It’s time to kick off summer with the best Memorial Day recipes! Below you’ll find grilled favorites, crowd-pleasing sides, and fruity desserts that showcase fresh seasonal ingredients and make entertaining easy.
As a Southern California native, Memorial Day weekend has always felt like the official start of summer: grills fired up, long sunny days, and lots of time spent outdoors. To help you make the most of the three-day weekend, I’ve gathered a selection of my favorite recipes that are reliable, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd.
Some personal go-tos include grilled carne asada, a big bowl of coleslaw or classic potato salad, and a refreshing pitcher of sangria. Below you’ll find plenty more options across mains, sides, appetizers, drinks, and desserts to suit every taste.
Most importantly, Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed their lives serving in the U.S. military. Take a moment to remember and give thanks, then enjoy a weekend of good company and great food.
The Best Grilled Recipes Start Here
Memorial weekend is all about the grill. Here are reliable, flavorful recipes for seafood, steaks, poultry, and even grilled fruit to make your cookout a hit.
- Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Jumbo shrimp marinated in a garlic-herb mixture and cooked in minutes for tender, juicy bites.
- Carne Asada: A classic grilled steak that’s ideal for tacos or a hearty main course.
- Greek Chicken Kabobs: Lemon-forward chicken skewers with colorful veggies, served with tangy tzatziki.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: Light, flaky fish topped with a citrusy carrot slaw for a bright, summery taco.
- Turkey Burgers: A leaner burger option that stays moist and flavorful—try with garlic aioli.
- Greek Chicken Burgers: Mediterranean flavors with tzatziki for a fresh summertime sandwich.
- Chicken Souvlaki: Herby, garlicky skewers that are easy to prep and quick to grill.
- Grilled Watermelon: A surprising side or snack with smoky, citrus, and cilantro notes.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A summer staple—try it as elote with cotija, lime, and cilantro for big flavor.
- Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Ginger Glaze: A simple, impressive way to grill salmon with a sticky sweet-savory glaze.
- Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad: Sweet grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata for an elegant summer salad.
Crowd-Pleasing Side Dishes
Sides can steal the show. Alongside classic potato salad and coleslaw, these vibrant dishes add color and complementary flavors to any spread.
- Classic Potato Salad: Creamy, crunchy, and nostalgic—this version hits all the right notes. For a vinegar-based option, try German potato salad.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy must-have. Prefer no mayo? A vinegar-based coleslaw is equally delicious.
- Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy—an easy make-ahead side.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp greens with roasted chickpeas, grated parmesan, and a homemade dressing that outshines bottled versions.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, and parsley make this a bright, hearty side.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil for a simple, elegant option.
- Classic Fruit Salad: Seasonal fruit tossed in a honey-lime dressing to highlight summer berries and stone fruit.
- Berry Spinach Salad: A sweet-and-tangy salad with mixed berries and a raspberry vinaigrette.
- Broccoli Salad: A perennial favorite that travels well and pairs with many mains.
- Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad: A cooling, slightly salty-sweet salad that’s perfect for hot days.
Memorial Day Appetizers To Start The Party
Finger foods and dips are perfect for mingling before the main meal. These crowd-pleasing starters are easy to make and serve.
- Best Ever Guacamole: Creamy, bright, and crowd-approved—an essential dip for any gathering.
- Pico De Gallo: Fresh, chunky salsa for scooping with tortilla chips; try avocado salsa when you want both flavors.
- 7-Layer Dip: A party favorite that can be assembled ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- Ceviche: Lime-marinated white fish with tomato, cucumber, onion, avocado, and cilantro for a fresh seafood starter.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet mango balanced with jalapeño heat for a lively fruit salsa.
Hello Drinks and Cocktails!
Pair your menu with refreshing beverages—both boozy and alcohol-free options are included to keep guests happy and hydrated.
- Red Sangria: A festive pitcher filled with red wine and fresh fruit—perfect for sharing.
- Classic Margarita: A timeless cocktail for tequila lovers, simple and crowd-pleasing.
- Agua Fresca: Pureed fresh fruits turned into cooling, kid-friendly drinks.
- Lavender Lemonade: Fresh-squeezed lemonade brightened with floral lavender for a memorable non-alcoholic option.
Memorial Day Patriotic Sweet Treats
Red, white, and blue desserts feel right for Memorial Day. These sweet treats are simple to prepare and highlight the best summer berries and fruit.
- Berry Sheet Cake: A soft, fluffy sheet cake topped with fresh berries—serve with coconut whipped cream for extra decadence.
- Berry Crisp: Warm, comforting, and ideal when berries are at their peak.
- Mango Strawberry Popsicles: Homemade fruit popsicles are a refreshing, kid-approved dessert.
- Raw Mixed Berry Vanilla Cheesecake: A vegan-friendly cheesecake topped with an abundance of fresh berries for a rich, fruity finish.
Want more recipe ideas? Explore curated recipe collections for specific ingredients and cooking methods to plan future menus and gatherings.
If you make any of these Memorial Day recipes, let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear your feedback and any twists you tried in the comments below.
This Memorial Day recipes roundup was originally published May 2021 and has been updated to include new favorites you’ll enjoy.