It’s time to kick off summer with the best Memorial Day recipes! Below you’ll find a curated collection of grilled favorites, crowd-pleasing sides, fresh appetizers, cooling beverages, and sweet fruity desserts perfect for the long weekend.
Growing up in Southern California, Memorial Day weekend always felt like the official start of summer: lots of sunshine, time outside, and barbecue smoke in the air. To help you celebrate, I gathered a variety of recipes that are easy to prepare, great for feeding a crowd, and packed with seasonal flavor.
Some personal favorites include grilled carne asada, a big bowl of coleslaw or classic potato salad, and a pitcher of refreshing sangria. Below are recipes organized by category so you can mix and match mains, sides, starters, drinks, and desserts to build the perfect menu.
Most importantly, Memorial Day is a time to honor those who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military. Wishing you a weekend of remembrance, gratitude, time with loved ones, and delicious food.
The Best Grilled Recipes Start Here
Memorial weekend is all about the grill. These recipes highlight smoky, charred flavors—seafood, steaks, burgers, and even grilled fruit for a sweet contrast.
- Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Jumbo shrimp marinated in garlic and herbs, grilled quickly for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Carne Asada: Marinated flank or skirt steak, charred and sliced for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
- Greek Chicken Kabobs: Lemony chicken and colorful vegetables threaded on skewers and served with tzatziki for bright Mediterranean flavor.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: Light, flaky fish topped with a citrusy carrot slaw for a refreshing taco option.
- Turkey Burgers: Moist, well-seasoned turkey patties that hold up to toppings and a smear of garlic aioli.
- Greek Chicken Burgers: Mediterranean-inspired chicken burgers topped with tzatziki for a lighter burger alternative.
- Chicken Souvlaki: Herb-forward grilled chicken skewers with classic Greek seasoning.
- Grilled Watermelon: A surprising, smoky-sweet side or salad component with cilantro-lime accents.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Classic summer corn, or make it elote-style with cotija, lime, and spices for extra punch.
- Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Ginger Glaze: A simple technique that delivers tender salmon with a sweet-savory glaze.
- Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad: Warm grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata and fresh herbs for a seasonal salad.
Crowd-Pleasing Side Dishes
Sides can make or break a summer spread. Here are reliable classics plus bright, colorful dishes that pair with any grilled main.
- Classic Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy, and comforting—an all-time barbecue favorite. For a no-mayo option, try a vinegar-based German potato salad.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, cooling side; a vinegar coleslaw is a great lighter alternative to mayo-based dressings.
- Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy—always popular alongside grilled meats.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp greens topped with roasted chickpeas, grated parmesan, and a homemade dressing for extra flavor.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A colorful mix of tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, and parsley—great make-ahead fare.
- Caprese Salad: Ripe tomatoes and mozzarella with fresh basil for a simple, elegant starter.
- Classic Fruit Salad: Seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing for bright, juicy flavor.
- Berry Spinach Salad: Mixed berries and tender spinach with a raspberry vinaigrette for a sweet-and-tangy side.
- Broccoli Salad: Crunchy, slightly sweet, and crowd-pleasing any time of year.
- Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad: Hydrating and savory-sweet, perfect for hot days.
Memorial Day Appetizers To Start The Party
Finger foods and dips make mingling easy. Keep a few of these on the table for guests to graze while the grill heats up.
- Best Ever Guacamole: Creamy, zesty, and endlessly scoopable—an essential party dip.
- Pico De Gallo: Chunky fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime—perfect with chips or as a topping.
- 7 Layer Dip: A no-fuss crowd pleaser that can be assembled ahead and served cold or room temperature.
- Ceviche: Bright lime-marinated fish mixed with tomato, cucumber, onion, avocado, and cilantro for a fresh starter.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet mango balanced with jalapeño heat and citrus for a vibrant dip or topping.
Hello Drinks and Cocktails!
Round out the weekend spread with refreshing beverages. Offer a mix of boozy and nonalcoholic options so everyone can enjoy something delicious.
- Red Sangria: A fruity wine pitcher that’s festive, easy to scale, and great for sharing.
- Classic Margarita: A crowd-pleasing tequila cocktail—salty rim optional but recommended.
- Agua Fresca: Fresh fruit blended with water and a touch of sweetener for a naturally refreshing drink the whole family can enjoy.
- Lavender Lemonade: Homemade lemonade with a floral twist—perfect for a pretty, fragrant pitcher.
Memorial Day Patriotic Sweet Treats
A red, white, and blue theme feels right for Memorial Day. These desserts highlight summer berries and chilled treats that are easy to serve to a crowd.
- Berry Sheet Cake: A light, fluffy sheet cake topped with berries and coconut whipped cream for an easy, festive dessert.
- Berry Crisp: Warm, jammy berries under a crunchy oat topping—comforting and simple to prepare.
- Mango Strawberry Popsicles: Homemade fruit popsicles that are bright, icy, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Raw Mixed Berry Vanilla Cheesecake: A no-bake, vegan-friendly cheesecake with a vibrant mixed berry topping.
Want more recipe roundups? Explore additional collections for inspiration, including best mango recipes, favorite chicken breast dishes, and easy salmon recipes to expand your Memorial Day menu.
If you make any of these Memorial Day recipes, let me know how they turned out! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.
This Memorial Day recipes roundup was originally published May 2021 and has been updated with new favorites.