55+ Memorial Day Food Ideas

Preparing flavorful shrimp has never been easier than with this light take on a barbeque classic. Made with my lemony Shrimp Marinade, these grilled skewers combine fresh garlic, sweet honey, and ground paprika for a lush seafood meal.

Wondering what to grill for Memorial Day that will astound your party guests with gourmet flavors? Tangy and well-spiced, this Mediterranean grilling recipe uses an easy marinade to give each slice of chicken an incomparable taste. Serve with grilled vegetables or one of the salads below for an easy and healthy recipe that is guaranteed to impress.

One of my favorite grilling ideas, this Mexican-inspired bbq recipe transforms red meat into a smoky, savory flavor explosion. This recipe also makes a great alternative to carne asada—especially when topped with Mexican Pickled Red Onions!

Looking for a seaside take on traditional cookout food? This grilled mahi mahi recipe uses my sweet and sour Mahi Mahi Marinade to infuse every bite with bold, tropical flavors.

Grill your marinated chicken breasts to perfection with this foolproof Middle Eastern kabob recipe. Serve it with tzatziki on the side to add some Mediterranean pizzazz to your Memorial Day cooking. If you want to make kebabs without the grill, check out my Chicken Kabobs in the Oven recipe instead.

Just because you’re celebrating doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthily. Low-carb, pescatarian-friendly, and mouthwatering, these stunning shrimp skewers explode with light, sweet-and-sour flavors.

Want to give an Asian flair to your Memorial Day party meals? You can’t go wrong with steak recipes bathed in a marinade made from a delicious mix of soy sauce, fresh ginger, and toasted sesame oil.

Burger fans will be head over heels for the smoky beef patties of this barbecue food. Top your American classic with creamy guacamole, tangy barbecue sauce, and crisp bacon (or turkey bacon), and your grill will be the life of the party. Take it up a notch by making your own brioche buns, or save time by getting them from the store.

Few Memorial Day grill ideas are as bright, healthy, or filling as this simple shrimp salad. Perfectly grilled corn, piquant paprika, citrusy lemon juice, and soft butter lettuce take the word “salad” to a new level—with only 20 minutes of prep time!

Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and flaky ciabatta are the heart of this tasty, open-faced sandwich. Top your chicken recipe with fresh basil, and you won’t be able to put down your camera (or your fork!).

A go-to among Mexican party food, my brisket tacos melt in your mouth with rich, savory Mexican flavors. Cooked in a slow cooker, this crowd-pleaser brisket recipe is perfectly seasoned with a blend of paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin, then simmered for hours, resulting in pull-apart meat that’s bursting with flavor. Serve them over corn tortillas with whatever toppings you like, and your party guests will love building their own tacos. 

This dish will be one of your new favorite Memorial Day chicken recipes if you enjoy easy chicken meals. In 30 minutes, you can prepare succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer.

These crisp and juicy wings will be your new party go-to if you prefer baking chicken in the oven. Serve your wings with this recipe’s signature hot sauce or a side of my Simple Blue Cheese Dip for a light alternative to sauces made with sour cream. 

This vegan taco recipe is one of my favorite Memorial dinner ideas. Not only does this dish pop with fresh lime juice, but it also boasts a beautiful presentation with bright cilantro and juicy tomatoes.

On the hunt for easy Memorial Day casserole recipes? This simple casserole dish combines creamy ricotta cheese, robust Tomato Basil Sauce, and tender eggplant for a filling pasta dish the whole party will love. Plus, it’s so easy to bake!

A combination of broccoli salad, cheddar cheese, and robust red onion are the keys to turning this classic recipe into one of my go-to Memorial Day side dish ideas. And the best part, you ask? It is a great salad you can make a day ahead of time.

In just 25 minutes, you can put together an authentic Mexican recipe that explodes with tangy, spicy, and zesty flavors. Jalapeños give this simple dish a bright kick, while cotija cheese adds a cool creaminess irresistible to cheese lovers.

Made with a sprinkle of chili powder, corn on the cob, and fresh cilantro, this Mexican classic will delight your tastebuds. Alternatively, if you don’t have a grill, you can even prepare this tasty dish in the air fryer using my Air Fryer Street Corn recipe. 

Fresh, crunchy, and creamy, this iconic Italian recipe tastes straight from the garden. You can prepare this scrumptious salad in 10 minutes with four easy steps.

Few gourmet salads are as simple as this summer-fresh find. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have all the sweet peaches, ripe avocado, and nutty pumpkin seeds that your fork can carry.

This tender white bean salad uses only simple ingredients to create a summery Turkish side that complements dozens of Memorial Day meals. Sweet-and-sour sumac tastes brilliant against the mild, tender cannellini beans and juicy tomatoes.

There’s no better pair for hearty grilled recipes than a crisp, creamy coleslaw. You don’t need any mayo for this colorful condiment, and you’ll love the tangy, bold taste of its Greek yogurt dressing.

No one can complete their Memorial Day food traditions without a creamy coleslaw at the ready. This healthy recipe comes together without mayonnaise, using tart apple cider vinegar for its dressing instead. 

Refreshing, fresh, and exquisitely presented, this watermelon salad is the perfect dish to bring for a Remembrance Day cookout. One taste of this dish’s Honey Lime Dressing, and you’ll be itching for another bite. 

Make the best of fruity mango, bold jalapeño, and bright green avocado with this 15-minute recipe. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish! Everyone will want a spoonful of this spicy, sweet, and creamy salad dish.

One of my favorite easy, healthy Memorial Day recipes, this salad uses garden-fresh ingredients to fill your mouth with crisp, bright flavors. Everyone will adore the color and zest of this simple salad, complete with my Lemon Balsamic Dressing.

Fresh dill and garlic-yogurt dressing bring out the best taste in this creamy cucumber salad. In only 15 minutes, you can prepare this light and green dish for all your friends to enjoy.

What says “start of summer” better than fresh strawberries? This spinach and goat cheese salad uses a poppyseed dressing to bring out the uniquely sumptuous flavors of its ingredients—with only 20 minutes in the kitchen.

Do you need more Memorial Day menu suggestions? Check out my collection of fresh summer salads. This list will make you crave fresh greens, creamy dressings, and season-fresh toppings all weekend.

Embrace your favorite Italian flavors with this colorful, photo-ready dish. Prepared with heirloom and cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and garden-fresh basil, this recipe is a must for any foodie who adores fine cheese.

A social media sensation, this iconic recipe uses cooked quinoa, chopped cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette to create a bright, summery flavor. This simple salad also includes fresh herbs and pistachios to add a colorful texture to the mix.

If you love make-ahead Memorial Day recipes that take the stress out of party planning, this savory dish is just what you need. Made with salty capers, crisp pickles, and hard-boiled eggs, this recipe makes an excellent alternative to German potato salad.

An iconic Ina Garten recipe, this Mediterranean-inspired shrimp salad uses fresh Italian parsley, delicate green onion, and rich feta cheese for a sophisticated side perfect for outdoor get-togethers.

The best way to cool people down on a hot summer day is with delicious recipes straight from the fridge. This light pasta salad complements countless main entrees for your Memorial Day celebration with milky mozzarella, herby pesto, and white wine vinegar.

One of my favorite quinoa salads, this authentic Turkish side lends a colorful, herbaceous taste to any party spread. Not only is this easy recipe vegan and gluten-free, but it also takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

If you can’t get enough easy recipes for your weekend celebration, then this brilliant, garden-fresh potluck recipe is just what you need. Everyone will love the brightly colored bell peppers and vibrant green cilantro of this simple dish.

This simple, colorful bean salad is one of my go-to make-ahead and easy Memorial Day recipes. Turn your backyard BBQ into a great time with this mix of black beans, citrusy lime, and crisp corn kernels.

When cooking for a big party, it’s the perfect time to break out delicious recipes that satisfy a crowd. This bean-based dish combines everyone’s favorite flavors—robust red onion, crisp corn, and ripe tomatoes—for the ultimate “beginning of summer” recipe.

This fresh, filling dish is tasty, versatile, and pairs with nearly any main, and it is yet another one of our favorite make-ahead recipes. Kidney beans, chickpeas, fresh cucumber, and crisp scallions are only a few of the mouthwatering ingredients in this beginner-friendly recipe.

I guarantee the best part of your long weekend will be this tangy, yogurt-based chicken salad. Healthier than other versions, this make-ahead recipe lets you embrace seasonal flavors with stress-free prep.

This easy Mediterranean / Greek dish has the tangy taste of feta cheese and the fresh flavor of lemon juice. Vibrant and versatile, you can multiply this 30-minute side to feed however many guests you invite for your weekend celebration.

If you have never made a potato salad using red bliss potatoes, consider this your sign from above. This easy Red Potato Salad is packed with crispy bacon bits, fresh dill, and briny pickles and drizzled with a mayo-mustard dressing for the perfect cookout food that will go with any main dish. Make ahead friendly; it is a convenient and stress-free dish perfect for serving a crowd.

Say goodbye to dull, overdone salsa recipes with this fresh take on the Mexican signature. Sweet and spicy, this dip takes 15 minutes to prepare and makes an excellent pair with Mexican meals, grilled seafood, and more—a crowd favorite!

Only four ingredients are necessary to give this party classic its creamy, bright flavor. Serve this easy appetizer alongside a bowl of your favorite tortilla chips, and your fresh dip will be the life of the party.

If you can’t get enough of classic Mediterranean hummus, this Pinterest-ready alternative is just what your Memorial Day party needs. With everyday ingredients and a food processor, this colorful, creamy dip comes together in a snap.

Made with sumptuous olive oil and fresh herbs, this elegant dip removes the hassle of Memorial Day appetizer ideas. Whip up this filling side in five minutes, and you won’t have to spend your Memorial weekend meal prepping in the kitchen.

Want to take your bruschetta game to the next level? This easy recipe includes creamy ricotta and tart strawberries to transform each bite into a five-star experience.

Tangy, creamy, and sophisticated, these deviled eggs are a filling appetizer that makes plating a cinch. Garnish this tasteful dish with radish and chives, and every bite will explode with flavor.

A simple charcuterie board is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Let your guests mix and match from a cultivated selection of savory cured meats, rich cheeses, and fresh fruit.

You only need three ingredients for this super simple frozen treat. Tart berries, sweet yogurt, and savory-sweet pistachios combine for a delectable snack that will disappear in minutes.

This lightly sweetened dip comes with several layers of flavor, including tangy yogurt, sweet maple syrup, and aromatic vanilla. Serve this super simple recipe with colorful fruit kabobs, and you’ll never be at a loss for Memorial Day brunch ideas again.

If you need an easy breakfast idea on Memorial Day, look no further than this make-ahead parfait recipe. Fresh berries, smooth Greek yogurt, and toasty granola are the core ingredients of this 10-minute sweet treat. You can even layer this recipe into clear mason jars for a beautiful presentation. 

Who says you have to wait until lunch to enjoy a Remembrance Day celebration? Make these almond flour blueberry muffins for a fruity treat straight from a bakery. And if you need a showstopping Memorial Day dessert, turn them into a cupcake by piping some of my maple cream cheese frosting on top.

Bite-sized, creamy, and tart, this zesty dish will make your tastebuds yearn for another taste. Place these tiny delights on a serving plate, and you’ll complete your Memorial Day party menu with major style points.

Juicy, fruity, and rustic, this simple galette is an irresistibly sweet dish that tastes out of this world when served with vanilla ice cream. Use my butter-based Galette Crust Recipe to give each bite a vibrant, tender taste.