Kick off summer with these easy Memorial Day recipes! From grilled mains and fresh summer salads to crowd-pleasing sides, appetizers, drinks, and desserts, these festive recipes are perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and holiday gatherings.
Memorial Day is For Remembering
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of grilling season - a time to slow down, gather outdoors, and share good food with the people we love, while honoring and remembering those who came before us and are no longer here.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to the lake, or cooking around a campfire, these fresh and flavorful recipes are designed to inspire easy summer entertaining. From smoky grilled favorites to vibrant salads and simple desserts, you'll find plenty of delicious ideas to celebrate the holiday weekend and savor the season.
Memorial Day Appetizers
Start your Memorial Day gathering with easy appetizers perfect for snacking outdoors and feeding a crowd.
Memorial Day Grilled maIn dishes
Vegetarian Memorial Day Recipes
A cookout is not all about meat these days-more and more, even meat lovers appreciate plant-based foods! I love the Thai Chicken Satay made with TOFU! Super tasty!
Meaty Grilled Main Dishes
These Memorial Day grilling recipes are packed with smoky summer flavor and perfect for backyard cookouts.
Grilled Chicken Recipes
Here are some of our most popular grilled chicken recipes, the whole family will enjoy- perfect for your cook-out menu!
Grilled fish and Seafood
Looking for something a little lighter and healthier to grill? Fish and seafood to the rescue. We love these cook-out ideas.
Grilled Burger Recipes
Because who doesn’t love a good burger! A good cook-out menu could simply be this; a selection of burgers (vegan and meat) and lots of fillings and condiment. A build your own Burger Bar! Heck, you could even ask your guests to each bring one thing. Could be fun!
Fresh Summer Salads
Keep it light and lean this Memorial Day with a grilled salad! My personal favorite is the Grilled Salmon Salad with the creamy cilantro lime dressing- so tasty!
Memorial Day Side Dishes
Honestly, I would be just fine with just the sides, and this French Potato Salad is kind-of a “must” in my opinion!
Make-ahead Pasta Salads
Perhaps the quintessential BBQ side dish, I’d plan to include at least one pasta salad on your Memorial Day menu!
Take it to the Next level!
Homemade buns, chipotle mayo, chimichurri sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, and homemade mayo make every Memorial Day cook-out even better. You don’t have to make them all- but what if you just picked one?
See all our sauces and condiments!
Memorial Day Desserts
Keep desserts light and summery- featuring fresh berries and fruits.
Memorial Day Drinks and Cocktails
Pre-make these summery drinks before your guests arrive for a stress-free gathering.
Wherever you find yourself this weekend, may you find a moment of stillness to honor the loved ones who have passed and be present with those who are still here, feeling how precious this time truly is. Enjoy these summery cookout menu ideas and have a wonderful holiday weekend. xoxo Sylvia
I tried this burger recipe, and it instantly reminded me of a Cook Out burger! The flavor was spot on — that smoky, juicy taste with just the right amount of char, like it came straight off a backyard grill. The seasoning and toppings brought back memories of late-night Cook Out runs. Definitely a recipe I’ll be keeping in my rotation!”
Glad to hear this Ethan!
These recipes are amazing! I love a good grilled dinner. Especially because my husband considers himself the grill expert…wouldn’t want to deny him his moment of glory.