July 4th is an important holiday in the United States. It commemorates the independence of the United States from the British monarchy when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The holiday is most often celebrated with fireworks and traditional 4th of July foods, which are often enjoyed at outdoor picnics and barbecues (aka cookouts).

Because July 4th is a traditional American holiday, many Americans enjoy eating traditional American foods. However, as American tastes have expanded and diets have changed, many alternative foods have been served and enjoyed.

July 4th Main Course
Traditional
These are some of the most traditional foods served at a 4th of July picnic or barbecue. You may notice that most of these traditional foods include red meat.

Hamburger – a roast beef patty on a hamburger bun
Cheeseburger – a burger with a slice of American cheese
Hot dogs – grilled hot dogs on a hot dog bun
Buffalo wings – fried chicken wings coated with a spicy vinaigrette
Pulled Pork – Shredded pork on the grill
Ribs and Steaks – grilled ribs and thick slices of beef
Alternatives
Here are some modern (and healthier) variations on traditional entrees that can also be enjoyed at a 4th of July picnic or barbecue, but will appeal to carnivores and non-carnivores alike.

Beyond Burgers & Impossible burgers – Plant-based burger patties
Artisan Cheeseburgers – Artisan Cheeseburgers
Chicken, turkey, tofu and vegetable sausage
Buffalo Wing Salad – Green salad with sliced buffalo flavored chicken
Pulled Chicken or Pulled Pineapple Nectar – Shredded chicken or pineapple nectar in BBQ sauce
Tuna, Portobello mushrooms and cauliflower steak
July 4 Small plates
Traditional
These are some of the traditional 4th of July side dishes that can be enjoyed with the main course

Baked potatoes – baked potatoes in foil with butter, sour cream and fine parsnips
Baked beans – cooked beans with a slightly sweet barbecue flavor
Coleslaw – frozen shredded cabbage and vegetables with salsa/balsamic vinegar
Corn on the cob – steamed or grilled corn (yellow or white); usually drizzled with melted butter
Deviled eggs – hard-boiled eggs cut in half and stuffed with seasoned mustard and egg yolk
Macaroni salad – frozen mayonnaise and mustard salad with cooked macaroni, chopped vegetables and dressing
Potato Salad – Frozen mayonnaise, egg and mustard salad with boiled potatoes and dressing
Alternatives
Here are some contemporary alternative side dishes that incorporate a wider range of flavors

July 4 deli board – July 4 themed deli board
seacuterie board – seafood board
elotes – Mexican street corn
Caprese fruit salad – watermelon, strawberries, feta, fresh basil and dressing
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts roasted in half with dressing
Grilled fruit – buttered or oiled watermelon, peaches, plums, pineapple, bananas, etc.