July 4th Garden-Fresh Salad

🥗 The Freshest Way to Say “Happy Birthday, America!”

When it’s hot outside and the grill is fired up, there’s nothing better than a cool, refreshing summer salad—especially one that matches the colors of the flag! This July 4th Garden-Fresh Salad features:

• 🍅 Juicy red tomatoes

• 🧀 Creamy white mozzarella

• 🥒 Crisp green cucumber and basil

It’s a Caprese-inspired cucumber tomato salad with a festive twist—perfect for your Independence Day potluck, picnic, or BBQ. No mayo, no pork, no wine, and no heavy dressings. Just clean ingredients, bright flavors, and patriotic flair.

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🛒 Ingredients – Summer’s Best in Every Bite

Salad Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (red or mixed color)

• 1 large cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced

• 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade

• Optional: a few sprigs of parsley or mint for freshness

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Light Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)

• 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated

• ½ teaspoon honey or agave (optional)

• Pinch of salt and red pepper flakes for a little sparkle

💡 Dairy-free option? Swap mozzarella for cubed avocado or marinated tofu for a vegan version.

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🍴 How to Make It: Easy and Crowd-Pleasing

Step 1 – Wash and Prep Your Produce

Rinse your tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs under cool water. Slice the tomatoes in halves, peel or stripe the cucumber if desired, and slice thinly. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat dry.

Step 2 – Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sweetener (if using), salt, and chili flakes. Let sit for 5–10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 3 – Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or serving dish, gently combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella balls. Pour over the vinaigrette and toss lightly. Add the fresh basil and herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant green color.

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🎇 Why This Salad Belongs at Every July 4th Celebration

• Colorful & Festive: The red, white, and green palette feels fresh and on-theme for a patriotic table.

• Hydrating & Light: Perfect on a hot day, this salad helps balance heavier BBQ fare like burgers, grilled meats, or corn.

• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients and vinaigrette the night before. Just toss everything together 30 minutes before guests arrive.

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🍽️ Serving Tips

For a Party Platter:

Serve the salad layered in a rectangular tray or wide dish with the colors organized in stripes for a flag-inspired presentation.

For a Picnic or Potluck:

Pack the components separately and toss right before serving. Or serve in portable mason jars with dressing at the bottom.

Add-ons for Heartiness:

• Grilled chicken breast slices (serve on the side if you want to keep it vegetarian)

• Cooked quinoa or couscous

• Sliced hard-boiled eggs

• Roasted chickpeas for crunch

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📦 Storage & Meal Prep

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Basil may darken over time—add fresh herbs if storing overnight.

• Keep dressing and salad separate until ready to serve for the freshest result.

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📊 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

🌿 Low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, keto-friendly (omit honey), and Whole30 (omit cheese and sweetener).

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❓ July 4th Salad FAQs

Can I use different cheese besides mozzarella?

Yes! Try cubes of feta, vegan mozzarella, or fresh paneer (if avoiding pork and rennet-based cheese). Just make sure it’s mild and fresh.

How do I make it ahead for a party?

Chop the veggies and store them separately from the herbs and dressing. Toss everything together 30 minutes before guests arrive. That gives the flavors time to mingle without getting soggy.

Can kids eat this salad?

Definitely! It’s mild, juicy, and full of familiar textures. For very young kids, chop the tomatoes and cucumber into smaller bites.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Parsley, mint, or oregano work in a pinch. Even finely chopped celery leaves or scallion greens can add freshness.

Can I add a “blue” element to make it red, white, and blue?

Sure! Add blueberries or serve it alongside a fruit salad with blueberries and strawberries for a full-color spread.

🎆 Final Thoughts: Salad That Sparks Joy

This July 4th Garden-Fresh Salad is a festive way to show off what summer (and your local farmers market!) has to offer. It’s colorful, craveable, and customizable—perfect for patriotic gatherings that celebrate community, flavor, and health.

✅ Red, white, and green = fresh
✅ Easy to make = less time in the kitchen
✅ No mayo, pork, or wine = clean, inclusive
✅ Full of hydration and joy = summer goals

So while fireworks light up the sky, let this salad light up your plate. 🎇🇺🇸🥗