45 Memorial Day Side Dishes That Complete Every Summer Cookout

Fresh, make-ahead options and bold flavors unite for a stress-free summer gathering.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Fresh, make-ahead options and bold flavors unite for a stress-free summer gathering.

45 Unbeatable Memorial Day Side Dish Ideas for Every Summer Gathering

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer—it’s a chance to gather with friends and family outdoors and share a feast that celebrates the season’s freshest flavors. While the grill might take center stage, the best cookouts shine because of their flavorful, creative side dishes. If you’re looking to upgrade your Memorial Day menu beyond classic chips and dip, these side dish ideas—ranging from updated classics to bold new favorites—will steal the show and round out your spread beautifully.

Fresh and Festive Salads
Potato, Pasta & Slaw Classics
Grilled Vegetables and Barbecue Sides
Family-Friendly Casseroles and Bakes
Cool, No-Cook & Refreshing Sides
Kid-Approved and Make-Ahead Sides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fresh & Festive Salads

A great Memorial Day salad balances color, crunch, and flavor—highlighting produce at its peak. These salads are perfect for prepping in advance and can either anchor your buffet or complement grilled mains.

Classic Creamy Coleslaw: Finely shredded cabbage, carrots, and scallions get tossed in a tangy, lightly sweetened mayo dressing. Chill well so flavors meld and the slaw stays crisp.
Summer Corn & Tomato Salad: Juicy corn (try grilling for a smoky note), cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil, dressed with olive oil and a splash of vinegar or lime juice.
Red, White, & Blue Fruit Salad: Strawberries, blueberries, and sweet apple or pear slices tossed with a honey-lime drizzle. For extra flair, add a few torn mint leaves.
Cucumber, Avocado & Dill Salad: Sliced cucumbers and creamy avocado segments with fresh dill and lemon juice—cool, light, and hydrating.
Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad: Halved peaches or nectarines grilled until caramelized, served over arugula with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Tips for Picture-Perfect Salads

Toss salads just before serving to prevent soggy greens.
Layer wet veggies (like tomatoes) at the bottom when assembling in advance.
Garnish with fresh herbs or seeds right before serving for color and crunch.

Potato, Pasta & Slaw Classics

Hearty starch-based salads never go out of style. These dishes are proven crowd-pleasers—easy to double for large groups and beloved for their make-ahead convenience.

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad: Tender potatoes, diced celery, chopped eggs, and a creamy mustard dressing. For Southern flair, add a touch of pickle relish.
Herbed Pasta Salad: Fusilli or rotini noodles tossed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, olives, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette.
Bacon & Ranch Pasta Salad: Bowtie pasta, crispy bacon bits, peas, and shredded cheddar, all in a tangy ranch sauce.
Asian-Inspired Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and peanuts, dressed with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of soy sauce.
German Potato Salad: Warm red potatoes and onions in a slightly sweet-tart vinegar and bacon dressing—served warm or at room temperature.

Essential Make-Ahead Strategies

For potato salad, cook and cool potatoes ahead, then dress while still warm to absorb flavors.
Keep slaw dressings and crunchy toppings separate until serving time.
Pasta salads taste best when made a few hours (or a day) ahead, letting flavors marry.

Grilled Vegetables and Barbecue Sides

The grill isn’t just for burgers and hot dogs—it transforms humble vegetables into craveworthy, caramelized appetizers and sides. Expand your Memorial Day menu with these bold, smoky dishes.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer like corn hot off the grill. Brush with herbed butter or sprinkle with chili powder, feta, and lime for a Mexican-inspired twist.
Charred Zucchini & Squash Platter: Sliced squash and zucchini, marinated then seared to perfection, finished with sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Eggplant Caprese Tower: Grilled slices of eggplant layered with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a swirl of balsamic syrup.
BBQ Baked Beans: Slow-simmered beans enriched with brown sugar, bacon, onions, and tangy tomato sauce.
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges: Toss sweet potato wedges in olive oil and spice blend, grill until charred and tender, serve with a cool yogurt dip.

How to Grill Vegetables Like a Pro

Brush veggies lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Keep grilling baskets handy for smaller items (like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms).
Toss grilled vegetables in marinades post-cooking for extra flavor.

Family-Friendly Casseroles and Bakes

Casseroles are comfort food classics for potlucks and holiday picnics. These recipes can be assembled ahead of time and reheated before serving—plus, they feed a crowd with ease.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake: Creamy, cheesy rice casserole packed with broccoli florets—perfect for both kids and adults.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese: Baked with a rich cheddar sauce and crisp breadcrumb topping. For a smoky touch, add a scoop of bacon or swap in smoked gouda.
Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, cheese, and herbs, baked until golden and bubbly.
Sweet Corn Spoonbread: A soft, pudding-like baked side featuring creamed corn, cornmeal, and a hint of sweetness—a Southern favorite for summer gatherings.
Green Bean Casserole: The ultimate retro side—tender green beans baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions.

Serving & Storage Advice

Casseroles can be baked and then covered and chilled; reheat gently before serving.
Bring bakes to room temperature for faster reheating and even cooking.
Use foil pans for easy transport to cookouts and quick cleanup.

Cool, No-Cook & Refreshing Sides

Keep things easy (and the kitchen cool) with these satisfying side dishes that require zero time on the stove or grill. Crisp, chilled, and full of vibrant flavor, these options are perfect for hot days.

Watermelon & Feta Salad: Sweet melon cubes, briny feta, cucumber, and fresh mint—it’s the ultimate refresher.
Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers; drizzle with balsamic reduction just before serving.
Marinated Bean Salad: Three-bean salad with green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Chilled Orzo and Asparagus Salad: Light, lemony orzo tossed with blanched asparagus, peas, parmesan, and arugula.
Pickled Vegetable Tray: Colorful medley of quick-pickled carrots, cucumbers, red onions, and radishes for a tangy, crisp snack.

Prep-Ahead Perks

Pickled vegetables improve in flavor after a few hours’ chill time.
Thread skewers the day before and drizzle with dressing at the last minute for maximum freshness.
Chilled grain or bean salads hold up well on picnic tables, making them safe for outdoor parties.

Kid-Approved & Make-Ahead Sides

Keep even the pickiest eaters happy with simple, hand-held, and familiar side dishes that can stand up to outdoor dining and travel well. Many of these can be made a day ahead, too.

Mini Cornbread Muffins: Moist, sweet cornbread batter baked in mini muffin pans—perfect for little hands and great alongside barbecued ribs or pulled pork.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Easy to bake and irresistible when paired with salads or mains; cut into strips for dipping.
Classic Deviled Eggs: Halved boiled eggs filled with creamy, mustardy yolk filling. Garnish with paprika or fresh herbs for color.
Crispy Potato Chips or Wedges: Bake or fry potato slices until golden and crunchy—season with your favorite spices for homemade flair.
Veggie Pinwheels: Flour tortillas rolled with a spread of cream cheese, shredded veggies, and herbs, then sliced into colorful rounds.

Make-Ahead & Transport Tips

Pack deviled eggs in a lidded carrier to keep them neat on the go.
Store breadsticks and pinwheels in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
Mini muffins can be baked and frozen—just thaw the night before your party.

Sample Memorial Day Side Dish Menu

Dish	Type	Perfect Pairing	Prep Time
Creamy Coleslaw	Salad	Pulled Pork Sandwiches	15 min
BBQ Baked Beans	Casserole	Grilled Bratwurst	1 hr
Grilled Corn on the Cob	Vegetable	Barbecued Ribs	20 min
Watermelon Feta Salad	Fruit Salad	Fried Chicken	10 min
Mini Cornbread Muffins	Hand-Held Bread	Chili or Barbecue	25 min

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What sides can I make a day ahead?

A: Potato salads, pasta salads, baked beans, most casseroles, and marinated or pickled vegetables are excellent made ahead. Bring cold salads out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Q: How do I keep sides cool and fresh at an outdoor party?

A: Use insulated serving bowls, place dishes over trays of ice, and keep dips and dairy-based salads out of direct sun. Cover foods and set up a shade tent during very hot weather.

Q: What are some lighter, healthier side dish options for Memorial Day?

A: Opt for grilled veggies, bean or lentil salads, fresh fruit salads, and slaws with vinaigrette instead of heavy mayo-based options. Many classic salads can be lightened by reducing or substituting the dressing.

Q: Which sides are best for picky eaters or kids?

A: Mini cornbread muffins, deviled eggs, baked chips or wedges, creamy mac and cheese, and veggie pinwheels are all kid-friendly and can be made mild in flavor.

Q: Can these dishes be adapted for common diets (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.)?

A: Absolutely! Look for gluten-free pastas and breads, use dairy-free dressings, substitute vegan cheese or yogurt where needed, and check ingredient labels for allergens. Many salads and veggie sides are naturally diet-friendly.

Plan a picnic that’s unforgettable—choose a variety of these Memorial Day side dishes that highlight the best of the season and suit every guest at your table. From classic comfort food to modern, produce-packed salads, these recipes guarantee your summer cookout will be talked about all season long.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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