Memorial Day Collection
A mix of easy cookout favorites, fresh summer sides, and backyard recipes that make it easy to throw together a Memorial Day spread people will keep hovering around all afternoon.
I've been on a bit of a yum yum sauce kick lately, and this bowl has become one of my favorite ways to use it. It combines buttery garlic shrimp, fluffy quinoa cooked in chicken broth, crisp vegetables, and creamy avocado for a lunch or dinner that feels fresh but still filling.
I have been finding excuses to put my Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad on everything lately. Tacos, bowls, and now this chicken dish. The warm sliced chicken paired with the cool corn salad and creamy yum yum sauce is one of my favorite combinations for lunch.
These Hot Honey Chicken Salad Sliders are the kind of lunch that makes you look forward to leftovers. We’re talking juicy shredded rotisserie chicken in a creamy, tangy hot honey-mustard dressing, piled onto soft Hawaiian rolls with peppery arugula and zippy pickles.
These strawberry shortcake cookie bars are my go-to for outdoor hangs and lazy park afternoons. They hold their shape, aren’t too sticky, and taste like the best part of summer. A buttery vanilla cookie base, a jammy strawberry layer, and a soft golden crumble on top — they’re nostalgic, sweet, and totally picnic-perfect.
If summer had a signature side, it just might be macaroni salad. This version hits all the comfort food notes: tender elbow pasta, creamy dressing, crisp bites of celery and bell pepper, and a pop of brightness from a little pickle brine and Dijon. It’s rich, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy—exactly what you want next to grilled burgers or ribs.
Summer cookouts deserve more than just your average ketchup-and-mustard dog. This hot dog brings the crunch, the heat, and that creamy slaw —all while keeping the grill at the heart of the action.
Nothing screams summer (or comfort food, honestly) like a thick, juicy All-American Burger stacked with melty cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, tangy pickles, and a slather of ketchup and mustard. Whether you're grilling in the backyard or cooking on a stovetop skillet, this recipe brings the diner vibes right to your kitchen.
There’s nothing like a breezy beach house dinner, and this Lemon Herb Baked Flounder brings all those fresh, laid-back vibes straight to the table. It's light, flaky, and seasoned just enough to let the sweet, delicate flavor of the fish shine. Perfect for a cozy meal after a long day at the shore.
Nothing says a seaside summer like a plate of golden, crispy fried flounder. This Panko-Crusted Fried Flounder brings all that boardwalk magic home — light, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned with a bright squeeze of lemon to tie it all together.
Juicy chicken, charred corn, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings packed into soft tortillas — these street corn tacos are perfect for a fun and easy Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Smoky, sticky, sweet, and spicy—these BBQ Pineapple & Jalapeño Glazed Chicken Wings are next-level good! The wings are grilled to crispy perfection, then tossed in a bold, tropical glaze made with pineapple juice, honey, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce for a sweet-heat flavor explosion.
Potato salad is a BBQ classic, but this version takes it to the next level with the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (elote)! Grilled corn, roasted potatoes, and a creamy, tangy dressing come together to create the ultimate summer side dish.
Sweet, smoky, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy! These Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Shrimp Skewers are bursting with flavor and take less than 30 minutes to make. The shrimp are marinated in a tangy, sticky honey-garlic sauce and grilled to perfection for a juicy, caramelized bite every time.
Sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy—this crostini has it all! Juicy grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of homemade hot honey make this an irresistible summer appetizer. The crispy, charred bread brings everything together for a bite that’s both elegant and backyard BBQ-friendly!
Nothing says backyard barbecue like a juicy, flavor-packed burger fresh off the grill! These Smoky Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers are a tropical twist on a classic, featuring a perfectly grilled beef patty glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce, topped with caramelized pineapple, and nestled in a toasted brioche bun. Smoky, sweet, and absolutely mouthwatering!
Kickstart your spring soirée with these zesty Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers that promise to dance on your taste buds!
Get ready to be crowned the BBQ monarch of your backyard with these mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Elevate your summer gatherings with the invigorating Watermelon Mint Mojito, a revitalizing twist on the classic cocktail that combines the sweetness of watermelon, the freshness of mint, and the zing of lime for a light and refreshing libation.
Juicy and flavorful turkey patties are glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, topped with grilled pineapple, and served on toasted buns for a delightful twist on a classic burger.
Serve the Grilled Peach and Halloumi Skewers as an enticing appetizer or an unforgettable addition to any summer gathering.
There’s something about this combo that just feels like summer. It’s crisp, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet-tart—and it comes together in minutes.
Related Posts
Labor Day is the unofficial send-off to summer, and for me, that always means one last big backyard gathering. It’s a chance to soak up the sunshine, fire up the grill, and pile the table high with dishes that everyone can dig into.
When it’s hot out and no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen, crostini are a true summer MVP. They’re quick to assemble, easy to share, and endlessly adaptable depending on what’s in season or in your fridge.
Make-ahead, fridge-friendly, and full of summer flavor—these 12 cold salads are perfect for the Fourth, picnics, potlucks, and everything in between.
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.
I have been on such a street taco kick lately because they feel easy enough for a quick lunch or dinner, but still feel like you made something good. These tacos started because I already had leftover grilled corn and avocado salad in the fridge and realized it worked ridiculously well over shrimp with yum yum sauce.