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Memorial Day Recipes

Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

May 19, 2026

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Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a potluck, these easy Memorial Day recipes are guaranteed to make the long weekend extra delicious. Save this roundup for all your summer cookouts ahead!”
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Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and honestly, there’s no better excuse to fire up the grill, invite friends over, and put together an unforgettable spread. Whether you’re planning a laid-back backyard BBQ, a pool party, or a full-on cookout feast, I’ve rounded up all the best Memorial Day recipes to make your menu effortless and delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a potluck, these easy Memorial Day recipes are guaranteed to make the long weekend extra delicious. Save this roundup for all your summer cookouts ahead!”

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We’re talking smoky grilled mains, crowd-favorite appetizers, fresh summer sides, and desserts that disappear fast. If you’re still building out your menu, be sure to check out my 35+ EASY Sides to Bring to a BBQ for even more cookout inspiration, plus these 40+ Fourth of July Recipes to keep the summer entertaining momentum going strong. And if ribs are on the menu, you’ll definitely want my 35+ EASY Sides for Ribs too. Now let’s get into the recipes!

Table of Contents

  • Summer Drinks + Cocktails
  • Easy Appetizers
  • Summer Salads
  • Memorial Day Mains
  • Memorial Day Sides
  • Memorial Day Desserts

Summer Drinks + Cocktails

Side view of bramble cocktail garnished with lemon and blackberry.
Side view of limoncello being poured into wine glass.
  1. Blackberry Bramble Cocktail
  2. Blackberry Mule
  3. Strawberry Mojito
  4. Grapefruit Spritz
  5. Limoncello Spritzer
  6. Vodka Watermelon Cocktail
  7. Creamy Coconut Mojito
  8. Pineapple Vodka Cocktail
  9. Strawberry Sauvignon Blanc Spritzer
  10. St. Germain Sangria

Easy Appetizers

Green shrimp served on green plate with serving spoon.
Overhead shot of marinated mozzarella balls in speckled bowl with wooden spoon.
  1. Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado
  2. Blackberry Goat Cheese
  3. Marinated Mozzarella Balls 
  4. Pesto Hummus
  5. Green Shrimp
  6. Buffalo Hummus
  7. Brie and Prosciutto Crostini
  8. Sausage Bites Appetizer with Mustard Dipping Sauce
  9. Caramelized Onion Greek Yogurt Dip
  10. Pineapple Salsa

Summer Salads

Hands holding bowl of prepared lentil tabbouleh salad.
Smashed cucumber salad in green bowl with fresh herbs.
  1. Lentil Tabbouleh Salad
  2. Arugula Burrata Salad
  3. Carrot Cucumber Salad
  4. Tzatziki Chicken Salad
  5. Italian Grinder Salad
  6. Mexican Pasta Salad
  7. Feta Cucumber Salad
  8. Smashed Cucumber Salad
  9. Creamy Cucumber Salad
  10. French Lentil Salad
  11. Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Tahini Dressing
  12. Sugar Snap Pea Salad 
  13. Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad 
  14. Elote Shrimp Salad
  15. Simple Kale Salad

Memorial Day Mains

Traeger smoked chicken thighs on serving plate.
Close up of chicken drizzled with sauce.
  1. Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto
  2. Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
  3. Grilled Mango Lime Chicken
  4. Grilled Achiote Chicken Thighs
  5. Grilled Steak and Zucchini with Whipped Feta
  6. Traeger Pork Chops
  7. Smoked Traeger Chicken Thighs (Boneless or Bone-In)
  8. Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts
  9. Lamb Burgers with Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onions
  10. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
  11. Juicy Smoked Burgers on a Pellet Grill
  12. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri

Memorial Day Sides

Prepared cauliflower potato salad in bowl with serving tongs.
Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
  1. Baked Potato Bar with 25+ Topping Ideas!
  2. Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad
  3. Cauliflower Potato Salad
  4. Mexican Street Corn Salad
  5. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  6. Grilled Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
  7. Traeger Smoked Asparagus
  8. Grilled Bell Peppers
  9. Red Cabbage Coleslaw
  10. German Potato Salad
  11. Apple & Celery Root Slaw

Memorial Day Desserts

Extreme close up of three blackberry lemon blondies stacked on top of eachother next to bowl of blackberries.
Overhead shot of strawberry ricotta cake with piece taken out.
  1. Strawberry Ricotta Cake (The Easiest Recipe!)
  2. The BEST Mango Cobbler Recipe
  3. Cream Cheese Blondies
  4. Ricotta Mousse
  5. Salted Caramel Yogurt Popsicles (Yasso Copycat Recipe)
  6. How to Cut Watermelon Sticks (with Video!)
  7. Easy Strawberry Galette Recipe with Pie Crust
  8. Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
  9. Blackberry Blondies
  10. Butterscotch Budino

More recipes to have in your back-pocket for backyard barbecues!

  • BBQ Dry Rub

    new!

    BBQ Dry Rub

  • 35+ EASY Sides for Ribs (What to Serve with BBQ Ribs)

    new!

    35+ EASY Sides for Ribs (What to Serve with BBQ Ribs)

  • 15+ Best Sauces for Ribs (BBQ Sauce Recipes)

    new!

    15+ Best Sauces for Ribs (BBQ Sauce Recipes)

  • 35+ BBQ Chicken Sides for Your Next Cookout

    new!

    35+ BBQ Chicken Sides for Your Next Cookout

  • 35+ EASY Sides to Bring to a BBQ

    new!

    35+ EASY Sides to Bring to a BBQ

  • Homemade BBQ Sauce for Brisket and More!

    new!

    Homemade BBQ Sauce for Brisket and More!

Browse More Recipes

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a potluck, these easy Memorial Day recipes are guaranteed to make the long weekend extra delicious. Save this roundup for all your summer cookouts ahead!

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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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