These are my favorite Memorial Day weekend recipes: snacks, cocktails, salads, pastas, burgers, hot dogs and more — everything to make the unofficial start of summer especially delicious.
I’ve gathered a huge selection of tried-and-true Memorial Day weekend recipes for you to enjoy.
Even though Memorial Day is still a week and a half away, I’m already excited for the kickoff to summer. Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite times of the year — full of simple traditions, good food and the beginning of warmer days. Below you’ll find a wide variety of recipes: shareable appetizers, salads, hearty mains from the grill, sides, cocktails and sweet treats. These picks are perfect for backyard gatherings, potlucks, or a relaxed holiday meal.
Every year we attend a Memorial Day parade and then visit the cemetery as a quiet tradition on Monday. The rest of the weekend is for prepping, celebrating and enjoying one another. What are your plans — and which dishes will you be making?
60 Memorial Day Weekend Recipes
A cheese board is always a crowd-pleaser — small or large, it’s perfect for grazing.
Pimento cheese is another classic to have on hand for sandwiches, crackers or as a dip.
Try a red, white and blue pickled blueberry burrata for something bright and festive.
The strawberry crunch salad is a favorite this season — light, crunchy and full of flavor.
Blueberry summer salad brings bright, juicy fruit and fresh greens together in a satisfying way.
A cucumber and melon chopped salad is wonderfully refreshing on a warm day.
Watermelon crunch salad is another crisp, hydrating choice for summer gatherings.
Caramelized onion dip is rich, make-ahead friendly and perfect with chips or veggies.
Mango avocado shrimp salsa pairs wonderfully with chips for a bright appetizer.
Add strawberries to a strawberry feta salad for color and sweet-tangy contrast.
Strawberry avocado salsa is a surprising and delicious topping for grilled proteins or chips.
Grilled bruschetta is a simple, irresistible appetizer everyone will love.
Hot crab dip served with old bay crostini is indulgent and perfect for a party.
Jarlsberg cheese dip can be made ahead and reheated for effortless entertaining.
Creamy chilled queso is unexpectedly delicious and great for summer snacking.
Tortellini Caesar salad combines pasta, cheese and classic dressing for a hearty side or main.
Grilled asparagus Caesar is a flavorful way to serve seasonal vegetables.
Grilled broccoli crunch salad brings smoky char and satisfying texture to the table.
The melon mosaic salad shines with a hot honey vinaigrette — sweet and savory in one bite.
Cantaloupe caprese skewers are a playful, elegant bite that’s quick to assemble.
Triple melon salad is fresh, colorful and visually fun for a holiday spread.
Peach bruschetta is a seasonal favorite that’s sweet, savory and easy to share.
Asparagus pasta salad with honey mustard dressing pairs tender asparagus with tangy-sweet notes.
Strawberry black pepper pasta salad adds a peppery twist to a fruity summer salad.
Ramen noodle crunch salad delivers terrific texture and nostalgia.
Fresh green bean salad is light, crisp and versatile alongside grilled mains.
Bruschetta pasta salad is a longtime favorite — bright tomatoes, basil and bold flavor.
Our baked beans are the kind of side everyone asks for again and again.
Grilled gorgonzola potatoes are rich and indulgent — a standout side dish.
A hot dog bar is a fun, interactive option that everyone enjoys customizing.
For a playful twist, try flaming Hot Cheetos hot dogs — crunchy and spicy.
My mom’s classic veggie pizza is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing choice.
Grilled portobello burgers are a fantastic vegetarian main — earthy and filling.
Chicken bacon ranch smashburgers bring bold flavors and juicy texture to the grill.
Coffee-crusted strip steak with herb corn salsa is a great centerpiece for a celebratory meal.
Steak and potato skewers with rosemary chimichurri are a bold, flavor-packed option for the grill.
Chimichurri grilled chicken served with couscous salad is bright, herb-forward and satisfying.
Grilled whole chicken with cola BBQ sauce makes a dramatic, shareable main.
Grilled cauliflower salad is a game-changing way to enjoy roasted vegetables with bold dressings and textures.
For a lighter option, grilled chicken strawberry poppyseed salad is fresh and satisfying.
Cheeseburger salad with dill pickle vinaigrette captures burger flavors in salad form.
Smash burgers remain unbeatable for juicy, caramelized edges and classic flavor.
The ultimate veggie burger delivers great texture and flavor for plant-based guests.
Pimento cheese grilled chicken sandwiches are a savory, melty handheld that’s perfect for a cookout.
Grilled chicken caprese pasta salad is a bright, summery combination of tomato, basil and mozzarella.
Grilled gorgonzola chicken pasta salad brings savory cheese and smoky chicken together in a hearty dish.
Black bean smashburgers are a flavorful vegetarian alternative with great texture.
Lemonade frosé is a cool, festive way to kick off the season and a crowd favorite.
An orange crush is light, citrusy and perfect for warm afternoons.
Summer tequila fruit punch is a big-batch cocktail made for sharing.
Cherry lime vodka sodas are simple, refreshing and easy to sip all day.
Lavender mint lemonade is floral, cooling and pretty in a pitcher.
A rosé Aperol spritz is elegant, effervescent and summer-ready.
Mango frosé is fruity, frozen and an instant crowd-pleaser.
Triple berry trifle is a showstopping, layered dessert perfect for sharing.
A red, white and blue vanilla sheet cake makes a festive centerpiece for a holiday table.
Mini red, white and blue hand pies are cute, portable and perfect for kids and adults alike.
A triple berry cheesecake galette is an impressive yet straightforward dessert option.
Triple berry ice cream cake is stunning, easy to serve and perfect for warm-weather celebrations.
Oreo peanut butter pie can be made ahead and is always a hit.
Ritz cracker peanut butter cups are a nostalgic, salty-sweet snack to add to the dessert spread.
Use festive red, white and blue M&M’s in a party mix for easy, colorful snacking.
Strawberry shortcake trifle is light, dreamy and full of seasonal berries.
Salted brown butter cookie bars are rich, buttery and an easy dessert to slice and serve.