Elegant July 4th Menu Ideas

While America’s favorite summer holiday might be synonymous with fireworks, beer and hot dogs, we like to celebrate our country’s freedom with some elegant wine country flare. Our July 4th menu ideas feature seasonal produce and conquer the summer heat but also encourage the cook to incorporate a few unusual ingredients. We find these surprising additions spark interesting food conversations during any summer party. Also included in our wine-friendly recipes are make-ahead shortcuts to allow the party chef to enjoy the festivities. No toiling over the grill in this menu plan. And with all this flavor, you definitely won’t miss the hot dogs and brew. Cheers!

Wine Country Table July 4th Menu Ideas

French Green Bean Salad

If entertaining outside, it’s important to avoid using mayonnaise in your dishes since heat can affect the quality and food safety. Many party salads–think potato or macaroni–are loaded with this creamy condiment. But this healthy, refreshing haricots verts version should definitely make your list of July 4th menu ideas. Green beans and corn are two of America’s favorite vegetables, so it’s ensured culinary approval by kids and adults alike. Quick to assemble, our simple salad is loaded with crisp vegetables and fresh, seasonal ingredients like peaches and arugula. It’s also an especially good pairing with a chilled glass of Jordan Chardonnay.

View the recipe >>

Cucumber Salad with Asian-Inspired Vinaigrette

This tasty, unique cucumber salad is also perfect for hours-long outdoor July 4th parties. The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and stored for up to one week, so all you’ll need to do is assemble all the fresh veggies in a bowl and serve. Subtle umami notes of the vinaigrette coat the delicate cucumber, corn and edible flowers ever so slightly to offer a stunning as well as delicious dish.

View the recipe >>

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with Dry Rub

The ideal please-everyone-at-the-party main course. With only a few ingredients, this low and slow pork shoulder recipe offers up savory goodness to serve on whole grain bread or alongside other side dishes for the low-carb conscious. The fat inherent in this cut of pork builds the bridge for pairing with robust yet low-alcohol red wines, like Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Serve this instead of burgers n’ dogs and your guests will brag about the July 4th menu they enjoyed.

View the recipe >>

Olive Oil Ice Cream

A celebration of our country’s freedom wouldn’t be the same without dessert, and tradition begs for ice cream. To ramp up the elegance and awe, make your own rather than reaching for the carton. Our simple yet delicious olive oil ice cream recipe delivers serious wow factor while cooling down guests. For best results, use a small-batch, high-quality oil, like Jordan Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You will absolutely taste the difference.

View the step-by-step video recipe >>

Other Elegant July 4th Menu Ideas

For guests to graze, a cheese and charcuterie board is a must for a July 4th party menu. Follow our guide for how to create a beautiful charcuterie board, and build it out with cheeses like Humboldt Fog, Pecorino and Point Reyes Blue Cheese and the classic charcuterie salame buio and soppresata. To add a pop of color, don’t forget to feature summer fruits like cherries, raspberries and blackberries.

If you’re looking for non-alcoholic drink alternatives, we suggest serving Strawberry, Lime and Basil Agua Fresca or Cucumber and Lemon Verbena-Infused Water, both recipes from Giada de Laurentiis from the Food Network.

Happy Summer from all of us at Jordan.