Our founding fathers weren’t messing around when they decided on red, white and blue. When it comes to planning a Fourth of July menu, neither should you. Three colors are more than enough to plan a five-star meal.

Below, check out some delicious recipes to help you celebrate our nation’s birthday in style.

Red, White and Blue Burger

Some people think that a real American burger is served well-done. Oh yeah? And where exactly do you see black and grey on the flag? American meat is medium-rare – red in the center, just like our national banner.

To make this dish look truly patriotic, throw some blue cheese on there for white and blue. (If the fact that’s it’s French makes you uncomfortable, feel free to call it Freedom Cheese.) And for an extra dash of red, add on a couple of tomato slices, bacon and/or red onion. From there, you’ve got a burger fit for a democratically elected official.

Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

The fourth is as good a day as any to declare independence from boring old potato salad. This ‘firecracker potato salad’ has cumin, chipotle peppers and even a bit of cream. Oh, and it uses red, white and blue potatoes. Get the full recipe here.

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Red, White and Blue Jello Flag

A great American comedian once said, “Jello!” With this red, white and blue Jello flag, this fourth you can say it, too. In fact you can salute it if you really want to. Get the full recipe here.

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Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

Nature’s bounty comes in many colors. That’s because nature doesn’t know how to make a decision. You, on the other hand, know that, when it comes to the Fourth of July, there are really only three colors worth working with. For your red, you have strawberries, raspberries, cherries – even watermelon. For blue, you have blueberries, of course. And white? What fruit isn’t white on the inside? Apples, bananas, lychee -  you name it. Mix everything together and you’ll have a perfect – not to mention very healthy – Fourth of July.

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Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake

There’s no better way to cap off a Fourth of July meal than with an American flag-inspired strawberry shortcake. Though you only need seven stripes of strawberries and fifty blueberries to make it authentic, it’s a good idea to keep some extra “stars” on hand so all your guests get to try some. Get the full recipe here.

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Red, White and Blue Madras Cocktail

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July if you didn’t (responsibly) throw back a few. With the snow cone-inspired, tri-colored Madras cocktail, you can cool down while you loosen up. Get the full recipe here.

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