How to Pick Side Dishes for the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to be creative with your side dishes and show your patriotism. Think red, white and blue, stars, stripes and fireworks. Independence Day tends to be a casual holiday with barbecue and outdoor fun. Keep your side dishes simple, but think outside the box. The possibilities are endless. Use your imagination to see what you can come up with. A table filled with a variety of red, white and blue side dishes is quite striking.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your creativity
• Blue tortilla chips
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Sugar cookies
• Frosting
• Finger Gelatin
• Tray
• Fruit – Blueberries, strawberries, apples

How to Pick Side Dishes for the Fourth of July

1. Try blue tortilla chips with red salsa and white sour cream. This is simply a barbecue staple with a twist.

2. Cookies in the shape of stars can be fun. If you’re feeling ambitious, sugar cookies with red, white and blue frosting would be a big hit.

3. A gelatin dessert is a great side dish that comes in many colorful flavors reminiscent of fireworks. Finger gelatin is also an easy choice because utensils aren’t needed. Use the packet instructions to make a few pans of colorful finger gelatin squares.

4. A tray of fruit can be artfully arranged similar to the colors of the American flag. Start with the stripes. Alternate rows of strawberries and red apples (skin side up) with rows of apples (skin side down), pineapple and any other pale fruit. Remember to leave an open square space in the upper left corner. Fill that area with blueberries. This is an easy dish that looks impressive.

Tips & Warnings

• If your party guests will be bringing side dishes, ask them to only bring red, white and blue dishes. You may be surprised at how creative people can be.