We’ve Already Planned Your 4th of July Cookout for You

Looking for a festive menu to celebrate the red, white and blue, but without too much planning? Fear not: We’ve figured out the entire meal for you. Crowd-pleasing baby back ribs, creamy potato salad and a homey peach-blackberry slab pie share the spotlight with lighter fare, including chicken breasts and a summery bean salad. This meal offers something for everybody, which makes it perfect for a gathering of family and friends.

Green Goddess Dip Although this green goddess dressing is wonderful in a salad, you can also serve it with potato chips or crudités for dipping.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad This salad is reminiscent of deli-style Greek versions. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find.

Grilled Baby Back Ribs with Citrus Barbecue Sauce Baby back ribs are leaner than spareribs, but their flavor is not quite as intense. This preparation compensates with a marinade and a tangy sauce with a kick of spice.

Grilled Chicken with Quick Barbecue Sauce It’s a good idea to offer a choice of at least two different grilled meats at a barbecue—and you can’t go wrong making chicken one of them. Chicken breasts brushed lightly with a quick tangy sauce nice contrast to other rich meats.

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Nowadays, potato salad often seems to arrive with all sorts of “new” ingredients, which might be tasty, but just don’t evoke the simple dish you remember. For those of you who think old ways are often the best ways, here is a recipe that makes nearly everyone recall family picnics or mom’s potato salad.

Summer Beans with Lemon and Almonds Use the freshest ingredients you can find to prepare this simple salad, which showcases summer beans at their seasonal best.

Gingered Peach-Blackberry Slab Pie Made with fresh peaches and blackberries, this homey slab pie captures the essence of summer. Serve with scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream add the finishing touch.

Lemonade Lemonade is a welcome drink when summer temperatures reach their height. Choose lemons that are plump and firm. Before juicing each lemon, press and roll it firmly against a work surface to break some of the membranes holding the juice.

Looking for a complete Fourth of July dinner party plan—complete with table setting suggestions? Check out more recommendations.