Can you feel it? That flicker of euphoria that starts to set in as the summer months approach? Memorial Day will be here before we know it, kicking off the start of summer and making way for all the delicious foods of the season—watermelon, burgers, margaritas, popsicles, it doesn’t get much better than that! Whether you’re someone who uses the grill on a nightly basis or wants some delicious dessert options to haul down to the beach, we’ve got you covered with these 23 Memorial Day recipes.
Not only are these Memorial Day dishes perfect for your next barbeque, but they’re also great additions to your weekly dinner recipe repertoire. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to bust them out. In fact, I’m getting hungry just thinking about them! We’ve got everything you’ll need for a festive and delicious meal, including appetizers, main courses, dessert, drinks, and vegetarian options. Take note of your favorites so you can come back to them again and again.
Read on for 23 Memorial Day recipes you’ll want to check out before your next family dinner:
Appetizers
Grilled Marinated Peppers with Burrata and Breadcrumbs from How Sweet Eats
You’ve likely already got the grill going, so why not throw on these marinated peppers for a seriously delectable appetizer. The juxtaposition of the smoky, savory peppers and the creamy burrata makes for a flavor explosion.
Caprese Prosciutto and Farro Salad from Half Baked Harvest
Kick off your meal with a hearty salad that will transport you to the Italian countryside. It’s a satisfying, tasty, and decadent addition to any meal. You know you can’t go wrong with prosciutto.
Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Flatbreads With Lemony Cream Cheese from Camille Styles
Flatbreads are super easy to throw together and even easier to pass around during a barbeque. It’s easy to eat while standing and absolutely delicious.
Hot Corn Dip from The Recipe Critic
Dips are just festive, aren’t they? I could make a whole meal of them, and this hot corn dip is no exception. It’s warm, savory, and includes the summer-iest of ingredients: corn.
Grilled Artichoke With Lemon Garlic Aioli from Camille Styles
Grilled artichoke is one of those dishes that feels incredibly high-end but is actually quite simple to make. The Lemon garlic aioli elevates the earthy artichoke flavors and is as summery as it gets.
Mains
Cheesy Pickle Pretzel Sliders from My Name is Yeh
Put a spin on your next burger with these pretzel bun sliders. The breaded pickles are a delightful addition to these already ultra-tasty mini-burgers.
Grilled Shrimp and Steak Surf ‘N Turf from Spoon Fork Bacon
Can’t decide between shrimp and steak? Why not both? Mix it up with a little surf ‘n turf. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Sausage With Herbed Muscadine Sauce and Roasted Corn and Okra with Goat Cheese from Local Milk
If you’re looking to grill but want to elevate the experience of the everyday barbeque, give this dish a whirl. It’s rustic while also being elegant and uses some of our favorite summer ingredients like corn and okra.
Smoky Chipotle Cheddar Burgers and Mexican Street Corn Fritters from Half Baked Harvest
My mouth is watering at the mere thought of this rich and delicious burger, but corn fritters are doing their very best to steal the show. Cue Veruca Salt: “I want it now!”
Chicken Provencal Skewers from Camille Styles
Chicken skewers are a great way to grill something a bit lighter than red meat while still getting your daily dose of protein.
Tuscan Steak with Marinated Cherry Tomatoes from Half Baked Harvest
Sometimes you just want a large piece of meat on the grill, and this steak satisfies that hunger. It’s perfectly seasoned, and couldn’t be more perfect for a summer evening.
Orange-Chili Glazed Pork Tenderloin With Carrot Pesto and Grilled Carrots from Camille Styles
The orange-chili glaze on the pork perfectly complements the sweetness of the carrots. It’s a creative way to utilize some of our favorite ingredients of the season. You’ll definitely be coming back to this recipe time after time.
Grilled Tri-Tip Sandwiches from Spoon Fork Bacon
I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again: I simply love sandwiches. Prior to the general state of the world being what it currently is, about 90% of my tweets revolved around sandwiches. And had I known about this grilled tri-tip recipe half a decade ago, you can be sure it would have garnered a celebratory tweet. You can’t miss out on this recipe!
Grilled Eggplant with Chimichurri from Foodie Crush
Sure, this grilled eggplant and chimichurri dish could easily work as a side dish but it is so delicious it can absolutely stand on its own as the main.
Desserts
Peach Cake from Reading My Tea Leaves
There are few fruits more evocative of summer than peaches, and this comforting peach cake is as simple as it is exquisite as it is easy to make.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes from Camille Styles
Can’t stop, won’t stop with the carrot recipes. These cupcakes are g-free, so they’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Cherry Crumble Pie from Food With Feeling
This decadent pie is absolutely worth turning on the oven on a hot day. Everything you want from a classic cherry pie with the sweet, crispy topping of a crumble.
No-Bake Mint Chocolate Brownie Bars from Minimalist Baker
Don’t feel like turning the oven on during a hot day? No problem. These mint chocolate brownie bars come together without the need for baking, so you can satisfy that sweet tooth without turning up the heat in the kitchen.
Honey-Grilled Peaches With Ice Cream from Camille Styles
We just can’t get enough of this stone fruit. Jazz up your next ice cream sundae with these honey-grilled peaches. You’ve probably already got the grill going, so you might as well toss them on as well!
Drinks
Spicy Grapefruit Margarita from Camille Styles
Few things say summer quite like a margarita, and this spicy grapefruit version is a piquant update to the classic version. Spicy and tart, with just enough kick to get your gears going!
Strawberry Serrano Lime Tequila and Champagne Cocktail from Heather Christo
You’ll be reaching for this recipe on every hot day this summer. It’s sweet, spicy, and has just the right amount of bubbles.
Bourbon Peach Citrus Smash from Salt & Wind
I can practically smell this fragrant, summery cocktail through the computer screen. Now if only I had a wrap-around porch to lounge on and a vintage fan to keep me cool on a humid day. It’s absolute perfection!
Palm Springs Spritz from Camille Styles
Bring the fizz with this elegant spritz. Perfect for a jaunt in the desert, your next family brunch, and of course, Memorial Day. But you definitely don’t need a special occasion to try this tasty little treat.
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