Snacking till the end of democracy
Happy 4th?
I don’t know about you but this Fourth of July, I’m purely here for the snacks. Call me crazy, but I don’t exactly feel like America deserves a big birthday party in light of recent horrifying political developments. Then again, maybe we better celebrate democracy now while we can?!
As I saw a meme put it, is America having a going out of a business sale this year, or…? It’s not funny, actually at all, but it does feel humorous in an insane way to witness all the horrific decisions coming out of the Supreme Court while Googling recipes for potato salad.
However, I’m always one to partake in the food portions of any given holiday…and usually, that’s the only part I’m here for. Christmas dinners, Channukah latkes, Thanksgiving sides, half birthday cakes…I’ll take any excuse to eat.
So while I signed up for volunteer opportunities today to help register voters (and highly encourage you to do the same! We can’t just stew in this collective panic, as tempting as it is), I’m also eating all the customary 4th of July foods tomorrow, veganized of course, while feeling deeply ashamed of this country and hopeful we can right this United States of America ship before it’s too late. Because what other option is there? We must.
If you’re looking for some last-minute recipes and foodie ideas of the traditionally 4th of July persuasion, or perhaps just need to eat your feelings while comforting your pets as the fireworks go off (another reason I’m not a fan of the day), look no further.
Because honestly, mayo-based salads, hot dogs, and juicy watermelon can only make a situation better, and I’m not one to deny myself of customary foods. Here’s my menu! Take what speaks to you.
1. A classic potato salad. Is the 4th the 4th without this? I prefer a super traditional version and really, you can use any family recipe you have and simply swap out the mayo for a plant-based one, easily found at any grocery store including Walmart or the like. Hellman’s makes one — I like the squeezy bottle one and always keep it on hand. roughly followed this recipe minus the sugar, but really, it’s just a matter of boiling potatoes, salting them, and dressing in mayo, relish, salt, pepper, and chopped celery until it feels right. Maybe add a dollop of dijon mustard for a bit more kick.
2. A vegan hot dog spread. I maintain that even real hot dogs don’t taste real — so what’s the difference if you choose to eat a plant-based one instead? I’ve tried “real” hot dogs and I sure don’t feel like I’m missing anything by grabbing these faux meat ones from the grocery store. Pro tip, if you can’t find them in your store, check the produce section wherever the tofu is shelved — they’re usually there! We also grabbed this new-to-us brand to try out. Will report back. Storebought hot dog buns are almost always accidently vegan as is most bread, and I prefer mine with tons of relish, mustard, crushed chips, or deep fried onions.
3. Watermelon. No explanation needed. It’s simply not the summer without one always hogging most of my fridge space.
4. Chips! Another duh. And in almost all cases, they’re going to be naturally vegan, although of course check labels in cases when you’re not sure — anything nacho cheese flavored is probably not dairy-free, and same goes for certain brands of BBQ flavors, which annoying often but not always contain milk. If you need something to dunk a chip or 50 into, this layered Mexican dip has been a long time go-to for me to make for tailgates, potlucks, and parties, and it never disappoints. The layers are really a choose your own adventure, and while this recipe is fully written vegan, you can easily swap out non-dairy and plant-based options of sour creams, cheeses, and refried beans (which often contain lard) in any similar recipe.
5. Pasta salad. I’ve talked a weird amount in this Substack about my love of pasta salad, and it especially shines on the 4th of July or any summer cookout situation. I rarely if ever follow a recipe, but were I to, this is a good place to start. If you’re feeling a little less like a vinegar based pasta situation and more of a creamy one, a vegan macaroni salad is exactly like a potato salad but with different carbs — just choose a plant-based mayo, and that’s basically it!
6. Chickpea egg salad. This is a staple for me — I never follow a recipe because I’ve made it so many times, but it’s essentially a matter of mashing up drained, canned chickpeas and tossing with — you guessed it — more vegan mayo, diced celery, relish, and spices like turmeric, nooch, salt and pepper, and paprika. Slather on bread for sandwiches or dip chips into it. High protein and a total crowd pleaser!
7. Baked beans are perhaps the easiest thing to make, but also a must in my book if you’re going all out on the classics. Fun fact, while many canned baked beans contain the meat, you’re good to go with the vegetarian version, so load up!
8. In case you haven’t yet sensed a theme, here’s another classic that needs your truly plant-based mayo, celery, and spices — cole slaw! A must for layering on a jackfruit or shredded tofu bbq sandwich perhaps, enjoying plain, or topping your hot dog with. Easy peasy, especially if you purchase the pre-shredded bags of cabbage.
Wishing you a happy, delish, and safe 4th of July whatever your mood is this year. And remember, it’s we the people that this country was made for, and only us that can save it. Here’s my #1 favorite follow on social media for finding ways to plug into activism, and my go-to site for finding virtual or in-person opportunities to volunteer. Let’s make sure we still have a democracy to celebrate this time next year!