If there's one thing the Fourth of July holiday is known for, it's delicious summer-centric dishes and barbecue fare...but there's a lot more to grilling than traditional burgers and hot dogs. Whether you're making a feast for meat lovers or health nuts, these Italian-inspired July 4th menu ideas will wow any crowd in honor of America's independence!
Spiedini With Chicken, Vegetables, and Bacon
Spiedini, or meat skewers, are an easy way to combine protein and vegetables. Place pieces of chicken, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and bacon onto a skewer. Alternate between meat and vegetables until you have filled the skewer. If you are looking to enhance the flavors, America Domani’s secret to tasty seasoned meat is Reed’s Italian Marinade with cayenne pepper for a spicy kick! Once the juicy meat is placed on the grill, rotate every few minutes until evenly cooked.
Italian Grilled Swordfish with Creamy Lemon Sauce
Seafood is a summer staple for many Italian families and this grilled swordfish is a fresh take on a traditional Italian dish. To prepare, brush the fish with olive oil then blanket it with breadcrumbs. This will give your dish the perfect crunch. Once you place on the grill, you can start preparing the creamy lemon sauce. In a bowl, add the juice and zest of one lemon to a mixture of melted butter and heavy cream. For herbs, add parsley, garlic, and oregano. Once the swordfish is thoroughly cooked, drizzle the lemon sauce over the fish and garnish with lemon slices.
Grilled Lamb Chops
A true Italian grill master will barbecue their weight in grilled lamb chops this summer. Savory and tender grilled lamb is perfectly complemented by our favorite Italian marinade. Let your chops sit in the marinade for about an hour in the refrigerator. Once thoroughly marinated, head to the grill! These are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next outdoor gathering.
Grilled Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Sandwich
Who doesn’t love an Italian American classic? The best kind of sausage and peppers sandwich starts at the grill. Add slices of peppers and onions on top of the flames and flip after a few minutes. Place the sausage on the barbecue and wait until cooked evenly. To make this an all-star meal, lightly toast your choice of bun for an extra crunch. Combine them and just one bite will transport you to an Italian street festival!
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.