The 4th of July calls for special food. Red, white, and blue salads are perfect. They look amazing and taste great too.
These 16 Best 4th of July Patriotic Salad Recipes will wow your guests. They’re easy to make and full of flavor. Your BBQ table will look like a celebration.
Each recipe uses simple ingredients you can find easily. Most take under 30 minutes to prepare. Your family will love these colorful creations.
1. Red, White & Blue Berry Salad
This classic salad screams patriotic pride. Fresh berries make it naturally colorful. The cream dressing adds sweetness and ties everything together.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Mix berries in a large bowl
- Fold in whipped cream and honey
- Chill for 1 hour before serving
2. Patriotic Potato Salad
Traditional potato salad gets a festive makeover. Red peppers and blue cheese create the colors. This side dish feeds a crowd easily.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until tender, then cool
- Mix with mayo and peppers
- Top with blue cheese before serving
3. Flag Fruit Salad
This salad looks like the American flag. Arrange fruits in stripes and stars pattern. Kids love helping make this fun dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
- Arrange blueberries in corner for stars
- Make stripes with strawberries and marshmallows
- Drizzle with honey
4. Watermelon Feta Salad
Sweet watermelon meets salty feta cheese perfectly. Fresh mint adds a cooling touch. This salad is refreshing on hot days.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Combine watermelon and feta in bowl
- Add mint and lime juice
- Toss gently and serve immediately
5. Red Cabbage Apple Slaw
Crunchy red cabbage makes this slaw patriotic. Sweet apples balance the tangy dressing. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, julienned
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Mix cabbage and apples together
- Whisk mayo with vinegar
- Toss everything and chill 30 minutes
6. Blueberry Spinach Salad
Dark leafy greens provide the base here. Sweet blueberries add pops of color. Candied pecans give perfect crunch.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Place spinach in large salad bowl
- Top with blueberries and pecans
- Drizzle with dressing before serving
7. Strawberry Caprese Salad
Traditional caprese gets a patriotic twist. Strawberries replace tomatoes for sweetness. Fresh basil keeps it Italian-inspired.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Alternate strawberries and mozzarella on plate
- Tuck basil leaves between slices
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
8. Red Pepper Quinoa Salad
Protein-packed quinoa makes this salad filling. Red peppers add color and crunch. It’s healthy and satisfying together.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Fluff quinoa with a fork
- Mix in peppers and cheese
- Toss with vinaigrette and serve
9. Blue Cheese Wedge Salad
Classic wedge salad fits patriotic themes perfectly. Blue cheese dressing provides the blue element. Crispy bacon adds extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, quartered
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 4 strips bacon, crumbled
- 1 tomato, diced
Instructions:
- Place lettuce wedges on plates
- Pour dressing over each wedge
- Top with bacon and tomatoes
10. Cherry Chicken Salad
Sweet cherries make chicken salad special. They add natural red color beautifully. Serve on crackers or in sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
Instructions:
- Mix chicken with cherries
- Add mayo and celery
- Stir well and chill thoroughly
11. Patriotic Pasta Salad
Tri-colored pasta makes this salad festive. Red tomatoes and white cheese complete it. Kids love the fun spiral shapes.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups tri-color rotini pasta, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cubes
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions:
- Cook pasta and cool completely
- Add tomatoes and cheese
- Toss with dressing and serve
12. Red Bean Summer Salad
Kidney beans provide protein and red color. Fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrition. This salad gets better overnight.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Rinse beans and drain well
- Mix with cucumber and onion
- Toss with dressing and chill
13. Blueberry Walnut Salad
Mixed greens get dressed up fancy. Blueberries and walnuts add texture contrast. Poppy seed dressing ties flavors together.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup poppy seed dressing
Instructions:
- Place greens in serving bowl
- Sprinkle with berries and nuts
- Drizzle dressing just before serving
14. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This isn’t really salad, but tradition counts. Sweet and salty flavors work perfectly. It’s more like a dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions:
- Press pretzels in baking dish
- Spread cream cheese layer on top
- Add strawberries and whipped topping
15. Red Grape Chicken Salad
Red grapes add sweetness to chicken. Crunchy almonds provide perfect texture. This salad works for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cups red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup mayo
Instructions:
- Combine chicken and grapes
- Stir in almonds and mayo
- Mix well and serve chilled
16. Patriotic Jello Salad
Layered jello creates beautiful flag stripes. Each layer sets before adding next. This retro salad always impresses guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 box red jello
- 1 box blue jello
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions:
- Make red jello, pour in dish
- Let set, add cream layer
- Top with blue jello layer
Conclusion
These 16 salads will make your celebration special. Each one brings patriotic colors to your table. Your guests will love the variety and flavors.
Mix and match several recipes for best results. Some can be made ahead of time. Others taste best served immediately after preparation.
Remember to keep cold salads properly chilled. Food safety matters especially in summer heat. Have a wonderful and delicious 4th of July!