I’d never turn down a Memorial Day weekend BBQ (or picnic, pool party, cookout—you get the picture). Similarly, I’m always up for hot dogs, hamburgers and watermelon wedges...but they don’t exactly spark joy the millionth time around. So put down the processed cheese, back away from the weenie buns and add these mouthwatering cocktails, appetizers, mains, sides and desserts to your menu this year. Here, 66 Memorial Day recipes—from light and tangy coleslaw to grilled flank steak—that will make this year’s holiday one for the books. I chose these dishes because they're simple, seasonal, festive and portable, so even newbies can pull them off with ease.
66 Memorial Day Recipes That Aren’t Hot Dogs and Watermelon
Red, white and delicious
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Published Apr 29, 2024
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Drinks
- Time Commitment: 6 hours
- Why I Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Spiked with your favorite vodka or gin. Wow your guests with homemade lemonade and hollowed-out lemons for cups (or just use the store-bought stuff and serve it in one communal bowl). Want to make it even easier? "You can use the store-bought stuff if you’re already in vacation mode, stir in a little hooch, then freeze it," writes recipe developer Erin McDowell.
2. Raspberry-Lime Champagne Punch
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
Fresh-squeezed limes and ripe raspberries add tart sweetness that seamlessly rounds out the vodka and wine. If you don’t want to splurge on Champagne, prosecco or cava will work just fine.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan
This alcohol-free blended drink is equal parts pretty and refreshing. It’s also loaded with pineapple, strawberries and watermelon, so just pretend it’s a fruit salad and have three. "Melon is hydrating and rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory lycopenes, while rosemary contributes awesome flavor and antibacterial backup," explains Salt & Wind recipe developer Aida Mollenkamp.
4. Mint Lime Southern Sweet Tea
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan
The recipe calls for green tea instead of black, giving it a lighter look and milder taste. Add lemonade to make an Arnold Palmer, or whiskey and honey for a quick cocktail.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
When you want a fancy drink but don't feel like busting out the shaker, lean on the grapefruit radler. Just mix grapefruit juice with a little sugar, then pour it into your favorite wheat beer.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Frosé? I don't know her. This bev stars effervescent prosecco instead, which comes to life with the help of fresh citrus and a dash of Aperol.
Appetizers
7. Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
All you need to prepare the briny, tangy cheese dip is a blender or food processor. The summer tomatoes will take care of the rest. "I highly recommend seeking out locally grown tomatoes, but conventional cherry tomatoes will work just fine in a pinch," says PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen. "They’re more reliably tasty than regular tomatoes and roasting them concentrates their flavor even more."
8. Kristin Cavallari’s Salmon BLT Salad with Spicy Tomatillo Ranch
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
This protein-packed salad is begging to be eaten alfresco. Mix the homemade ranch dressing ahead to assemble the dish even faster.
9. Grilled Melon With Tahini, Chili Oil and Sesame Seeds
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, vegan
Take your pick of cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon: This app is all about the toppings. I'm talking nutty tahini, spicy chili oil and crunchy sesame seeds.
10. Caramelized Kimchi Baked Potatoes
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Sour cream and bacon are classic baked spud toppers, but expected. Spice things up with caramelized store-bought kimchi.
12. Aran Goyoaga’s Niçoise Salad
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy, pescatarian
This has all the elements of an unforgettable summer salad. Goyoaga, a food photographer and blogger, uses bonito tuna, fried capers and dill in her version, inspired by her time spent in the Spanish fishing village of Bermeo.
13. Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
What is it about caprese salad that never gets old? The trifecta of tomatoes, basil and mozz probably has something to do with it. I’ll give you two more reasons by adding grilled zucchini and a drizzle of balsamic.
14. Prosciutto-Wrapped Cantaloupe with Balsamic Glaze
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Fruit salad is something everyone can get behind, even more so when it's covered in strips of salty prosciutto. Store-bought glaze will work fine, but you can also reduce balsamic vinegar over medium heat to make your own.
16. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
No limp lettuce leaves here, folks. Think mixed greens, fresh basil and crisp green beans topped with charred summer peaches, salty halloumi and toasted pine nuts.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes
You won't need to work too hard at all to put together this stunning centerpiece. All the in-season stone fruits, melons and berries will handle the the heavy lifting.
18. 15-Minute Cucumber-Avocado Blender Soup
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian
I can't decide what I love more, the uber-refreshing soup that takes minutes to whip up or the Asiago-encrusted baguette for dipping.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, high protein, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Ditch mayo for avocado, then add scallions and celery for crunch. With a spritz of lemon, fresh dill and a whole lot of cracked black pepper, this rotisserie chicken-based spread is ready for crackers, sandwiches or a sneaky spoon.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, high protein, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
This bubbling-hot app boasts ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, green onions, salsa and pickled jalapeños. Buy (or, dare I say, make) tortilla chips for dipping, put out the sour cream and your work is done.
21. Grilled Flatbread Pizza with Artichoke, Ricotta and Lemon
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Homemade pizza just got way easier. Snag a few flatbreads from the supermarket, load them up with your favorite toppings and pop 'em right on the grill.
23. Mini Peach Tarts with Goat Cheese and Honey
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Simple enough to whip up in 30 minutes (thanks, store-bought puff pastry), elegant enough that your guests will never know.
26. Roasted Poblano and Corn Guacamole
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, vegan
Come summer, I want charred corn on *everything*, and guac is no exception. It gives it a smoky je ne sais quoi I never get tired of.
27. Cuban Sliders
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
Aka the quickest way to feed the hungry masses. Did I mention these sammies will only take you six ingredients?
28. BLT Tacos
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, high protein
White bread who? Swap it for taco-sized tortillas, bake a batch of thick-cut bacon and assemble. I use creamy avocado and a squirt of lime in place of mayo, but feel free to spread a layer on before adding the fillings.
Sides
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
It’s tough to find a better mate for burgers, ribs and steak than sweet yellow corn. It’s even tougher to find a better match than this corn, which is charred on the fire before being spread with lime-chili mayo and dusted with Parmesan and smoked paprika.
30. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegan, <30 minutes
No backyard shindig is complete without a chilled pasta salad. Just be sure to prepare it right before the party so the avocado is nice and green once everyone starts making their plates.
31. Japanese Potato Salad with Eggs, Ham and Cucumbers
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, make ahead
If your favorite part of any dish is the crunch, you’re in luck. This fun twist on potato salad calls for crispy cucumbers, peas and carrots, plus ham, eggs and umami-rich Japanese mayo spiked with mushroom powder.
34. Creamy Dilled Red Potato Salad
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Chopped red onion offers crunch alongside semi-smashed potatoes and a sauce made from mayo, Greek yogurt and dill. Add celery or other crunchy bits, but I won’t judge if you opt for less time at the cutting board.
35. Kale and Brussels Sprout Caesar Slaw
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Make room for greens tossed in a Caesar-inspired dressing made from sunflower seeds, almonds, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Oh, and it calls for a whole cup of blue cheese. That’s our kind of salad.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Whether you're pairing it with grilled chicken, smoked barbecue or hot dogs, this next-level mac is sure to impress. The options are endless when it comes to the sneakily incorporated produce: kale, spinach, collards and mustard greens are all fair game.
Mains
37. Tabitha Brown’s Chili Carrot Dogs
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Memorial Day tends to be a meat-heavy holiday, so it's key to have a plant-based main on the menu for any vegetarians or vegans at the cookout. This measurement-free recipe from Tabitha Brown is just the ticket.
38. Chicken and Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Our favorite thing about this Creole essential? It's so filling and impressive that it doesn't need any sides to be a complete meal.
39. Salmon al Pastor
40. 5-Ingredient Smoked Gouda-Thyme Mac and Cheese
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Could you eat barbecue without a heaping scoop of mac on the side? Sure, but I wouldn’t want to. This one stars smoky grated Gouda, which gives it a nutty, buttery note no one will complain about.
41. Roasted Cauliflower Sliders
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
One bite of this vegetarian sammy and you won’t miss the beef, promise. The cauliflower slices are drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme and roasted until browned. Our favorite thing about this dish, though, is the spicy yogurt spread.
42. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, pescatarian, high protein
This recipe can be tackled year-round since it calls for the shrimp to be sautéed on the stove, but I'd be remiss to not suggest grilling them on the barbecue instead.
43. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe, high protein
Set it and forget it overnight so all you have to do on the big day is shred the chicken. All that's missing is a bun.
44. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Let the steak chill in olive oil, Worcestershire, vinegar, garlic, chili powder and herbs for up to an hour. After grilling, let it rest for 15 minutes, then serve with a zippy sauce hiding one secret ingredient: anchovies.
45. Grilled Jerk Chicken Cutlets with Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy
Here’s the tropical retreat you ordered. Jerk seasoning brings warm spices like cinnamon and cayenne to the table, and it just so happens to pair wonderfully with mango and lime juice. Serve with rice or mixed greens.
46. Bacon Cheddar Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly
Mix bacon, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper into the ground beef for a caramelized, cheese-encrusted burger full of salty-savory goodness. They’re only five ingredients and 30 minutes away.
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, make ahead, high protein
This sweet-and-spicy main works in sandwiches, salads, quesadillas or all by itself. The slow cooker also saves you from sweating over the stove on a hot summer day.
48. Smoked Ribs with Honey Butter-Brown Sugar
- Time Commitment: 6 hours and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
If you’ve been dreaming about buying your own smoker, now’s the time. These pork ribs turn melt-in-your-mouth soft after six hours, then they're seasoned with both dry rub and brown sugar-honey butter.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Tender shrimp swimming in lemon-garlic butter is an excellent entree for an intimate alfresco dinner party. Serve them with plenty of bread or white rice to soak up the leftover sauce.
50. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
I have a big crush on tzatziki because it tastes good on pretty much everything. And once you know how to make it from scratch, you'll never use the store-bought kind again.
51. Pineapple Korean Chicken Thighs
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Ready for a fresh take on grilled chicken? Dress it with ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic and gochujang. Cook the chicken in the oven or toss it on the grill instead. (Bonus points for grilling the pineapple, too.)
52. Chickpea Burgers
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, beginner-friendly
Chickpeas can do so much more than just hummus. Making hand-formed patties out of this legume turns out to be beyond easy (don’t you just love the food processor?).
53. Crispy Baked Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: pescatarian, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
If you consider tilapia the boring white bread of the fish world, these tacos have a bone to pick with you. After being dredged in egg, taco seasoning and flour, they bake to max crunchiness before being topped with sour cream and zesty slaw.
Desserts
- Time Commitment: 5 hours and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Only four ingredients and a stint in the freezer stand between you and this summer stunner. Use cara cara oranges for extra sweetness. Better yet, "swap the orange juice for watermelon once summer rolls around," suggests senior food editor Katherine Gillen.
55. Dulce de Leche Skillet Brownie
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Sure, it's fruit season—but I'm happy to eat chocolate year-round. Don't even get us started on the homemade dulce de leche swirl. "If you like your brownies on the underdone side, start checking the skillet at 30 minutes. For a less gooey experience, bake for 40 or 45 minutes," advises senior food editor Katherine Gillen.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
I'm calling it: This confection will be your new favorite way to use up fresh raspberries (or blackberries, if you'd prefer). Finish each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a glug of cold cream.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
It wouldn’t be Memorial Day without an appearance from America’s signature dessert. I'd serve these Granny Smith- and Honeycrisp-filled cuties à la mode because, well…who wouldn’t? (Oh, and save time by using store-bought pie dough.)
58. Strawberry-Mango Hawaiian Shave Ice
- Time Commitment: 5 hours and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pot, <10 ingredients, vegan
It’s hot out there, y’all. Take a trip to Maui without ever leaving your backyard, courtesy of a chilly blend of sugar, strawberries, mango and toasted coconut—no shave ice machine required.
59. Lemon Pie with Blueberry Meringue
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
I love a classic lemon pie, but one look at this take has us ready to abandon all things basic forever. This color combo inspires oohs and aahs every single time. The secret to the dreamy lavender meringue? Freeze-dried blueberries.
60. One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet
- Time Commitment: 4 hours
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, no cook, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Have you met the easiest dessert on the face of the earth yet? It’s pleased to make your acquaintance. Cool off with this treat made from twice-frozen fruit.
61. Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Crumbly graham cracker-crust, warm roasted strawberries, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sold yet? Sprinkle on some blueberries for a patriotic finishing touch.
62. Cake Batter Dip
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: no bake, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Your inner child’s tummy is grumbling. Confetti cake mix, powdered sugar and vanilla make for a crowd-pleaser the kids will be begging to have for their birthdays. (Toast the raw cake mix on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5 minutes to make it safe to eat.)
63. Peaches-and-Cream Ice Pops
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Round up the ice pop molds: It’s time for dessert. Brown sugar-cinnamon peaches are roasted in the oven before being marbled with vanilla-almond yogurt. Your favorite store-bought pops won’t know what hit them.
64. Strawberry Pie with Strawberry Crust
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
A pretty-in-pink crust dyed with freeze-dried berries is a surefire way to wow every single one of your guests (or you know, your roommate).
65. Lemon-Berry Sheet Pan Trifle
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Our team modernized the old-school British treat by trading a crystal-cut bowl for an easy baking sheet. It still has all the meringue, whipped topping and fresh fruit of the O.G.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: no bake, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Some show their patriotism with flag tees and sparklers. You'll serve this red-white-and-blue treat. It's a sweet centerpiece for your holiday spread, and sweeter still because it doesn't require an oven.
