I’ve rounded up a collection of my favorite recipes for Memorial Day weekend — everything you need to welcome summer with delicious food and easy entertaining.
Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite times of year. Even though it’s still a little ways off, I’m already excited for picnics, grilling, gatherings, and the first long weekend that really feels like summer. Below are salads, snacks, dips, sides, grilled mains, cocktails and desserts — plenty of inspiration beyond the usual burgers and hot dogs.
Our family tradition is to attend the Memorial Day parade on Monday and then walk through the cemetery to remember those we love. We also use the weekend to prep for summer and enjoy a slow few days together. It’s always simple and special.
Do you have plans yet? What are you thinking of making?
33 Recipes for Memorial Day Weekend
Start with a cheese board — large or small, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that belongs at every summer gathering.
The strawberry crunch salad is one of my absolute favorites this year — bright, sweet and textural.
Another fresh option is the blueberry summer salad from last year — fruity and satisfying.
Make the caramelized onion dip ahead of time — it’s rich, savory, and perfect with chips or crudités.
Mango avocado shrimp salsa is bright and fresh — serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish.
Grilled asparagus Caesar puts a summer twist on a classic salad and highlights simple, smoky flavors.
The grilled broccoli crunch salad is another fantastic veggie-forward side with great texture.
For something playful and colorful, try the melon mosaic salad with a hot honey vinaigrette for contrast.
Cantaloupe prosciutto skewers are a light, elegant bite that travel well for picnics.
The asparagus pasta salad with honey mustard dressing makes a great make-ahead side or main for warm-weather meals.
Try a strawberry black pepper pasta salad for an unexpected sweet-and-savory twist.
The ramen noodle crunch salad delivers irresistible crunch and texture — great for summer potlucks.
My fresh green bean salad is bright, herb-forward, and perfect as a cooling side.
Classic baked beans are a must-have for backyard cookouts — rich, smoky and comforting.
Grilled gorgonzola potatoes are indulgent and pair beautifully with grilled meats.
Set up a hot dog bar so guests can customize their own — an easy and fun option for all ages.
For a nostalgic yet veggie-forward choice, my mom’s veggie pizza is a crowd favorite.
Coffee-crusted strip steak with herb corn salsa is a bold, flavorful centerpiece for a special meal.
Steak and potato skewers with rosemary chimichurri are perfect for the grill and easy to serve family-style.
If you want something lighter, the grilled chicken strawberry poppyseed salad is fresh and satisfying.
For a playful twist on burgers, try the cheeseburger salad with dill pickle vinaigrette.
When it comes to burgers, you can’t go wrong with a classic smash burger for juicy, crispy edges.
For vegetarians or anyone wanting a hearty option, the ultimate veggie burger is satisfying and flavorful.
Start the celebration with a lemonade frosé for a refreshing, boozy slush.
An orange crush is another bright, citrus-forward cocktail to enjoy on the patio.
Cherry lime vodka sodas are crisp and easy to sip all afternoon.
Lavender mint lemonade is floral, cooling, and especially lovely on warm days.
For dessert make the Oreo peanut butter pie ahead of time — rich, no-fuss, and always a hit.
Ritz cracker peanut butter cups are a simple nostalgic treat to have on hand.
Make a festive party mix using red, white and blue M&M’s for a patriotic snack.
The strawberry shortcake trifle is dreamy and perfect for feeding a crowd.
And don’t forget salted brown butter cookie bars — chewy, buttery, and ideal for sharing.
What delish items are on your menu?
With this mix of salads, sides, mains, cocktails and desserts you’ll have plenty of options to build a memorable Memorial Day spread. Which recipes are calling your name?