Quick and Easy Side Dishes for a Fourth of July Party

Don't stress this year when planning your Fourth of July party. Serve quick and easy to prepare foods at your barbeque. Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbequed ribs and chicken are great for main dishes. Add these three easy side dish recipes, and you will have more time to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday with your family and friends.

Simple Crab Ceviche Recipe
16 oz. package imitation crab, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1 large fresh tomato, diced
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
½ purple onion, diced
salt to taste

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips, or taco style with corn tortillas. You can also add small shrimp and scallops. This makes a cool, easy appetizer or side dish to serve on the Fourth of July.

Quick Grilled Zucchini Recipe
small fresh zucchini, figure 1 per person
sesame oil
chili powder

Cut zucchini lengthwise, trimming ends off. Brush cut side with the sesame oil. Sprinkle with chili powder. Grill on the barbeque until slightly soft, with some nice grill marks on each side. Serve with dinner. Small yellow summer squash is great this way too! Zucchini is a simple, yet tasty addition to your 4th of July barbeque.

Easy Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
16 oz. package shredded cabbage
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Place cabbage, shredded carrot and chopped onion in a large bowl. Of course you can shred the cabbage yourself, but these packages are much more quick and easy. For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery salt. Pour over cabbage mixture. Toss to coat. Cover and chill. Be sure to stir just before serving. Coleslaw is an easy and traditional side dish to serve at your Fourth of July celebration.

Have a happy Fourth of July!