Ina Garten’s 4th of July Menu Is Golden—and It Includes Julia Child’s Potato Salad

You’re probably busy planning your Fourth of July menu, and if you’re like most people, there’s a good chance burgers and hot dogs are on your shopping list. And while Ina Garten is usually right there with you with that choice, she shared that she’s stepping away from tradition this year in her latest Instagram post. 

"This year I’m going to make it a little more special,” says Garten. “First, I’m making Warm Lobster Rolls because they’re so delicious and really easy to assemble.”

Of course, you need sides to go with the lobster rolls, and the Barefoot Contessa tells us she’s serving them with classic coleslaw and potato salad. “But my versions are the best you’ve ever had—my fresh Vegetable Coleslaw and Julia Child’s favorite Potato Salad.”

I mean really—what’s better than recipes from one famous chef? Two famous chefs! Talk about fireworks!

And since no cookout would be complete without s’mores and lemonade, Garten is including them, too—but with a special Ina twist. “S’mores made with my Homemade Toasted Coconut Marshmallows. So good!!” Garten writes. “And because you always need something delicious to drink—Fresh Lemonade! (Yes, you can add vodka!)”

Garten’s veggie coleslaw is loaded with red and white cabbage, carrots and kale—which means it’s also loaded with antioxidants and fiber. She uses mayo as the base, so if you want to lighten it up some, you could replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. Or really lighten it up with our Red Cabbage Coleslaw that uses a vinaigrette-type dressing (I often dress my coleslaw up by adding pineapple chunks or diced apple and dried cranberries).

Julia Child’s potato salad recipe is made with thick slices of potato and gets lots of freshness from herby chives and dill. Leave the skin on the potatoes for a more rustic feel—and more nutrition. Or if you want a different twist on potato salad, you’ve got to try this Bacon-Ranch Potato Salad. It seriously tastes like a loaded baked potato—only better!

If making your own coconut marshmallows seems a bit too fussy for your s’mores, you could use marshmallow spread and add shredded coconut to it for the same effect. Or after toasting store-bought marshmallows, sprinkle some coconut over the chocolate layer and squish the marshmallow over it. I’m sure it won’t be as tasty as Garten’s homemade marshmallows, but it’s a heck of a lot easier (I’m all about saving time in the kitchen these days!). 

Speaking of saving time—buying precooked lobster meat that’s already been shelled will save you time and hassle when assembling the lobster rolls. Garten’s warm lobster roll recipe is super simple and light. If you prefer a classic lobster salad roll, we’ve got you covered—and it’s not swimming in mayonnaise like some lobster salad recipes. 

Garten’s fresh lemonade recipe has just enough sugar to sweeten the pitcher. If you wanted to reduce the amount of sugar, you could try replacing some or all of it with allulose. Or if you want to zhuzh up your homemade lemonade, try our Blueberry Lemonade, Ginger-Thyme Sparkling Lemonade or Lavender Lemonade.

No matter what’s on your menu for Independence Day this year, we second Garten’s ending sentiment: “Have a happy and safe holiday and I hope you love the recipes!"