July is here! I love long summer days and warm summer evenings. I hope you have a fun long weekend in store. Independence Day has always been one of my very favorite holidays, since it’s an annual family reunion on my mom’s side. Now it’s also the anniversary of my brother’s wakeboarding accident. After a month in the hospital and learning to walk again on a prosthetic leg, he’s doing well. This is my public request to be careful out there, especially on the water.

Last month, I mentioned that my dog Cookie was not doing well. She’s actually doing much better! She has been cycling through some health issues for a while, but she’s in good shape right now. At the moment, she is trying to steal my breakfast. She’s ornery as ever, and her little sister, Clover, keeps her on her toes.

If you’re looking for Fourth of July recipes, here are some of my favorites. The more salads, the better! Browse with pictures here.

Avocado

best cucumber salad recipe

Gaby’s Cucumber Salad

Gluten free and vegan

“Made this immediately last night and loved it – my daughter as well! Quick and easy for when you get home from work – served alongside pasta.” – Connie

More avocado recipes »

Berries! Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Strawberries

gluten free almond cake with berries recipe

Gluten-Free Almond Cake with Berries on Top

Gluten free

“Sooooo good. I added a little powdered sugar to the Greek yogurt and this was delicious. Thanks for the easy summer showstopper!” – Carrie

More blueberry recipes » (also blackberriesraspberries and strawberries)

Cherries

Balsamic Stone Fruit Sundae

Balsamic Stone Fruit Sundae

Gluten free and vegan if you use vegan ice cream

“I made this for a cooking class I taught and everyone loved it!! Hopefully you get some more readership, because I tell so many of my patients about your blog :)” – Tricia

More cherry recipes »

Corn

Sweet Corn and Black Bean Tacos recipe

Sweet Corn & Black Bean Tacos

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I made these last night and they were WONDERFUL! I loved the flavor; the lime adds a lot. I followed the recipe exactly and they are fabulous the next day for lunch!” – Laura

More corn recipes »

Cucumber

best tzatziki recipe

Tzatziki

Gluten free

“This is the best tzatziki recipe ever. I come back to it again and again. Everyone who tastes it wants the recipe! Thank you so much” – Terry

More cucumber recipes »

Green Beans

Blackened Green Bean and Quinoa Salad

Blackened Green Bean and Quinoa Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan (skip the feta)

“This might actually be my favourite grain salad ever. The combination of textures is phenomenal– definitely don’t skip the toasted almonds! It’s a little bit involved but if you multitask it comes together fairly quickly. I’ve made it several times now and will definitely continue to do so as long as I can get fresh sweet corn!” – Elinor

More green bean recipes »

Greens

Sun-dried tomato Caesar salad recipe

Ashley’s Sun-Dried Tomato Caesar Salad

Vegetarian and delicious

“Tried this last night it was DELICIOUS and SO EASY! On my lunchtime favorite list. Thanks Kate!” – Carolyn

More salad recipes »

Herbs

baked feta dip recipe

Baked Feta Dip with Cherry Tomatoes

Gluten free (with gluten-free accompaniments)

“Phenomenal Appetizer that everyone loves!! I have served it four times over the past two months and it is a big hit. Very easy to make!!” – Nancy

More basil recipes » (also cilantro and dill)

Kale

Heirloom BLT Kale Salad (with coconut bacon!)

Heirloom BLT Salad (with Coconut Bacon!)

Vegan

“Kate, this salad is so delicious. The DRESSING–I know everyone is going wild for your coconut bacon, which is wonderful and all, but the DRESSING! I love that it is oil-free so you can really load up on it. This salad is raising the bar for salads in my book. You’ve done it again, Cookie and Kate!” – Tory

More kale recipes »

Mango

Thai Mango Cabbage Wraps with Crispy Tofu and Peanut Sauce

Thai Mango Cabbage Wraps with Crispy Tofu and Peanut Sauce

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“I made these tonight and they are so delicious. A perfect summer meal. I also mustvsay that this is the first time myself and my boyfriend have actually enjoyed (even, loved) tofu! Yay for soggy free perfectly crisp tofu.” – Deana

More mango recipes »

Peaches

peach yogurt popsicles recipe-3

Creamy Peach & Honey Popsicles

Gluten free

“My husband and my favorite recipe! Are you able to substitute the peaches for other fruits? Was thinking strawberry or raspberry!” – Mallory (the answer is yes—check out my Roasted Berry and Honey Yogurt Popsicles!)

More peach recipes »

Peppers

This fresh black bean salad recipe packs great for lunch! It's also perfect for parties and potlucks. Get the recipe at cookieandkate.com

Fresh Black Bean Salad

Gluten-free and vegan

“Hi Kate, I had forgotten how delicious this salad is! Served it with slow cooker mac & cheese for dinner last night. I really like that you mix the whole salad at one time, no separate dressing to prepare, and also that the dressing just “dresses” the ingredients and does not drown them!! Perfect summer meal – easy, make ahead, no use of the stove :) Thanks, again, for sharing!” – Kris

More bell pepper recipes »

Plums

gluten-free plum crisp recipe

Plum Crisp

Gluten-free and easily vegan (see notes)

“I made this as a dessert for a ladies group dinner and everyone LOVED it! Thank you.” – Daniela

More plum recipes »

Potatoes

This simple, herbed red potato salad recipe will be a hit at your next potluck! The light, creamy sauce is mayo-free, and this recipe is vegan! cookieandkate.com

Herbed Red Potato Salad (no mayo!)

Gluten-free and vegan

“Absolutely wonderful recipe- so fresh and light compared to traditional potato salad and was a hit during my father’s birthday! Liked it so much we’re making it again tonight!” – Tori

More potato recipes »

Radishes

These healthy lettuce wraps are colorful, fun to eat, and so delicious! They're vegetarian/vegan, and easily gluten free. Get the recipe at cookieandkate.com

Colorful Veggie Lettuce Wraps

Vegan

“I Just made these for dinner and they were delicious! My whole family loved them. Easy to put together and fun to assemble at the table. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes!” – Katherine

More radish recipes »

Summer Squash

cherry tomatoes pesto squash noodles and spaghetti

Pesto Squash Noodles and Spaghetti with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)

“Didn’t think twice about whipping this one up for tonight since all I had to buy were the zucchinis and tomatoes. I made it vegan with nutritional yeast and OH MY this is an amazing recipe. So simple! You are quickly becoming my favorite food blogger! Can’t wait to share this creation with my loves. Thanks” – Lauren

More zucchini recipes » (also yellow squash)

Tomatoes

Mediterranean tomato feta dip

Mediterranean Tomato & Feta Dip

Gluten free

“Made this tonight for a quick dinner. It was so delicious! I’ll be bringing this to all the parties/BBQs I go to this summer. I love your blog :)” – Jodi

Original Source: https://cookieandkate.com/what-to-cook-this-july/