Juneteenth Recipes and Food Ideas to Celebrate

Traditional Juneteenth recipes and foods celebrate an important day in Black history — American history — with drinks, sides, main courses, and desserts that are rich with meaning, symbolism . . . and the color red. Learn more, and get these inspiring Juneteenth recipes. 

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Food History: What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers rode to Galveston, Texas and told the enslaved population that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation — over two years prior, on January 1, 1863.

Juneteenth (a combination of June and nineteenth) celebrations include parades, parties, and prayer. And celebrations would not be complete without Juneteenth food. Barbecue and red-colored foods and drinks like red strawberry soda, and red velvet cake are all common.

You can learn more about Juneteenth food history here.

Why Is Juneteenth Food Red?

Red food became an important fixture in Juneteenth food, recipes, and celebrations. Common red foods for Juneteenth include red soda or lemonade, red velvet cake, and watermelon. (Plus barbecue and great sides.)

History offers several explanations for the idea of using red food for Juneteenth. These reasons include:

• In Yoruba and Kongo culture, red symbolizes spiritual power
• Remembrance of African ancestors lured with red cloth by slave trappers, since red cloth was used in spiritual practices
• Symbolism for the blood of enslaved ancestors
• Red drinks call to mind traditional West African drinks such as bissap juice, made from ruby red hibiscus flowers, and drinks made from the kola nut

Juneteenth Recipes and Food Ideas Celebrate the Holiday

Now that you know some background on Juneteenth and its food traditions, here are some red Juneteenth food ideas and recipes to celebrate — from drinks to desserts to everything in between.

1. Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca

Skip the red dye and refined sugar of red soda. Make this gorgeous, naturally sweet agua fresca instead.

2. Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade

Nothing is more refreshing than fresh-squeezed lemonade. Here’s how to make it from scratch (it’s easy!). Add a little fresh berry to make it pink.

Juneteenth Recipes: Sides and Slaws

3. Red Cabbage Slaw

A vibrant, crunchy cabbage salad that’s ready in minutes. Red wine vinaigrette and with makes a tangy-sweet dressing that perks up any cookout. No mayo needed.

4. Kale and Cornbread Salad With Buttermilk Dressing

A hearty green salad always finds a welcome home at a backyard cookout. This recipe for kale salad with cornbread croutons comes from the highly-respected Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

5. A Nicely-Arranged Fruit Platter

Take advantage of the season’s bounty with a fresh fruit platter loaded with fruit like juicy red watermelon and strawberries. Here’s how to arrange one like a pro.

6. Southern Tomato Sandwiches

Now that we’re in prime tomato season, these juicy, bright red tomato sandwiches are no-cook, easy as anything you’ll make all summer, and absolutely delicious, with deep Southern roots.

7. Fried Green Tomatoes

This beloved Southern staple is the best of summer: crispy and savory on the outside, bright and fresh on the inside.

The Best Course: Juneteenth Dessert Recipe Ideas

8. Cream Biscuit Strawberry Shortcakes

Sweet and homey strawberry shortcakes are a cinch to make and a true seasonal treat.

9. Homemade No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream

Fact: You don’t need an ice cream maker to make creamy, sweet homemade ice cream. Here’s how.

10. Old-Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Pies

This old-fashioned strawberry rhubarb pie recipe is a classic: sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb, and an all-butter crust in one perfect, and perfectly pink-red, pie.

11. No Dye Red Velvet Cake

This no-dye red velvet cake recipe is made without red food coloring for a moist, sweet buttermilk layer cake that lets cocoa’s natural ruddiness shine through.

12. Easy Rhubarb Cake

This easy spring cake recipe folds tart, fresh rhubarb into moist vanilla cake. It can be served for breakfast or dessert, and freezes well, too. Top with whipped cream or ice cream.

13. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Beautifully pink-red and beautifully easy to make, these are the ultimate dessert bars for a Juneteenth party. These are perfect for beginner bakers.

14. Maya Angelou’s Southern Banana Pudding With Meringue

If you’ve ever wanted the ultimate old-fashioned banana pudding, here it is. This is a true Southern banana pudding recipe from scratch: creamy vanilla custard layered with fresh bananas and cookies, topped with meringue and baked until golden brown. This isn’t the instant-pudding variety; it’s authentic, made with care, and adapted from the kitchen of the legendary Maya Angelou. 

What Juneteenth food ideas and recipes do you have? Share in the comments, below.