Need a little inspiration beyond the berry flag cake that is on the cover of every food magazine in July?  Since we are a culmination of hundreds of different nationalities in this country, the sky is the limit to what is considered traditional American fare.  The farmer’s markets are packed with fresh fruit and vegetables right now so I’m all about celebrating seasonal ingredients for my Fourth of July picnic this year.

In Season Now

• Strawberries, cherries, raspberries
• Fresh lettuce, green beans, seabeans, beets, zucchini blossoms
• Basil, cilantro, other fresh and fragrant herbs

I’m still debating my barbecue decisions however. Should I go for the beer can chicken or classic slow cooked ribs or should I splurge on  a fillet of salmon rubbed down with herb butter? Knowing me, I’ll try to attempt all three this weekend if given the opportunity.  Here are three recipe ideas from Foodista contributors to get your creative juices flowing.  So, if you are just needing a picnic side dish or drink to bring to the picnic, it’s a great time of year to make a fresh salsa and toast your weekend with a refreshing summer mint mojito or a chilly sangria with farmer market cherries.

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