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50+ Memorial Day Recipes

ByStephanie Wilson Updated onJanuary 8, 2026

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With the holiday nearing, these easy Memorial Day recipes are perfect for the unofficial start of summer. From picnic favorites to delicious BBQ, there's something for everyone here.

Wide view of a white plate stacked with BBQ chicken drumsticks on top of a white rustic wood background.

These breezy outdoor meals are perfect for summer celebrations, picnics in the park, or backyard eating.

You will find simple yet delicious burgers, ribs, grilled vegetables, sides, a host of summer salads, and our favorite Memorial Day desserts.

And just in case you're having Memorial Day at the park or in the backyard, you might want to check out these fun backyard games.

Memorial Day Recipes

1

Closeup top view of BBQ chicken drumsticks on a white plate with fresh parsley.

carlsbadcravings.com

BBQ Chicken on the Grill with Homemade BBQ Sauce

"Grilled BBQ Chicken enveloped in a tantalizing spice rub, slathered with Homemade Barbecue Sauce and grilled to perfection for the best juicy, smokey flavorful chicken every single time!"

2

www.howsweeteats.com

Hot Dog Bar

"Grab your buns and dogs and a whole lot of toppings. This is super fun and delicious!"

3

Grilled Corn Salad in a White Bowl with Tomatoes and Feta

Grilled Corn Salad with Feta

This easy Grilled Corn Salad is a delicious salad recipe, perfect for summer BBQs and picnics. A simple lime vinaigrette enhances the bright, sweet, and refreshing flavors of this chilled salad.

4

Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a simple, savory and sweet BBQ kabob recipe! These simple Chicken Teriyaki Skewers are an easy go-to dinner idea everyone will love, all season long stacked with onions, peppers and zucchini - all the summer vegetables that taste their best cooked on the grill!

5

Cut grilled and seared back baby ribs on a wooden parchment lined serving tray with fresh rosemary on the side.

Grilled and Tender Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs

Learn how to make deliciously Tender and Juicy Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs on the grill this summer! It's grilling season and nothing says BBQ quite like a fall-off-the-bone pork baby back ribs made with a homemade dry rub and a mouthwatering basting sauce.

6

Greek turkey burger with feta and herbs served on a bun with fresh toppings.

Easy Greek Turkey Burgers

Mix up burgers for Memorial Day with these easy Greek Turkey Burgers. They are the ultimate healthy burger upgrade!

7

A sesame seed bun burger with a thick beef patty, fresh tomato slices, and leafy greens, served on parchment paper with sides of ketchup and mustard-perfect inspiration for your next burgers recipe.

Best Easy Grilled Burgers Recipe

This is our favorite grilled burgers recipe. Plus, it's super easy. And we all love that. Whether grilled indoors or out, this burger reciple is packed with flavor and easy to make ahead too.

8

www.tasteofhome.com

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

"This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats."

9

New Caprese Salad for Easy 4th of July Recipes

www.purewow.com

Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini

"A dish that's bursting with summer flavors (it doesn't look too shabby, either). Load up on zucchini at the farmers market to spice up this tomato classic."

10

www.tasteofhome.com

Macaroni Coleslaw

The perfect summer salad for Memordial Day, 4th of July, or any summer BBQ!

11

Closeup view of a bowl of German Potato Salad with mult color baby potatoes

German Potato Salad

This German Potato Salad is a simple hot potato salad recipe with fork-tender potatoes, savory bacon, and fresh parsley tossed in a delicious tangy dressing you will love.

12

Eggplant Burgers for Easy Memorial Day Recipes

www.countryliving.com

Eggplant Burgers with Yogurt-Feta Sauce and Pickled Cucumbers

"Looking for something plant-based to toss on the grill? These eggplant burgers are packed with flavor. Hearty sourdough buns help hold everything together."

13

Plate of grilled or roasted chicken pieces with a glossy, dark brown glaze, arranged on a white plate against a blue background-perfect for your collection of easy Memorial Day recipes.

www.epicurious.com

Maple Barbecue Grilled Chicken

"Barbecued chicken is one of the surest signs that summer's finally on its way. Store-bought sauce has nothing on this easy homemade version, which uses maple syrup for sweetness and Sriracha for heat."

14

Quick Pickled Red Onions to Brighten the Season's Best | 31Daily.com

Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Quick Pickled Red Onions are easy to make at home in under 30 minutes. Seasonless, they're incredible with tacos, salads, nachos, burgers and more.

15

Top view of grilled marinated chicken on a black cutting board

Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade

This easy Grilled Chicken Marinade is so incredibly delicious. It's filled with savory herbs, sweet with honey, and citrusy with lemon flavors. It's a marinade you're going to love for the grilling season. Bonus… the marinade helps keep the chicken moist and juicy. Just as we love it!

16

Pulled chicken and coleslaw sliders on a wooden serving board.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Let the slow cooker do the work with this easy Memorial Day recipe of Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders.

17

Grilled shrimp skewers garnished with chopped herbs, served with lemon slices, fresh parsley, and a small bowl of herb sauce-perfect for your Memorial Day recipes collection.

downshiftology.com

Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

"Garlic grilled shrimp skewers are what summer is all about. Jumbo shrimp are marinated in a delicious garlic herb mixture, then grilled to perfection in under 10 minutes. You can't beat a recipe that's easy to make yet fancy enough to serve at your next party."

18

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings on a White Plate with Carrots, Celery and Ranch Dressing

Super Quick Instant Pot Buffalo Wings

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings is a super quick, amazingly tender, fall-off-the-bone Buffalo Wings recipe. Packed with game day flavors you love, and healthier than fried wings. It's a super easy wings recipe everyone loves.

19

Side view of Grilled Ribeye Steaks, Chimichurri Sauce and grilled corn on a white oval platter

Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Chimichurri and Corn

Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce and grilled corn cobs are everything we love about summer! Easy and ready in 30 minutes or less.

20

Shrimp Rolls for Memorial Day

www.womansday.com

Shrimp Rolls Recipe

Perfect for Memorial Day, "These no-cook sandwiches are like summer in a roll."

21

Grilled Vegetables with Burrata Cheese on a serving platter.

Easy Grilled Vegetables with Burrata

Easy Grilled Vegetables with Burrata is a centerpiece of summer grilling. With a simple balsamic glaze drizzled over delicious and slightly charred vegetables, it's a feast for the eyes and the palate.

22

A white bowl filled with Instant Pot Baked Beans in a rich sauce sits on a wooden board, with another bowl of beans and a sprig of herbs blurred in the background.

Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans

Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe is the perfect side for summer BBQs or game time food. And cook in a fraction of the time. Smokey, sweet, and tender beans cooked with bacon and pure maple syrup.

23

A plate of hot slaw featuring cabbage salad with carrots and bacon bits, garnished with green onions. The dish rests on a patterned cloth, with a blurred view of ribs in the background on a wooden board.

Hot Slaw with Bacon

This Hot Slaw recipe with Bacon Dressing is a quick and easy side dish. And a perfect complement to heftier favorites like pork, sausages, or, of course, chicken. Whether it be fried, grilled... or pulled!

24

Four ears of grilled corn on the cob, garnished with chopped herbs, are arranged on a white plate, with a small bowl of melted butter nearby for dipping.

Grilled Corn on the Cob Foil Packets

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Packets is a favorite 3 ingredient summer side dish that is sweet and juicy and smoky with herbs and spices.

25

Side view of 3 ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken on a bun with coleslaw and chips

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken (3 Ingredients, 5 Minutes Prep)

t's a meal of dreams. This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe has three simple ingredients, 5 minutes of prep, and is ready in 3 hours. It's juicy, tender, and oh-so-delicious.

26

Side view of Macaroni Salad in a green and white bowl with serving spoons

Easy Summer Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad is a classic and delicious pasta salad recipe every summer cookout, BBQ, potluck, and picnic deserves! Incredibly simple to make, it's filled with fresh vegetables and macaroni tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy homemade dressing.

27

smoked ribs with barbecue sauce

How to Make Smoked Pork Ribs in the Smoker

These are the drive-across-town-to-get, almost addictive, divinely delicious smoked pork ribs we adore. But guess what? You don't have to drive across town. Because... they are incredibly easy to make at home. And here's how:

28

Side view of Easy Instant Pot Ribs on a Wood Cutting Board

Easy Instant Pot Ribs

How to make fall off the bone Instant Pot Ribs. Easy method for baby back or spare ribs. So much faster and the sweet and savory dry rub is to die for!

29

BLT Potato Salad for Easy Memorial Day Recipes

www.countryliving.com

Best BLT Potato Salad Recipe

"Give your standard potato salad a serious upgrade with everyone's favorite BLT flavors."

30

A white bowl filled with quinoa salad, featuring chickpeas, diced tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and herbs, sits on a wooden surface with a blue napkin and wooden utensils nearby. This vibrant quinoa salad is perfect for a fresh meal.

Quinoa Salad Recipe

This Quinoa Salad is a favorite healthy salad, packed with vegetables and herbs, and perfect for lunches, picnics, and sides.

31

Pasta Salad in a White Bowl with salami and vegetables.

Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean-inspired Pasta Salad is a favorite with salami, peppers, broccoli, zesty Italian dressing, and Feta cheese.

32

A white bowl filled with cucumber salad mixed with sliced red onions and dill sits on a napkin, accompanied by a glass of water and a small bowl of dressing nearby.

Simple Cucumber Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

A quick and easy refreshing salad to go with the spicy, savory flavors of a 4th of July cookout.

33

closeup of slow cooker boston baked beans

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans is an easy crockpot recipe that will keep your kitchen cool.

34

A white bowl filled with fresh strawberry spinach salad-sliced strawberries, spinach leaves, pecans, and crumbled cheese-with wooden salad utensils on the side. The bowl sits on a white table with a light napkin nearby.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans

Perfect for Memorial Day this simple salad with fresh, seasonal strawberries is both healthy and delicious!

35

closeup of white bean salad in a wooden bowl

10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad with a Quick Vinaigrette

If you have 10 minutes, this White Bean Salad is for you. Packed with healthy protein, this creamy salad is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs. And then dressed in a deliciously simple vinaigrette.

36

Side front view of Instant Pot Potato Salad with boiled eggs and paprika in a white bowl

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Summer isn't summer without potato salad. This Instant Pot Potato Salad is so easy and time-saving that you will make it often. Guaranteed!

37

Side view of 3 glasses filled with Fruit Salad and garnished with fresh mint

Easy Fruit Salad

This Fruit Salad recipe with sweetened mint is a refreshing and delicious addition to summer dining, garden parties, or any time you're in the mood for an exceedingly delightful treat that is ready in minutes!

38

pasta salad with shredded carrots in a blue and white bowl

Summer Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots

It isn't Memorial Day for me without my mom's Pasta Salad. Super easy and perfect for the weekend!

39

Closeup of Mexican Corn Salad

Easy Mexican Corn Salad

A simple salad with big flavor is the perfect compliment to delicious Memorial Day food.

40

www.thechunkychef.com

Ultimate Pasta Salad (Award-Winning!)

An easy, homemade Mediterranean style pasta salad, perfect for Memorial Day cookouts or any summer BBQ!

41

www.spendwithpennies.com

Fresh Summer Fruit Salad

"Fruit Salad is the absolute perfect summer side dish, snack, dessert or even brunch option! A big variety of colorful juicy fresh fruits make this salad a pretty as it is delicious!"

42

Blueberry Cobbler in a cast iron skillet with slice missing

Skillet Blueberry Cobbler

This Blueberry Cobbler is a quick and easy recipe made with fresh or frozen blueberries, pantry ingredients, and ready in 35 minutes. Serve straight from the skillet with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.

43

Side view of 3 Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait glasses in front of an American Flag

Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait (in 15 minutes)

This 15 minute Red White and Blue Berry Parfait is the perfect Memorial Day treat. Layered with blueberries, strawberries, and a delicious lemon-infused Greek yogurt filling, it's quick, easy, and perfect for the holiday.

44

foodwithfeeling.com

Cherry Crumble Pie

"This Cherry Crumble pie is fully vegan and so super simple to make! Perfect for peak cherry season or even with frozen cherries!"

45

A berry trifle dessert in a glass bowl, featuring whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, and sponge cake, topped with fresh berries and mint leaves, displayed on a wooden stand near a window with soft natural light.

Simple Berry Trifle Recipe

This simple Berry Trifle Recipe is a super quick and easy layered dessert of fresh summer berries, delicious pound cake, and heavenly pastry cream.

46

Stacked Easy Strawberry Crumble Bars on a wooden board

Strawberry Crumble Bars

These simple Strawberry Crumble Bars are deliciously summery with sweet fresh strawberries and an irresistible crumble topping. Perfect for backyard summer BBQ, picnics, or when you're craving a sweet treat.

47

Slice of Rhubarb Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream on top.

Rhubarb Pie Recipe

This Rhubarb Pie recipe is the essence of spring and the taste of summer to come. It's fresh, bright, fantastically delicious, and just like Grandma used to make.

48

Side view of a slice of Picnic Chocolate Cake on a white plate with more in the background

Anytime Fudgy Picnic Chocolate Cake

This Picnic Chocolate Cake is a rich and fudgy, slightly decadent anytime cake you're going to love. And easy? Oh my, yes! Made in one bowl with a spoon and baked in an 8 x 8 square pan in 30 minutes, it's a delicious picnic cake, perfect for the season.

49

Closeup view of white bowl with Strawberry Crisp and ice cream.

Strawberry Crisp Recipe

Strawberry Crisp is a delicious taste of summer in every bite. With its crumbly, cinnamon-flavored crisp topping over brightly colored, juicy strawberries, it's well, irresistible. When you top it with melting vanilla ice cream, it becomes... heavenly.

50

Side view of unsliced berry cake on a white cake stand and topped with Chantilly Cream.

Anytime Berry Cake Recipe

This easy Berry Cake recipe is a red, white, and blue cake filled with summer blueberries and raspberries, hints of fresh lemon, and a buttery, tender crumb you'll fall in love with.

51

Open Faced Blueberry Pie at a Picnic

Open Face Blueberry Pie: Fresh and Easiest Pie Ever

It isn't summer until there's been a blueberry pie on the table, or picnic table. And this easiest ever Open Face Blueberry Pie is simply rustic and summer perfect. Different than a traditional blueberry pie, yet incredibly juicy and delicious.

52

Closeup view of Strawberry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze

Strawberry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze

This Strawberry Bundt Cake Recipe with Lemon Glaze is utterly delicious with fresh strawberries and lemon. A tender and moist texture from Greek yogurt make it irresistible and perfect for the season.

53

Side view of Non-Alcoholic Sangria in a glass pitcher with strawberries, blueberries and white star shapes

Red, White, and Blue Non-Alcoholic Sangria

Celebrating a festive Memorial Day with this mock sangria filled with red, white, and blue colors!

54

A glass pitcher and two mason jars filled with sweet tea, lemon slices, ice cubes, and mint leaves sit on a wooden surface. Whole and sliced lemons surround the drinks, with a green, sunlit background outdoors.

Sweet Tea is a Perfect Elixir of Summer

There's nothing more refreshing on a warm summer day than an ice cold glass of southern-inspired Sweet Tea for Memorial Day.

Observing Memorial Day

While Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer for most, it's also about much more. I've written about the significance of Memorial Day and ways to observe it in the posts below:

More Memorial Day Recipes You Will Love

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Stephanie Wilson

Cookbook Author, Food Writer, and Chef

Stephanie Wilson is the founder of 31Daily.com, where she shares seasonal recipes, weekly meal plans, and teatime favorites to help readers gather around the table with joy. A certified private chef, cookbook author, and longtime event planner, she brings over 20 years of experience in catering, food writing, and media production—including network television work as a producer, director, and writer. Her work has been featured by Today.com, The Kitchn, Parade, and more.

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