Mouthwatering Memorial Day Recipes
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With the holiday fast approaching, these Memorial Day Recipes are not only mouth-watering and delicious, they’re just in time to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer!
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Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have served our country. It’s also a time for family and friends to gather together and enjoy the start of summer. And what better way to celebrate than with some delicious food?
Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or heading to a potluck, these mouth-watering Memorial Day recipes are perfect for entertaining your favorite people.
From juicy burgers and pulled pork sliders to refreshing salads and healthy snack options, there’s something for everyone on this list. So fire up the grill, grab an iced tea, and get ready to dig in.
Memorial Day Recipes
These recipes are not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.
This simple but delicious menu is followed by 20 more Memorial Day recipe ideas.
1. Grilled Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
If you’re looking for a show-stopping main course, look no further than this grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce. The combination of juicy, grilled steak and tangy, garlicky sauce is irresistible. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.
Season your steak generously with salt and pepper and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While the steak is resting, make the chimichurri sauce by blending together fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Once your sauce is ready, grill the steak to your desired level of doneness and top it with the chimichurri sauce.
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw
Barbecue and Memorial Day celebrations go hand in hand, and these pulled pork sliders will surely be a hit. The tender, juicy pork is slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a tangy, homemade barbecue sauce. And when topped with a crunchy, fresh coleslaw, these sliders are simply irresistible.
To make the pulled pork, season a pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your favorite barbecue rub, and let it cook in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours. Once it’s done, shred the pork with two forks and mix in your homemade barbecue sauce.
Assemble your sliders by topping each roll with a generous helping of pulled pork and a scoop of coleslaw. Serve with a side of baked beans for a classic barbecue meal that’s sure to please.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime and Parmesan
Fresh corn is a hallmark of summer… and this grilled corn on the cob with lime and parmesan is a flavorful twist on a classic. The sweet, juicy corn is charred to perfection on the grill and topped with tangy lime butter and a sprinkle of salty parmesan cheese.
Mix softened butter, fresh lime juice, and zest to make the lime butter. Grill your corn on high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s charred in spots and tender. While the corn is hot, brush it with the lime butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
This dish is the perfect side dish for any grilled meat, and it’s also a great option for vegetarian guests. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped cilantro or red pepper flakes to the lime butter for an extra kick of flavor.
4. Classic Homemade Potato Salad
No summer picnic or barbecue is complete without a classic potato salad, and this homemade version is a crowd-pleaser and one my grandmother made all her life. And one that we all make to this day.
The creamy, tangy dressing complements tender, boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions, chives, and paprika (because that’s how my grandmother always did it), and chill until ready to serve.
This potato salad is the perfect side dish for any summer meal. It’s also a great make-ahead option for picnics and potlucks. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced pickles or bacon for extra flavor.
5. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze
This watermelon feta salad is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a refreshing and light salad to serve on a hot summer day. The juicy, sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with the tangy, salty feta cheese and the fresh mint leaves. And the balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that brings all the flavors together.
To make the salad, cube fresh watermelon and feta cheese. Toss with chopped fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
If you want it to take on a Mediterranean flavor, toss in some mixed Greek olives, thinly sliced red onions and cucumbers, and a handful of greens (I love arugula). It’s a refreshing, chilled summer salad everyone loves.
For an easy and refreshing dessert, you might also like Watermelon Granita!
6. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
A grilled peach and burrata salad is another refreshing salad option for Memorial Day. The sweet, juicy peaches are perfect when charred on the grill, then paired with creamy burrata cheese and a tangy vinaigrette. And the addition of fresh herbs and crushed pistachios or hazelnuts takes this dish to the next level.
To make this simple salad, slice fresh peaches and grill them on high heat until they’re charred in spots and tender. Arrange the peaches with arugula or mixed greens bed, and top with some torn burrata cheese. Drizzle with a honey vinaigrette and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
This salad is a great option for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. And if you want to add protein, try prosciutto or crispy pancetta for an extra flavor.
7. Strawberry Shortcakes
Could it be Memorial Day without a delicious dessert? Absolutely not! This strawberry shortcake is always a hit.
To make the shortcakes, combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and cut in cold butter cubes. Mix in heavy cream or buttermilk until combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a sheet pan and bake until golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Top with sliced strawberries and freshly whipped cream.
This dessert is the perfect end to a Memorial Day meal. It’s also a great make-ahead option for parties and potlucks all summer!
8. Patriotic Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip
Patriotic fruit skewers with yogurt dip are an excellent choice for a healthy and festive snack. The fruit’s red, white, and blue colors are perfect for Memorial Day, and the creamy yogurt dip is the perfect complement to the sweet, juicy fruit.
To make the skewers, thread fresh strawberries, blueberries, and cubed pineapple onto wooden skewers. Serve with a simple yogurt dip made from Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of vanilla extract.
These fruit skewers are an excellent option for kids and adults and are a great make-ahead option for parties and potlucks.
9. Red, White, and Blue Mock Sangria
This red, white, and blue mock sangria is a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic drink for the whole family. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy blueberries, and San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water or lemon-lime soda is irresistibly delicious.
Mix 2 cups each of cranberry and grape juices, 1 cup of orange juice, and 1/3 cup of lemon in a large pitcher. Then add blueberries and hulled and sliced strawberries to the pitcher.
The star shapes are apples, cut using small star-shaped cookie cutters.
Just before serving, add 4 cups of sparkling mineral water and ice.
Ready for more ideas? Check out these delicious recipes too!
20 Memorial Day Recipes Your Guests Will Love
Grilled Ribeye with Chimichurri Sauce
"Grilled ribeye with chimichurri sauce is a favorite in our household–it’s light, fresh, and so easy to throw together. The best part? It looks impressive and only requires about 30 minutes before you’ve got dinner on the table."
Grilled Sausage with Peppers, Onions and Herbs
Bring these savory, easy, and delicious sausages to the Memorial Party!
Grilled and Tender Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs
This BBQ foil-wrapped ribs recipe is my go-to, every summer, party on the patio ribs recipe. Super easy... and yummy!
How to Make Smoked Pork Ribs in the Smoker
If you have a smoker, this easy Smoked Ribs recipe will take Memorial Day to the next level!
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.
Sweet 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."
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
“Give your summer lemonade patriotic flair with red and blue berries”
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans
Start summer off right with this easy and delicious salad, filled with healthy greens and the season’s best strawberries!
Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad.
This colorful Tomato, Peach, and Burrata salad is summer on a plate with the most delicious herb vinaigrette and plenty of sweet summer fruits and burrata cheese.
Easy Mexican Corn Salad for Summer Gatherings
Perfect for all things picnic, bbq… and summer. Easy to make, delicious both warm and cold.
Mint Watermelon Salad
A quick-to-make, easy summer classic with 5 ingredients!
Simple 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.
Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots
Summer is so much about tradition. My mom makes this pasta every summer -- which is why I insist on having it every Memorial Day -- it's just to good to wait any longer.
Classic Potato Salad
“There is no substitute for a Classic Potato Salad. Especially when it’s made in the style of grandma’s potato salad. It’s creamy, and sweet, and comforting… just a little bit addictive.”
Skillet Quick and Easy Baked Beans
An excellent quick and savory recipe that will help get your grilling party or holiday meal on the table in a flash. Or simply when you’re craving the taste of summer.
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.
Simply Coleslaw: The Perfectly Easy Summer Side
“A summer classic dish and a perfect accompaniment for fried fish, pulled pork, ribs, fried chicken — actually, anything!”
Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
Strawberry Rhubarb Cake, a favorite seasonal cake recipe. A buttery batter filled with strawberries and rhubarb and flavored with vanilla and nutmeg. Delicious!
Strawberry Rhubarb Parfaits
These easy Yogurt Strawberry Rhubarb Parfaits are early summer's perfect treat. With that sweet-tangy combination we love, these healthy yogurt parfaits are a delightful way to enjoy it.
Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Tart
This Strawberry Rhubarb Tart, or crostata, is an easy, effortless, delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether using a ready-made or a simple homemade crust, it’s a recipe brimming with sunshine flavor and a hint of mint; and is incredibly simple to make.
Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Celebrate the season with an easy Rhubarb Upside Down Cake. Baked and unmolded, this cake has a mosaic top of rhubarb baked into a brown sugar sauce over a vanilla, cinnamon cake. It's utterly delicious and simple to make.
Fudgy Cakey Family Size Decadent Brownies
A perfect blend of fudgy and cakey, these family size brownies are decadently delicious. Measuring an inch tall, they bake in a 9″ x 13″ size pan. Perfect for feeding your crowd.
Rhubarb Cake
This is an old family recipe we make every year. Don't let Memorial Day pass by without in season rhubarb!
We’ve put together a list of 7 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day. Meaningful ideas that will not only honor Memorial Day but will create family memories and maybe even some new traditions.
You might also like to see my post on Poppies of Memorial Day or get ready to celebrate summer with these delicious Memorial Day recipes too!
Wow, these are great recipes. It makes me want to taste them all.
Thank you, Ann!