55 Best Memorial Day Recipes for an Unforgettable Summer Cookout
Flavors and festive fare that unite loved ones for a memorable seasonal celebration.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and is a time for remembering, gathering, and celebrating with our favorite people. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a cozy picnic, or a grand cookout, this ultimate recipe roundup covers everything you need to make your celebration memorable. From grilled classics and creative salads to festive desserts and refreshing drinks, discover 55 distinctive dishes that are sure to satisfy every guest at your table.
Table of Contents
- Starters & Appetizers
- Grilled Mains & BBQ Favorites
- Salads & Cold Side Dishes
- Classic Sides for Cookouts
- Patriotic & Fun Desserts
- Summer Beverages
- Frequently Asked Questions
Starters & Appetizers: Kick Off the Party Right
Start your Memorial Day feast with one—or many—of these easy, crowd-pleasing starters designed to keep everyone satisfied while the grill heats up.
- Creamy Avocado Dip: A fresh and herby dip, great with seasonal veggies and pita chips. Its creamy texture and bright flavor makes it the perfect light appetizer for a sunny day.
- Best-Ever Guacamole: Sometimes simple is best. Packed with avocados, a squeeze of lime, chopped onion, and cilantro—serve with classic tortilla chips.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad: Sweet strawberries, baby spinach, and a zesty dressing, topped with pecans for crunch. For a patriotic vibe, substitute oranges for blueberries.
- Watermelon Pico de Gallo: Juicy watermelon brings a burst of freshness to this colorful salsa, balanced with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and a dash of lime.
- Restaurant-Style Salsa: A homemade salsa loaded with ripe tomatoes, onions, and a touch of garlic—perfect for dipping or spooning over grilled meats.
- Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. Simple, fresh, and always a hit.
- Grilled Corn Guacamole: A smoky twist on classic guac, with charred sweet corn folded in for an addictively sweet and savory bite.
Grilled Mains & BBQ Favorites: The Heart of the Cookout
Fire up the grill, because these mouthwatering main dishes are the essence of any Memorial Day celebration.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp grilled to juicy, smoky perfection—a zesty and elegant entree that comes together in minutes.
- BBQ Chicken Wings: Tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, these wings get extra crispy from being grilled before and after saucing, ensuring that classic sticky-sweet finish.
- Pork Burgers: Swap out classic beef for pork patties, delivering a mildly sweet, richly flavored alternative that pairs perfectly with pickled onions or slaw.
- Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs: Take hot dogs up a notch by wrapping them in bacon, then add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. These crowd-pleasers are impossible to resist.
- BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw: Brush hot dogs with BBQ sauce and pile on a crunchy, creamy cilantro slaw for a festive, flavorful update.
- Classic Cheeseburgers: The ultimate Memorial Day favorite. Juicy grilled beef patties topped with melty cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Serve with all your favorite toppings for an unforgettable bite.
- Sweet and Smoky Ribs: No cookout feels complete without sticky, fall-off-the-bone ribs. A sweet-smoky rub and generous basting of BBQ sauce create pure backyard bliss.
- Best-Ever Grilled Ribs: These take a bit more patience but deliver unbeatable flavor and tenderness that’s well worth the effort.
- Barbecue Chicken Legs: The secret’s in the tangy, spiced sauce, which caramelizes on the grill for a crisp, flavorful finish.
- Beef Fajitas: Sizzling, charred steak strips served over peppers and onions, all seasoned to perfection and ideal for serving a crowd.
Salads & Cold Side Dishes: Vibrant and Refreshing
Balance out the richer flavors of grilled meats with these vibrant, refreshing salads. They’re cool, colorful, and perfect for any outdoor spread.
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: Hearty pasta is tossed with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and a mix of veggies. Easy to make ahead and a guaranteed favorite.
- Classic Coleslaw: Crisp cabbage and carrots coated in a light, tangy mayo-based dressing. A tried-and-true BBQ staple that pairs well with everything.
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad: All the flavors of a loaded baked potato—but chilled! Sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions make it irresistible.
- Greek Pasta Salad: Bowtie pasta joins olives, feta, cucumber, and bell pepper for a Mediterranean twist—perfect for a picnic or side dish.
- BLT Pasta Salad: Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce come together with a creamy ranch dressing folded into perfectly cooked pasta.
- Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil: Smoky cheese, fresh basil, and sun-ripened tomatoes add a flavorful punch to this unique salad.
- Quinoa with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella: A healthy and summery option, loaded with protein and bursting with bright flavors.
Classic Sides for Cookouts: Round Out Your Table
No Memorial Day menu is complete without these beloved sides that bring comfort and nostalgia to every gathering.
- Skillet Cornbread: Golden and buttery, this cornbread bakes up crispy at the edges and soft inside—the perfect pairing for BBQ dishes.
- Baked Beans: Ree Drummond’s version is rich, hearty, and dotted with slabs of crispy bacon. Baked beans are a classic that never goes out of style.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic-Chive Butter: Some husks on, some off—this hybrid approach delivers charred sweetness and a luscious herbed butter finish.
- Homemade Lemonade: Bright, tangy, and refreshing, just what you need to cool down on a warm day.
- Grilled Zucchini with Lemon Salt: Light, tender zucchini with a zesty salt finish makes a healthy, addictive side.
Patriotic & Fun Desserts: Sweet Endings to Your Feast
End things on a high note with colorful, seasonal desserts that pay tribute to the holiday and the flavors of summer.
- Red, White, and Blue Trifle: Layers of ripe berries, whipped cream, and pound cake for a show-stopping and deliciously simple dessert.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: Sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb meld together—top with vanilla ice cream for an all-American treat.
- Lemon Icebox Pie: Cool, creamy, and lightly tangy, best made ahead for serving a crowd.
- Blueberry Pie or Blueberry Ice Cream: Celebrate seasonal berries with a classic pie or homemade ice cream.
- Raspberry Crisp: Juicy raspberries topped with a crumbly oat-butter topping, perfect with either whipped cream or ice cream.
- Blackberry Cobbler: A simple, rustic dessert that lets sweet blackberries shine.
- Deep Dish Fruit Pizza: Crisp sugar cookie crust topped with creamy filling and fresh fruit—add berries in patriotic colors for extra flair.
- No-Bake Key Lime Pie: A tangy, creamy, cool treat you can prep without ever turning on the oven.
- Strawberry Sparkle Cake: Light, spongy cake layered with strawberry slices and whipped cream.
- Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake: Tart rhubarb caramelizes and turns jammy under a golden, moist cake.
Summer Beverages: Stay Cool All Day
- Homemade Lemonade: A true classic that never fails to refresh.
- Blackberry Margaritas: Fruity, tangy, and perfect for a festive occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are must-have dishes for a Memorial Day cookout?
A: Essential dishes include grilled entrees like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs; classic sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salads; and festive desserts like fruit trifles and pie.
What others are reading
Q: Can the salads and sides be made ahead of time?
A: Yes. Pasta salads, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans can be prepared a day in advance, making party prep much easier.
Q: What’s a simple dessert for a patriotic theme?
A: A red, white, and blue trifle or deep dish fruit pizza featuring strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream always fits the occasion and requires minimal baking.
Q: Are there vegetarian options in this roundup?
A: Absolutely. Grilled zucchini, caprese salad, Greek pasta salad, and most desserts are vegetarian-friendly, as are many of the appetizers and sides.
Q: What drinks pair well with these dishes?
A: Classic lemonade and fruity margaritas are perennial favorites. Consider also iced tea, sparkling water, and fun mocktails for a refreshing non-alcoholic choice.
Tips for Hosting the Best Memorial Day Cookout
- Plan your menu in advance. Many dishes are make-ahead friendly and improve in flavor after a day’s rest.
- Incorporate a mix of classic favorites and new recipes to ensure both comfort and excitement for guests.
- Set up the grill for different heat zones—this lets you cook multiple items, from meats to veggies, at once.
- Don’t forget the freezer—ice cream, frozen pies, and make-ahead drinks keep the vibe cool and refreshing.
- Add festive décor and use red, white, and blue fruits for a patriotic finishing touch throughout the menu.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is a celebration of tradition, community, and the simple pleasures of summer. No matter your party size or setting, these 55 recipes offer a delicious way to honor the start of the season. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy sharing food and memories with friends and family all day long.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/g35981119/memorial-day-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g35950141/memorial-day-desserts/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a11607/my-favorite-memorial-day-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g36004463/memorial-day-appetizers/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43429593/memorial-day-side-dishes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/memorial-day/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64792365/memorial-day-recipes-that-dont-require-a-grill/
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