LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville chef Joseph Thomas is helping make Fourth of July entertaining simple and delicious. Ahead of the holiday weekend, he stopped by WDRB Mornings to share a few crowd-pleasing recipes that are perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Whether you're hosting a cookout or bringing a dish to share, Chef Thomas offers easy recipes packed with summer flavor. Check out the featured recipes below and add them to your Independence Day menu.

Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 8 Oz Penne Pasta
  • 1 Cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 Cup Diced Cucumber
  • 1/2 Cup Kalamata Olives
  • 1/4 Cup Diced Red Onions
  • 4 Oz Crumbled Feta Cheese
  • 2 Tbls Olive Oil
  • 1 tbls Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 Garlic Clove Minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbls Fresh Chopped Parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until cool, then transfer to large mixing bowl.
  3. Add Feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and red onion to the mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until combine.
  6. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients:

1 large pineapple peeled, cored sliced into thick rings
 
Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar 
  • 3 tbls Maple Syrup 
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
  • 3/4 tsp coarse sea salt for finishing

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Stir until you have a paste like glaze.
  2. Heat your grill to 350 degrees. While the grill preheats, spread the glaze mixture over both sides of the pineapple rings, making sure to coat evenly.
  3. Place the coated pineapple rings directly on the grill gates and cook 4-7 minutes per side. Look for caramelized edges and and light char marks.
  4. Rotate the rings about halfway through each side for even browning.
  5. Once both sides are golden and caramelized, transfer to a serving plate and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt.

Classic Summertime Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 and a half cups of granulated sugar (to taste)
  • 8 Cups of cold filtered water

Directions:

  1. Mix well until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Serve with ice cubes, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs (optional but highly recommended).

BBQ Dry Rub

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbls Salt
  • 1 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 Tbls Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbls Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Paprika 
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder 
  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp Musturd Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/4 Tsp Cumin

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and rub generously on ribs, chicken or pork before grilling.

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