Christopher Michel has been the Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine since March of 2021. Chris has over ten years of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
\nChris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/4ee90ba8-a422-457b-8971-34d2096febf7_1623953979.jpg"},{"name":"Beth Branch","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/author/243970/beth-branch/","@type":"Person","description":"
Beth Branch is an Editorial Assistant at Country Living Magazine as well as an avid foodie with a passion for baking and photography."}],"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":30,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-1","description":"This quick and tasty salad is a great main dish option to add to your 4th of July party menu! Get the recipe for Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-creole-shrimp-caesar-66759d284f721.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Peach, Arugula, and Blue Cheese Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-2","description":"Whip up a quick vinaigrette in the bottom of a large bowl. Layer in a bed of fresh greens, and top with juicy slices of peach, slivers of spicy red onion, roasted almonds, and some creamy, pungent blue cheese. Salad of the summer right there!Get the recipe for Peach, Arugula, and Blue Cheese Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salad-peach-arugula-66759bd4202f7.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"The Casa Wedge Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-3","description":"We love a good wedge salad for dinner, and this Tex-Mex inspired version isn't just good, it's great! Mexican Cotija cheese is milder than blue, and the creamy avocado dressing just can't be beat! Get the recipe for The Casa Wedge Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-casa-wedge-66759c7a15a2f.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cherry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Seeds","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-4","description":"This bright and seasonal salad is studded with cherries and perfectly patriotic for the 4th! Get the recipe for Cherry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Seeds.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-cherry-arugula-goat-cheese-66759fd70858c.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Lemony Cabbage Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-5","description":"This very simple bright-and-tangy salad adds a nice crunch to your Independence Day menu. Get the recipe for Lemony Cabbage Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salad-lemony-cabbage-66759ee3e4524.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Simple Locally Grown Green Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-6","description":"Grab your farm stand favorites and toss them together in a big ole salad! Serve this alongside your cookout favorites for the perfect green and healthy side.Get the recipe for Simple Locally Grown Green Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-f-july-salads-local-salad-6675a3053ea30.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-7","description":"Take advantage of fresh, summer squash. This simple shaved squash salad is delicious and crunchy!Get the recipe for Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-squash-ribbon-6675ad3e2549f.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Caprese Pasta Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-8","description":"This classic combo turns into the perfect 4th of July side dish!Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-caprese-pasta-6675ae1f72062.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":9,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"All-Summer Pasta Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-9","description":"This classic is a must-have at barbecues, potlucks, cookouts, and summer events everywhere.Get the recipe for All-Summer Pasta Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-summer-pasta-salad-6675b0bda2cde.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cherry, Mint, and Pistachio Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-10","description":"George Washington famously loved cherries — and that makes them the perfect addition to your Independence Day salad!Get the recipe for Cherry, Mint, and Pistachio Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx060121fkburgers-005-jpg-1620229678.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Marinated Melon with Mint and Lime Zest","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-11","description":"Serve this sweet fruit salad to guests and you'll be taking home an empty bowl.Get the recipe for Marinated Melon with Mint and Lime Zest.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx060121fglela-017-jpg-1620229272.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Grilled Green Bean Salad with Cucumbers and Dill","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-12","description":"The best part of this green salad—besides the flavorful crunch—is that it absolutely won't wilt. You'll be making it all summer.Get the recipe for Grilled Green Bean Salad with Cucumbers and Dill.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx060121fkburgers-005-jpg-1620229678.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"BLT Potato Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-13","description":"Give your standard potato salad a serious upgrade with everyone's favorite BLT flavors.Get the recipe for BLT Potato Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx060121fkburgers-005-jpg-1620229678.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Grilled Corn Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Shallot","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-14","description":"Corn salad is so good, it shouldn't be this easy to make. This recipe takes just 15 minutes.Get the recipe for Grilled Corn Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Shallot.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx060121fkburgers-005-jpg-1620229678.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Toasted Seed Coleslaw","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-15","description":"This crunchy side dish gets a big burst of flavor from a bevy of toasted seeds. Get the recipe for Toasted Seed Coleslaw.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx070121fkrecipebox-004-1623873951.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-16","description":"Talk about a delicious combination! You'll never buy store-bought dressing again after making this recipe.Get the recipe for Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/4th-of-july-salads-tossed-salad-with-green-goddess-dressing-1561662225.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Heirloom Tomato Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-17","description":"Summer is all about the fresh tomatoes, and the best salads let their flavors shine through. This recipe—which uses a simple, light dressing and a little basil—does just that.Get the recipe for Heirloom Tomato Salad. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/sunday-supper-picnic-food-1594048977.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Deviled Eggs Pasta Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-18","description":"Two classics, one crowd-pleasing combo. What more is there to say?Get the recipe for Deviled Eggs Pasta Salad. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hearst-eggland-final08-3-1597169828.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spinach and Mint Salad with Crispy Goat Cheese","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-19","description":"Whole-grain mustard dressing and crispy fried goat cheese add pleasant textures and just the right amount of richness to this salad of fresh baby spinach and blueberries. Get the recipe for Spinach and Mint Salad with Crispy Goat Cheese.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/spinach-and-mint-salad-with-crispy-goat-cheese-1590511440.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":20,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-20","description":"No barbecue spread is complete without an abundant tomato salad, and here we bring you one that is topped with blue cheese and a rich bacon vinaigrette. So colorful and oh-so delicious!Get the recipe for Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/tomato-salad-with-bacon-vinaigrette-1590511881.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":21,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-21","description":"This perfect-at-room-temperature salad celebrates summers abundant squash and zucchini harvest. Tossed with a honey, jalapeño, and lemon dressing and topped with fresh basil, this grilled salad will take pride of place on everyone's plate.Get the recipe for Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/grilled-summer-squash-with-lemon-scallion-dressing-1590510700.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":22,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Green Salad with Roasted Carrots and Creamy Tarragon Dressing","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-22","description":"Créme fraîche (or sour cream) and fresh tarragon create a creamy dressing for this crisp and hearty salad. The carrots and dressing can be made up to 1 day in advance, but don't toss the salad until just before serving.Get the recipe for Green Salad with Roasted Carrots. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/green-salad-roasted-carrots-1552318368.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":23,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Charred Gem Lettuce with Almond Caesar Dressing","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-23","description":"Grill up halved little gem lettuce or romaine hearts to create this sophisticated summer salad. Get a head start—the dressing can be made 2 days in advance (thin with a little water or fresh lemon juice if necessary) and the lettuce can be grilled up to 2 hours in advance.Get the recipe for Charred Gem Lettuce with Almond Caesar Dressing.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/charred-gem-lettuce-cl-0918-1533663776.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":24,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Asparagus, Snap Pea, and Radish Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-24","description":"Super snappy, crunchy, and crisp, this salad is a perfect foil to a rich hamburger or grilled sausage.Get the recipe for Asparagus, Snap Pea, and Radish Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/asparagus-snap-pea-radish-salad-cl-0418-1519928395.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":25,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spicy Peach and Avocado Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-25","description":"You can't have a summer cookout without featuring peaches in at least one recipe. Here, they're kicked up a notch with the heat from a Fresno chile pepper.Get the recipe for Spicy Peach and Avocado Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/17/24/1497457971-gone-feastin-peach-avo-salad-0717-0817.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":26,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cucumber, Celery, & Sweet Onion Salad with Sour Cream Dressing","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-26","description":"When you're faced with the stress of planning a large-scale cookout, you probably don't want to have to think too hard about the side dishes. Not only is this two-step salad easy to throw together, but it's also a delightfully refreshing accompaniment to heavier barbecue foods.Get the recipe for Cucumber, Celery, & Sweet Onion Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/17/19/gallery-1462985824-cucumber-salad-clv-0615.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":27,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-27","description":"This salad just screams summer with its bright colors, healthy ingredients, zippy taste, and quick prep time.Get the recipe for Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/watermelon-tomato-feta-salad-1560190832.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":28,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Green Salad with Turnips, Strawberries, and Pepitas","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-28","description":"Toss a mix of hearty greens (baby spinach and arugula) and fresh soft herbs (dill, basil, and mint) with sliced sweet strawberries (you could also use blueberries). Add tangy, thinly sliced turnips and fennel to create a salad that will be bring guests back for seconds!Get the recipe for Green Salad with Turnips, Strawberries, and Pepitas. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/green-salas-with-turnips-strawberries-and-pepitas-1588467359.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":29,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Charred Corn Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-29","description":"It's not corn on the cob—it's corn off the cob! And we have a feeling you'll come to like it just as much.Get the recipe for Charred Corn Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/charred-corn-salad-cl-1528915457.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":30,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Roasted Red Cabbage-and-Collard Green Slaw","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g27799435/4th-of-july-salads/#slide-30","description":"Once again, a red hue gets to take center stage in this roasted salad recipe. Slaw is always necessary at any barbecue, and the cookout you host on the 4th should be no exception.Get the recipe for Roasted Red Cabbage-and-Collard Green Slaw.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/roasted-red-cabbage-and-collard-green-slaw-cl-0918-1533663776.jpg"}}]}}
Are you putting the finishing touches on your 4th of July menu? You'll want plenty of recipes to throw on the grill, patriotic desserts to cap things off, and at least a few appetizers for friends and family to snack on while you cook.
But to balance all of that out, it's nice to have some greens and fresh summer produce on the menu, too. We've rounded up some of our favorite recipes that'll go perfectly with your Independence Day menu. Whether it's fruit salad, potato salad, green salad or pasta salad, these delicious easy recipes have you covered.
Whip up a quick vinaigrette in the bottom of a large bowl. Layer in a bed of fresh greens, and top with juicy slices of peach, slivers of spicy red onion, roasted almonds, and some creamy, pungent blue cheese. Salad of the summer right there!
We love a good wedge salad for dinner, and this Tex-Mex inspired version isn't just good, it's great! Mexican Cotija cheese is milder than blue, and the creamy avocado dressing just can't be beat!
Grab your farm stand favorites and toss them together in a big ole salad! Serve this alongside your cookout favorites for the perfect green and healthy side.
Summer is all about the fresh tomatoes, and the best salads let their flavors shine through. This recipe—which uses a simple, light dressing and a little basil—does just that.
Whole-grain mustard dressing and crispy fried goat cheese add pleasant textures and just the right amount of richness to this salad of fresh baby spinach and blueberries.
No barbecue spread is complete without an abundant tomato salad, and here we bring you one that is topped with blue cheese and a rich bacon vinaigrette. So colorful and oh-so delicious!
