

Get the Chopped Sandwich recipe.

2

Strawberry-Lemonade Bars

strawberry lemonade bars topped with powdered sugar
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Warm afternoons beg for refreshing treats. Bright pink strawberry lemon curd tops a crunchy shortbread crust in this dessert bar for a summertime twist on lemon bars.

Get the Strawberry-Lemonade Bars recipe.

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3

Gnocchi Antipasto Salad

gnocchi antipasto salad
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STLYING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

This antipasto salad features crispy potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, and salami. Serve this at a backyard picnic aside steaks or pile into a big pasta bowl and have at it.

Get the Gnocchi Antipasto Salad recipe.

4

Watermelon Feta Skewers

skewers with watermelon, feta, cucumber, basil, and red onion drizzled with a balsamic glaze
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Watermelon and feta is one of our favorite combinations, especially during summertime. Skewer them with some crunchy cucumber and drizzle balsamic glaze on top for an easy, impressive appetizer that everyone will love.

Get the Watermelon Feta Skewers recipe.

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5

Shrimp Pasta Salad

shrimp pasta salad with chopped tomatoes and red onion
PHOTO: ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Pasta salad is practically the epitome of summertime foods. This Peruvian ceviche-inspired shrimp pasta salad is bright and zingy.

Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.

6

Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

blueberry crumble cheesecake bars
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Taking inspiration from two summer classics, these cheesecake bars combine jammy blueberries, a tender cheesecake filling, and a lemony crumble topping for the perfect warm-weather treat.

Get the Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars recipe.

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7

Club Sandwich

club sandwich layered with tomato, turkey, ham, bacon, and lettuce
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN

A diner classic, the club sandwich isn’t shy when it comes to ingredients. Our recipe calls for 3 types of meat (ham, turkey, and bacon), lettuce, tomato, and cheddar, all of which are layered between 3 slices of toasted bread. Fortunately, the whole thing comes together in just 10 minutes.

Get the Club Sandwich recipe.

8

S'mores Stuffed Cookies

chocolate chunk cookies stuffed with marshmallows
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

We love chocolate chip cookies and we’re pretty smitten with s’mores too. So why not marry the two? Enter: this over-the-top summertime sweet, which features an entire s'more stuffed into a classic chocolate chip cookie.

Get the S'mores Stuffed Cookies recipe.

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9

Flag Cake

cake topped with raspberries, icing, and blueberries to create an american flag design
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

If your 4th of July picnic doesn’t end with a red, white, and blue dessert, then you’re doing it wrong! With a simple frosting, boxed cake mix, and sweet fresh fruit, this cake is as easy to make as it is to devour.

Get the Flag Cake recipe.

10

Classic Potato Salad

classic potato salad with pickles, onions, and topped with paprika and chives
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS

A classic potato salad is a must-have at every picnic and BBQ. If you’re looking for a classic, no-fuss potato salad that won’t disappoint, this is it. Ours is creamy and tangy with a little bit of crunch from onions and pickles.

Get the Classic Potato Salad recipe.

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11

Classic Coleslaw

classic coleslaw tossed in a creamy, mayo based dressing
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

A classic, staple side dish, coleslaw is a must for summer picnics. With its duo of purple and green cabbage, it’s a winner on looks alone. But the kicker is the dressing, which is lighter and punchier than other coleslaw dressings, thanks to a generous amount of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard.

Get the Classic Coleslaw recipe.

12

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

the perfect fuss free solution for deviled egg lovers this deviled egg pasta salad has tender elbow macaroni noodles and crispy bacon combined with garlic powder and sweet paprika seasoned mayonnaise dijon dressing, then tossed with celery, scallions, and parsley for mild onion flavor and a slight crunch
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

To make this side dish, tender elbow macaroni noodles and crispy bacon are combined with garlic powder and a sweet paprika seasoned mayonnaise-Dijon dressing, then tossed with celery, scallions, and parsley for mild onion flavor and a slight crunch.

Get the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad recipe.

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13

Homemade Lemonade

homemade lemonade with lemon slices

Does anything say summer more than an ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade? While we love adding fruity twists to this warm-weather drink, this recipe is our go-to when we’re looking for simple, classic, and ridiculously refreshing.

Get the Homemade Lemonade recipe.

14

Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs piped in a star shape with paprika and chives
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you’re looking for a foolproof method for hard-boiling and filling your deviled eggs, this recipe should be your new go-to. The filling is made with a classic trio of mayo, mustard, and hot sauce.

Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.

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15

Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad

broccoli caesar pasta salad topped with crunchy croutons
PHOTO: ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Bright green crisp-tender broccoli is tossed with cavatappi, shredded parm, and shards of crispy croutons in a silky homemade Caesar dressing for an unforgettable spin on the classic cookout staple.

Get the Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.

16

Best Pasta Salad

italian inspired pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, black olives, artichokes, and salami
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

In our opinion, pasta salad is a summertime must. We have plenty of beloved variations of this staple side dish, but this Italian-inspired recipe is our guaranteed go-to when we need a reliable picnic side dish.

Get the Best Pasta Salad recipe.

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17

Turkey Lavash Wrap

wrap filled with turkey, spinach, avocado, red peppers, and a goat cheese spread
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Filled with a zingy arugula-dill salad, sliced turkey, roasted red peppers, and crunchy cucumbers, and sealed with a creamy goat cheese spread, it's exactly the kind of colorful picnic lunch we crave.

Get the Turkey Lavash Wrap recipe.

18

American Pie

strawberries and blueberries with pie crust stars and stripes
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Filled with fresh summer fruits and brimming with personality, this is the most festive treat from sea to shining sea! The best part? It's so easy to make.

Get the American Pie recipe.

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19

Watermelon Pizza

watermelon slices topped with red onion, sliced cucumbers, feta, and mint
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Topped with fragrant herbs, tangy red onion, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta, each bite of this watermelon pizza is a symphony of flavors.

Get the Watermelon Pizza recipe.

20

Broccoli Salad

broccoli salad with bacon, red onion, and almonds
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Lightly coated in a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing and tossed with almonds, carrots, red onions, and bacon, this broccoli salad is loaded with flavor and texture. It's also ready in just around 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute addition to any summer picnic.

Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.

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