78 Best Memorial Day Recipes
Updated: Apr. 19, 2024
Get patriotic for the holiday weekend with these crowd-pleasing Memorial Day recipes. From layered dips to fruity desserts, everyone will be happy and full all weekend long.
Is there a better way to kickoff summer than a Memorial Day bash? Whether you celebrate the holiday in patriotic style or simply want to have a few friends over for the season’s first backyard barbecue, we have everything you need to plan.
Every party could use tasty Memorial Day appetizers like pimento cheese deviled eggs or sour cream dill dip. Make sure there’s plenty of cookout food, like potato salads and fried chicken. Even if you just go with good old-fashioned grilling staples, make it interesting with things like the best hot dog toppings and burger toppings. For something sweet, create stars and stripes in pies, use fresh strawberries on everything, or try any of these other Memorial Day dessert ideas. Find more inspiration below!
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Tennessee Peach Pudding
Brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon bring out the best in fresh summer peaches in this dynamite cobbler. Serve warm with a generous scoop of ice cream.
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All-American Hamburgers
Things like Worcestershire and chili sauce add extra punch to ground beef for these burgers. Set out all the best toppings, including lettuce, fresh tomato and mustards, so guests can dress their own.
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Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
The key to this delicious potato salad is tossing the cooked potatoes with vinegar and wine while still warm; that way the flavors absorb into the potatoes. Dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, it’s sure to be one of your new favorite Memorial Day recipes.
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Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
This twist on traditional hot dogs is perfect for picnics and barbecues. Serve with onion and sauerkraut, or try grilled jalapenos, green onion and a spicy sauce.
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Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Lime juice and beer help tenderize skirt steak, but also make it taste great. Grill everything—even the tortillas—and set out with other summer side dishes and salads for a Memorial Day feast.
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Watermelon Cupcakes
These charming cupcakes are as much fun to look at as they are to eat. Lemon-lime soda and watermelon gelatin add extra fruit flavor, and the mini chocolate chip “seeds” are a nice special touch.
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Sour Cream Potato Salad
This potato salad gets its zip from Italian dressing and horseradish. Because there’s sour cream in the dressing, you’ll want to keep this at room temperature no longer than two hours.
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Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
When you need a Memorial Day dessert that doesn’t take a lot of effort, make this strawberry pie. Simply combine strawberry gelatin and fresh berries in a store-bought pie crust, and top with whipped cream.
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BLT Dip
If you love BLTs, you’ll love this ultra creamy dip. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, bacon and the rest of the ingredients in a bowl, and then chill. Serve with crackers, pretzels or pita triangles.
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Caprese Pasta Salad
This simple salad celebrates two of summer’s best ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and lots of basil. Add mozzarella cubes and a tangy vinaigrette for a perfect potluck dish.
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Crispy Fried Chicken
Great served hot or cold, this picnic-ready fried chicken is a treasured Memorial Day recipe. Brining the chicken in buttermilk will give the juiciest results, and the herbs and spices in the coating take it to the next level.
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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow and low is the way to great barbecue flavor, even in the slow cooker. This is a foolproof way to easy pulled pork sandwiches. Just add coleslaw and you’re good to go.
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Strawberry Pretzel Pie
No need to turn on the oven for this delicious sweet-and-salty summer pie. A fluffy strawberry filling topped with marshmallow cream will make everyone happy, kids and adults alike.
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Farmer’s Market Corn Salad
If you have lots of leftover corn from the cookout, get it off the cob and toss with other fresh summer vegetables. If you haven’t made fresh corn outside before, we have lots of great tips on how to grill corn.
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Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
These lemony chicken kabobs are great with couscous, fresh salads and flatbread warmed on the grill. If using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least an hour before threading the meat. It helps keep them from burning on the grill.
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Crispy Fried Onion Rings
Make a pile of these crispy onion rings for guests to use as a burger topper. It’s OK to eat them by themselves, too!
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Caprese Salad Kabobs
Assembling these cute salad kabobs is so simple, you can get the kids to help. With fresh mozzarella and pops of red tomato and green basil, they’re pretty enough for any picnic platter.
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S’mores Brownies
S’mores are a summer rite of passage, but these s’mores brownies can be enjoyed all year long. Cut into bite-size portions for larger gatherings so everyone can sample them. They’ll be gone in a flash.
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Dill Pickle Dip
This addictive dill pickle dip will make a pickle lover out of anyone. Ridged potato chips are the best for scooping, but set out an array of crispy snacks, like pretzels, breadsticks and crunchy pita chips.
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Broccoli and Apple Salad
Crunchy, sweet and bacon-y, what more do you need? This is a good light option for backyard barbecues thanks to the yogurt and broccoli.
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Macaroni Coleslaw
By combining two great picnic salads—macaroni and coleslaw—this is one bang-up Memorial Day recipe. You can use Miracle Whip or mayonnaise for the tangy dressing, whichever is your favorite.
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Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
Lots of sausages and grilled vegetables is a great way to feed a crowd. So there’s something for everyone, use a variety of sausages, like spicy and sweet Italian sausage, chicken and vegetarian links.
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Red, White ‘n’ Blue Salad
Make this striking patriotic salad for your Memorial Day gathering or any festive holiday party. The distinctive gelatin layers make a visual impact but still taste fun and fruity.
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Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip
There isn’t a party on the planet that doesn’t need a cheesy dip like this. It’s super easy because it’s made in the slow cooker. Serve it directly in the pot, or put in a decorative bowl surrounded by chips and crackers for dipping.
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Fresh Fruit Bowl
Any combination of tropical and seasonal fruits—such as melon, pineapple and strawberries—with mint is especially delightful during warm summer days. The colors make it a festive addition for Memorial Day picnics.
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Summer Orzo
The best thing about this salad is using whatever is fresh and available that day. All you really need to do is cook the orzo pasta (which takes very little time), toss everything together and chill.
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Blueberry Zucchini Squares
There will be a point in your summer when there is simply too much zucchini, so this lovely summer bake is a good way to use some of it up. You might have to buy it at the store for a Memorial Day party, but everyone will love these bars so much, it’ll be worth it.
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Berry-Apple-Rhubarb Pie
This pie uses it all—blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apple and rhubarb—and that’s why it’s out of this world. Use your favorite pie crust recipe, whether it’s all butter, shortening or both.
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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Huli means “turn” in Hawaiian, and you’ll have to give this grilled chicken a few turns over the coals. The brown sugar, ginger and soy glaze is fantastic, and good on other proteins like pork chops. If you’re looking for more barbecue recipe inspiration, we have ideas for everything from steaks to fish and more.
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Patriotic Pops
If you make these fruity patriotic pops for Memorial Day, chances are the kids will ask for them all summer long. Switch up the flavors as you see fit, from mango to blackberry, raspberry and more.
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Layered Garden Bean Salad
It doesn’t take much to make a layered salad, but when you put it in a clear trifle bowl, it makes a pretty statement on the table. This one is sort of Tex-Mex with black beans, and you can add proteins like shredded chicken, salmon or tuna for a fuller meal.
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Bandito Chili Dogs
Yes, these chili dogs are topped with crushed corn chips! They add a flavor boost plus a good crunch. Make sure to have other toppings like cheese and diced onions handy.
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Three-Pepper Guacamole
This Memorial Day recipe for real-deal guacamole is best made with a molcajete, a coarse lava stone mortar and pestle. That texture is great for making the pepper paste for this version, and everyone loves to watch it in action.
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Honey-Mustard Chicken Wings
These sweet and sticky wings are a nice change from typical Buffalo-style wings. Brown mustard, honey and turmeric blend into a boldly flavored sauce that you brush on after baking (or grilling) the chicken wings.
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Chili con Queso
Making queso from scratch—meaning with a roux, milk and various cheeses—is worth the effort. A few spices and green chiles amp up the flavor.
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Honey-Yogurt Berry Salad
This salad can be made with any fruit you like, from various berries to bananas, pineapple and mango. Make your own flavored yogurt with citrus zest and honey.
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Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert
You have to love Memorial Day recipes that you can make well in advance, making party prep a breeze the day of your get-together. This one is made with pantry staples and frozen berries (though fresh would work, too).
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Tasty Marinated Tomatoes
If you don’t have a crop of garden tomatoes this early in the season, find the best beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes you can at the grocery store or farmers market. The simple dish can be prepared hours before a big party.
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Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese
Make this protein-filled mac and cheese in advance of any weekend party, and freeze it until you’re ready to serve. Then just take it out to thaw overnight, pop in the oven, and have it on the picnic table in no time.
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Red, White and Blue Berry Pie
Fresh blueberries on the bottom, a cream cheese layer in the middle with raspberry topping. It’s festive, patriotic and delicious, the kind of Memorial Day recipe that goes the extra mile.
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Blueberry Dump Cake
This super easy dessert uses cake mix, fresh blueberries and canned filling for extra pop. It’s the kind of thing you can take to any summer holiday gathering.
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Creamy Coleslaw
Cut down on prep time with pre-shredded cabbage and carrots, then mix with the sweet and tangy dressing. It’s the perfect potluck summer salad because it goes with everything.
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The Best Baby Back Ribs
While there are shortcuts, really great ribs take time. These are marinated overnight, then rubbed with seasoning, grilled and then sauced up. It’s just one of many summer barbecue ideas that will keep the party rolling all season long.
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Red, White and Blue Dessert
It doesn’t take much to show your patriotic side—just some fresh fruit, a sweet cream cheese topping and a great bowl. Prepare in clear layers to show the red, white and blue!
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Bacon-Ranch Spinach Dip
There’s a lot of bacon flavor packed into this rich and creamy dip, both in the ranch dressing and extra crumbles. When using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze it in a towel to ring out as much moisture as possible.
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World's Best Lemon Pie
To make this classic pie, you want a tender, flaky crust, a perfect lemon filling, and towering wisps of meringue. It’s light, refreshing and absolutely delicious.
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Guacamole Tossed Salad
That little zing in the light vinaigrette that pulls this salad together? It’s hot sauce, and you can use as little or as much as you want. There’s crumbled bacon here, too, but you can leave that out for those that don’t eat bacon.
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BBQ Brats
For really tasty brats, try boiling them in beer first and slathering them in a tangy barbecue sauce. Because you can scale up easily, these are great for backyard barbecues, tailgate parties and other large gatherings.
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Pennsylvania Dutch Cucumbers
Fresh cucumbers in a light sour cream dressing makes the perfect summer side dish. To get the cucumbers the right consistency, slice them thin, add salt, and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours to release the liquid.
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Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken
Peach preserves, fresh jalapeno pepper and a few spices make a tasty glaze for chicken or any other grilled meat. Make sure to reserve some for serving.
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Peach-Chipotle Baby Back Ribs
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional barbecue sauce for your Memorial Day ribs, this sweet-and-spicy glaze will do the trick. Use fresh peaches and canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for the best flavors.
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S’mOreos
When you start to think outside of the graham cracker-marshmallow-chocolate bar box for s’mores, new flavor combinations are endless. This one puts a whole Oreo cookie in the middle plus peanut butter. So good!
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Marinated Three Bean Salad
Great northern beans, garbanzos and black beans make the base of this salad. With lots of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables and a little cayenne, it’s the perfect potluck dish.
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Grilled Pork Tenderloins
Pork tenderloin doesn’t require a lot of cooking time, so it’s a good cut for last-minute cookouts and summer dinner parties. The teriyaki sauce is great as a marinade, but save some to drizzle on the grilled and sliced meat, too.
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Frozen Peanut Parfait Pies
Freeze a sweet cream filling layered with hot fudge sauce and roasted peanuts in a pie shell for a knock-out dessert that everyone will love. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that takes only six ingredients and little time to pull together. Just make sure no one coming to the party has a peanut allergy.
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Smoky Bacon Wraps
When you need a tasty party appetizer on the fly, these little bacon-wrapped smokies will do the trick. Brown sugar adds the perfect sweetness to the smoky bacon.
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Festive Tomato Wedges
Turn fresh garden tomatoes into something special with fresh and dried herbs and a light vinaigrette. There’s just a touch of mayo for a bit of creaminess. This is a great dish for family picnics and cookouts.
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Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie
Rhubarb and strawberry go together like peanut butter and jelly. Use the freshest produce possible for the best-tasting pie, although frozen will do. To prevent a soggy crust, try baking in a glass pie plate in the lower third part of the oven, and make sure to cut slits in the top crust.
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Pork Chops with Glaze
A few pantry staples like Worcestershire, ketchup and brown sugar are the base of this delicious glaze. Rosemary, fresh or dried, adds herbal notes that are undeniably delicious.
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Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
This classic southern comfort food can be eaten on crackers, chips or even crunchy celery. But when you put it between two slices of bread for a grilled cheese, or use it as a burger topping, you’ll realize you want a stash of it in the fridge at all times.
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Best Ever Beans and Sausage
This baked beans recipe has six different kinds of canned beans plus bulk sausage cooked up in a tangy brown-sugar sauce. A perfect Memorial Day recipe, you’ll be asked to bring this to the long weekend potluck every year.
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Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and Honey
Use the first-of-the-season stone fruit for this savory and sweet dessert. Grill nectarines (or peaches) cut-side down, then top with creamy burrata cheese, fresh mint and a drizzle of honey. It’s simple but heavenly.
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Lemon-Berry Shortcake
Not only is this tender lemon shortcake the perfect vehicle for whipped cream topping and fresh fruit, it’s also studded with berries. The light citrus flavor pulls everything together.
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Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad
What makes a potato salad a firecracker? Cayenne, of course! Just use a pinch, along with other spices like paprika. The potatoes get a little smokiness from the grill.
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Mango Cream Tart
Slices of cool, sweet mango on top of a creamy filling creates a dreamy summer dessert. Make it fun with an emoji smiley face made out of fresh berries!
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Makeover Deviled Eggs
We gave the classic appetizer an update by replacing half the egg yolks with bread crumbs and fat-free mayo and sour cream. They’re lighter but have an excellent texture.
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Grilled Ground Turkey Burgers
Instead of beef burgers, use a leaner meat like ground turkey. Give these an extra flavor boost with celery, onion and spices, and use breadcrumbs to help firm up the patties. Grilled or pan-fried, just add your favorite toppings.
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Lemon Chiffon Blueberry Dessert
This no-bake dessert is everything you want a summer dessert to be: Creamy, cool, citrusy and full of fresh blueberries. Add in some raspberries to make it a true red, white and blue Memorial Day treat.
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Maryland Corn Pops
Cut sweet corn on the cob into chunks, boil or grill, then slather in mayo and feta cheese. Generously sprinkle with seafood spice—something like Old Bay—for a boost of flavor.
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Classic Cobb Salad
For a pretty presentation, put this plated salad together like a garden, with rows of turkey, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, olives and tomatoes. Right before serving, drizzle with your dressing of choice.
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Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Brush slices of angel food cake with balsamic vinegar and butter and place on the grill for a few minutes. The heat slightly caramelizes the sugar and you get a touch of smokiness. It’s a perfect base for fresh berries and vanilla ice cream.
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Pina Colada Fluff
Take your pina colada to all new levels with this creamy, fluffy, pineapple and coconut-filled dessert. You can use actual rum (here are our best rum picks) or an extract to keep it booze-free.
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Jalapeno Sloppy Joes
The twist for these savory sloppy Joes is using ground turkey instead of beef, and making a homemade tomato sauce with brown sugar. Pickled jalapenos give the whole mix some tangy heat. These are great for backyard parties with lots of extra side dishes and cocktails.
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Chocolate Chip Blondies
If your summer bash is more like a last-minute affair, know that you can have a dessert ready in a jiffy with this easy Memorial Day recipe. Blondies can either be a little gooey in the middle or slightly more firm; adjust baking time based on how you typically like your chocolate chip cookies.
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Zucchini Panzanella Salad
Chock-full of fresh zucchini, tomatoes, green pepper and mozzarella, this salad is almost like summer in a bowl. It’s a picnic-friendly Memorial Day recipe that works for any size gathering.
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Strawberry-Quinoa Spinach Salad
Keep it light and fresh with spinach, first-of-the-season strawberries and healthy quinoa. The dressing can be store-bought or make your own vinaigrette with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
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Tart & Tangy Lemon Tart
This tart and tangy tart explodes with fresh lemon flavor. Make sure to serve with fresh whipped cream, and add a bit of lemon zest for even more of a citrus pop.
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Patriotic Pepper Platter
You can make these cream cheese-stuffed peppers for every patriotic holiday, including Memorial Day. The flag comes together with kalamata olives as a stand in for the blue background, topped with white cheddar cheese star cutouts.Originally Published: May 05, 2022
