Whether you’re hosting a July 4th cookout or bringing a dish to share, I love building a menu that feels festive, delicious and nourishing. From a simple summer salad to grilled sweetpotato wedges and a balanced snack board, here are a few of my favorite ways to add color, flavor and nutrition to your holiday spread.
My No-Fail 5-Ingredient Summer Salad
This is one of my go-to summer sides because it’s fresh, colorful and comes together with just a handful of ingredients. It starts with SUNSET® Flavor Bombs® tomatoes, which you can find in limited-edition patriotic packaging through mid-July celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and highlighting that Flavor Bombs are grown right here in the U.S.
Their sweet, rich flavor makes them perfect not only for salads, but also for snacking and adding to charcuterie boards. For this easy side, I toss them with sweet corn, red onion, lime juice and avocado for a bright, flavorful salad that pairs well with just about anything off the grill.
A Nutritious Side for the Grill: Sweetpotato Wedges
If you’re firing up the grill this July 4th, one of my favorite nutritious side dishes is grilled sweetpotato wedges. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing and a great way to add more produce to your cookout spread.
I especially love North Carolina sweetpotatoes because they’re affordable, versatile, have a long shelf life when stored properly, and are in season year-round. They also pack in important nutrition, including fiber, potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotene antioxidants that the body converts to vitamin A, which supports skin and immune health.
The Flavor Boost: Garlic Herb Chimichurri Butter
I love serving those grilled sweetpotato wedges with a Garlic Herb Chimichurri Butter made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!®.
I used the brand’s new NutriRich™ formula, which is its biggest evolution in more than 40 years. It offers improved taste, creaminess and added nutrition. In fact, one tablespoon is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E and B12, and also provides omega-3 ALA.
You can find the original, light and extra creamy tubs and sticks at retailers nationwide, making it an easy option for everything from sizzling and sautéing to spreading and cooking.
Build a Better Charcuterie Board
A snack-style charcuterie board is always a crowd-pleaser, and my favorite nutrition tip is to pair protein with produce. That combination helps create a board that feels satisfying and balanced without spoiling appetites before the main meal.
I like to build a board with colorful fruits and vegetables, then round it out with protein-rich options like cheese and nuts for staying power. It’s an easy way to make your appetizer spread feel a little more nourishing while still keeping it fun and festive.
