Special occasions call for special celebrations, and July 4th is no exception! That’s why Carolina® Rice is here to help with the perfect spread for an outdoor Independence Day gathering. From appetizers and salads to show-stopping mains, we’ve got you covered with a parade of delicious dishes. Learn these tempting recipes and make this July 4th your most unforgettable one yet!
Appetizers and Sides to Complement your Feast
The key to putting on a crowd-pleasing spread is to offer a variety of tasty options for your friends and family to enjoy before the main meal. These Bolitas de Arroz y Queso are the perfect bite-sized savory treats to whet the appetite for what’s to come. Just make sure you prepare a big enough batch because these cheesy bites are sure to be a hit!
Similarly, you can up your dip game with this Sriracha Ranch Rice Dip. Featuring jasmine rice, corn, red peppers, sriracha sauce, and ranch dressing, your loved ones will be grateful that you’ve gone to the trouble of preparing a unique homemade dip on such a busy day’s cooking.
What to serve with dips
- Bread sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Tortilla chips
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Pita wedges
- French fries
Refreshing Salad Dishes for July 4th
This Greek Salad with Black Olives, Feta and Tomato is the perfect salad for summer. Made with Carolina® Ready to Heat White Jasmine Rice, this classic salad recipe is packed with vibrant Mediterranean salad ingredients that are guaranteed to delight and satisfy in equal measure.
Mouthwatering Summer Salad with Fruit
Craving a fruity salad option? Try this Mango Rice Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette. It’s a fresh and fruity salad recipe with a tropical twist that will add an extra dimension to your July 4th spread. The combination of mango with traditional salad ingredients is what takes this rice salad to the next level. Don’t be surprised if your guests asks you for the recipe!
How to Keep Rice Fluffy and Light for Salads
- Rinse the rice well before you cook it to get rid of excess starch.
- Follow cook times on the package closely. Overcooking can cause the rice to get mushy.
- Once cooked, leave the rice to cool off before adding it to the salad.
Delicious 4th of July Food for Outdoor Gatherings
Finding the right combination of main dishes to serve at an outdoor gathering can be tricky. Most families have a wide range of preferences so it’s good to offer more than one option for the main course. That’s why Carolina® Rice is here with, not one, but three unique main dishes that will cover all bases. First up, this Chipotle Chicken and Rice—made with chipotle sauce, fragrant Carolina® Jasmine Rice, succulent chicken, and a whole host of delicious veggies—is sure to be a hit with diners who love spicy chicken meals.
Meanwhile, this Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe with Jasmine Rice will impress the seafood aficionados at your party. A satisfying fish option, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. Elegant and boldly seasoned, this simple dish will disappear in minutes and help you cut back on the time you spend in the kitchen this July 4th!
Vegan and Vegetarian Main Dish
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a dish that’s suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, not to mention convenient to make, this Lime Avocado Rice is just the dish for you. Fresh, zesty, and filling, it’s the ideal dish for those who prefer meat-free meals made with organic grains. Best of all, it only takes 20 minutes to make!
Light up July 4th with Delectable Desserts
What better way to round off a successful meal than with two irresistible dessert dishes? This Key Lime Pie Rice Pudding is guaranteed to light up the night at your July 4th celebration. Sweet, creamy, and easy to slice, it’s a classic American dessert that fits the occasion perfectly.
Finally, to cap things off, how about some Horchata Whipped Iced Coffee? Your diners will be blown away by your culinary skills!
Make this July 4th one to remember
Picture the scene: the food is finished, and everyone you love has gathered together to gaze up at the sky as fireworks ignite and fill the night with color. At Carolina® Rice, we believe that food is part of who we are. We can’t think of anything more rewarding than seeing the satisfied smiles on the faces of loved ones after a successful home-cooked dinner! This July 4th, whip up an outdoor feast brimming with Carolina® Rice recipes, and we’re sure you’ll agree.
For more recipe inspiration and expert tips, be sure to check out our blog.
