In Israel’s first years, the government tried to create a Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) Seder. Hebrew poet and novelist Yitzhak Shalev even composed a Haggadah for the ceremonial meal that was distributed by The Ministry of Education along with suggestions for a holiday menu of mallow patties in tomato sauce or tahini, chicken stuffed with bulgur or rice, a raw fruit compote, a seven species cake, and more.

But, the idea of a Yom Ha’atzmaut Seder never caught on. Today, most Israeli families celebrate the holiday with outdoor picnics, which often involve grilling on the mangal (barbecue). We’ve gathered some of our favorite recipes fit for an outdoor meal including tomato skewers, almond zhug, a roasted vegetable salad, and a seasonal fruit compote with sabra (cactus fruit) and za’atar.