12 Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off Summer Right
Long weekends were made for good food, sunshine, and chill vibes.
Fire up the grill and fill your plate—these Memorial Day recipes bring the heat (and the sweet)
Memorial Day marks the start of summer, and whether you're poolside, on a rooftop, or hosting a backyard cookout, it's the perfect excuse to eat outside. These 12 recipes are built for celebration—easy to prep, packed with flavor, and designed to feed a crowd.
Think juicy burgers, sticky BBQ ribs, and shrimp skewers straight off the grill. There are also cold salads you can make the night before (and yes, they only get better overnight), plus desserts that travel well and beat the heat. And don’t worry—I’ve even got a bright, summery mocktail to keep everyone refreshed.
If you're planning a potluck, hosting friends, or just soaking up the extra day off, these dishes are all about low-stress prep and high-impact flavor.
Let’s get into the recipes that’ll make this Memorial Day one to remember.
1. Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad with a Tangy Twist
The classic side that never misses. 🥗
Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad with a Tangy Twist
Macaroni salad might be old-school, but this one brings a bright, zippy kick you won’t see coming.
With a creamy base and just the right pop of vinegar and mustard, this make-ahead favorite is perfect for warm-weather potlucks. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and pairs with just about everything on the grill.
🕒 Make-Ahead Friendly
Tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
🌞 Perfect for Cookouts
A classic that’s always welcome at any summer spread.
🌿 Balanced & Bright
Creamy without being heavy, with a tangy lift that keeps you coming back for more.
2. All-American Backyard Burger
Diner-style burger vibes—leveled up. 🍔
All-American Backyard Burger
This is the no-fuss, all-flavor burger you dream about—juicy beef, melty cheese, and a perfectly toasted bun, fresh off the grill.
Simple, satisfying, and always the first to go at any cookout.
🔥 Grill-Ready
Classic grilled patties with charred edges and juicy centers.
🧀 Cheesy & Golden
Melted American cheese over a flame-grilled burger.
🇺🇸 Cookout Classic
No frills, all flavor—just how a summer burger should be.
3. Deviled Egg Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
Two picnic classics, one ultra-satisfying dish. 🥔
Deviled Egg Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
This potato salad borrows the best parts of deviled eggs—creamy yolks, tangy mustard, and smoky paprika—and adds crispy bacon for good measure.
It’s bold, rich, and always disappears fast at a potluck.
🥓 Bacon Bonus
Crispy bits throughout make every bite extra indulgent.
🍽️ Feeds a Crowd
A generous batch perfect for gatherings.
🧊 Fridge-Friendly
Stays creamy and flavorful even when made the night before.
4. Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Shrimp Skewers
Sweet, sticky, spicy—this one’s got it all. 🍤
Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers hit the grill coated in a bold honey garlic glaze with just enough chili heat to keep things interesting.
They cook in minutes and disappear even faster.
🍤 Fast & Flavorful
Cooks in under 10 minutes for easy entertaining.
🌶️ Sweet Heat
Balanced blend of garlic, honey, and a little kick.
🔥 Grill Favorite
Perfect for skewers and outdoor cooking.
5. Smoky Backyard BBQ Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender with a rich, smoky crust. 🍖
Smoky Backyard BBQ Ribs
These ribs are slow-cooked entirely on the grill for that deep BBQ flavor and irresistible char.
A bold dry rub and sticky glaze make them the ultimate cookout centerpiece.
🔥 Grill-Only
Cooked low and slow right on the grill—no oven needed.
🌫️ Smoky Spice Blend
Paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne bring bold flavor.
🎉 Cookout Star
Guaranteed to be the most talked-about dish at the table.
6. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Fresh, tangy, and full of crunch. 🥗
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
A chilled orzo salad packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and a garlicky red wine vinaigrette.
It’s vibrant, satisfying, and totally picnic-proof.
🌿 Herby & Bold
Garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar bring big flavor.
🧊 Perfect Cold
Great straight from the fridge or a cooler.
🍴 Meal-Prep Hero
Easy to make ahead and holds up beautifully.
7. Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Smoky corn meets creamy avocado 🌽
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Charred corn off the cob, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of lime make this the ultimate side for anything off the grill.
It’s colorful, crunchy, and totally irresistible.
🌽 Charred & Sweet
Grilled corn brings a hit of smoky flavor.
🥑 Creamy Texture
Avocado rounds everything out.
☀️ Summer in a Bowl
Bright, fresh, and ideal for outdoor eating.
8. Sunset Patio Guacamole
Classic guac with a summery citrus twist. 🥑
Sunset Patio Guacamole
This chunky, lime-bright guacamole is all about balance—creamy avocado, a hit of garlic, juicy tomato, and just enough jalapeño to keep things interesting.
It’s rustic, vibrant, and dangerously scoopable.
🧄 Garlic-Forward
A little minced garlic adds depth without overpowering.
🌶️ Customizable Heat
Add jalapeño for a kick or keep it mild—your call.
🕒 Quick & Crowd-Ready
Comes together in minutes and disappears even faster.
9. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
All the flavors of strawberry shortcake—on ice. 🍓
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Tender shortcake cookies, vanilla ice cream, and a sweet strawberry swirl make these the ultimate cool-down treat.
No fork required.
🍓 Fruity & Fun
Fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.
❄️ Freezer Friendly
Make ahead and keep chilled until dessert time.
🍪 No-Mess Treat
Handheld and perfect for parties.
10. Brown Butter Banana Bread Blondies
Banana bread just got a buttery, caramelized upgrade. 🍌
Brown Butter Banana Bread Blondies
These chewy blondies are rich with brown butter, flecked with ripe banana, and finished with a crackly top.
They hold up great in the heat and travel like a dream.
🍌 Ripe Banana Flavor
Deep, sweet banana taste without being too moist.
🧈 Brown Butter Magic
Adds depth and a toasty finish.
🚗 Travel-Ready
A solid pick for packing up and bringing along.
11. Sunset Slouch (Mocktail)
Refreshing, citrusy, and totally booze-free. 🍹
Sunset Slouch (Mocktail)
This no-fuss summer mocktail blends juicy peach nectar, a splash of lemon, and Ghia’s citrusy bite, topped with sparkling water. It's fresh, fizzy, and perfect for golden hour sipping.
🍑 Juicy & Bright
Peach nectar and lemon juice bring sweet-tart balance.
🌿 Herbal & Refreshing
Ghia adds a citrusy, botanical edge.
🧊 Golden Hour Ready
Best served over ice with a peach slice or mint sprig.
12. Creamy Jalapeño Slaw Hot Dogs with Crispy Shallots
Bold toppings that steal the show. 🌭
Creamy Jalapeño Slaw Hot Dogs with Crispy Shallots
These hot dogs are anything but basic thanks to a creamy jalapeño topping and golden crispy shallots.
They bring crunch, spice, and flavor in every bite.
🌶️ Spicy Kick
Jalapeño cream sauce brings heat and tang.
🧅 Crunch Factor
Crispy shallots add texture and depth.
🌭 Elevated Classic
Turns a cookout staple into something special.
Looking for even more ideas to keep the summer vibes going? From fresh salads to frozen treats and everything in between, I’ve got a whole collection of recipes perfect for sunny days and laid-back gatherings. Check out all my summer recipes and keep the good food rolling all season long.
