Quick and Easy Fourth of July Picnic Foods

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

02 Jul 2009 07:47 PM

With the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday this year you can expect even more company than usual at your local park. Competition for prime fireworks viewing spots will be heated, to say the least, but even if you don't snag the ultimate seat, you can still have a spectacular Independence Day picnic with the following patriotic recipes:

PATRIOTIC PASTA SALAD

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) package tri-colored spiral pasta, cooked al dente

2 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces

2 cups fresh cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

4 ounces pepperoni slices

1 cup summer sausage, cut in chunks

1 (8-ounce) package mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

1 (6-ounce) can sliced pitted black olives, drained

1 cup quartered artichoke hearts

1 cup blueberries

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon minced garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic. Toss pasta and the other ingredients together. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss to coat pasta. Chill until ready to serve.

FRESH STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE

Ingredients:

6 cups fresh strawberries

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons corn starch

1/2 cup water

1/8 teaspoon red food coloring

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie shell

Directions:

Mash strawberries to make 1 cup and set remaining berries aside.

In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water, red food coloring, and mashed berries.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Cook for one more minute, and then cool slightly.

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, spread into baked pie shell.

Fill shell with remaining berries.

Pour cooked strawberry mixture on top.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Related Articles:

Picnic Recipes

Summer Picnic Food: Kicked Up Sandwiches and Chips

Outdoor Dining: Three-Course Simple Summer Meal

Healthy Grilling: Super Summer Salmon Salad

Make a Watermelon Ice Cream Cake and other Cool Summer Treats

Fourth of July Picnic Favorites: Super Steak Sandwiches and Strawberry Watermelon Salad

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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