Celebrate the 4th of July with These Delicious Outdoor Recipes

The 4th of July is the perfect time to gather your loved ones, head outdoors, and celebrate with a feast that captures the spirit of summer. Whether you're hosting a large family gathering or a more intimate picnic, these recipes will bring a burst of flavor and festivity to your Independence Day celebration. Here are some outdoor-friendly recipes that will delight family members of all ages.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Thread the chicken onto skewers.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Serve hot with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

2. Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad

Ingredients:
• 1 lb red potatoes, quartered
• 1 lb blue potatoes, quartered
• 1 lb white potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, dill, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the cooled potatoes to the dressing and mix until well coated.

4. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

3. Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled
• 1 pint blueberries
• 4 bananas, sliced into rounds
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:
1. Thread strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices onto the skewers in a red, white, and blue pattern.

2. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

3. For an extra touch, serve with a honey-yogurt dip (mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp honey).

4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Ingredients:
• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Slider buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Add pork shoulder and coat with the sauce.

3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

4. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce in the slow cooker.

5. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns with a scoop of coleslaw if desired.

5. Firecracker Popsicles

Ingredients:
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 1 pint blueberries, pureed
• 2 cups vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey
• Popsicle molds

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix vanilla yogurt with honey.

2. Layer the strawberry puree, yogurt mixture, and blueberry puree in popsicle molds.

3. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours, until solid.

4. Enjoy a cool and refreshing treat that’s perfect for a hot summer day.

With these delicious recipes, your 4th of July gathering will be a hit. Enjoy the time with your family and make this Independence Day one to remember!