Long Weekends Deserve Great Food, And 29 Memorial Day Recipes Deliver

Nobody wants to spend a long weekend stuck in the kitchen, which is why these 29 Memorial Day recipes keep things simple and crowd-approved. They’re easy to mix, match, and pass around without anyone acting like it’s a formal dinner. Bring a plate, bring a chair, and bring a good appetite. Lawn chairs were made for this kind of eating.

Close-up image of a snack pack filled with whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sugar sprinkles. Packaging displays
Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Strawberry Poke Cake

A slice of cake with a light pink and beige interior, topped with white frosting and sliced strawberries.
Strawberry Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Memorial Day gatherings call for something sweet, and Strawberry Poke Cake fits the bill. It’s a hit for those who love a touch of fruit in their dessert. Easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, it rounds out any meal perfectly. Gather around this favorite, and you won’t be disappointed.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Potato Salad is always ready to steal the show at your weekend meal. It’s a classic choice that never goes out of style. Whether you bring it to a friend’s place or serve it at home, everyone appreciates its familiar taste. It goes well with nearly everything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Queso Dip

Close-up of creamy cheese dip being poured over chopped tomato salsa with diced onions and cilantro.
Queso Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those who love their appetizers cheesy, Queso Dip is a game changer. It’s simple to whip up and even simpler to devour. This dip is perfect for sharing, ensuring nobody leaves the table hungry. Trust me, it’ll go fast, so you might want to make an extra batch.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add a bit of flair to your meal with Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. This salad combines fresh tastes with a fulfilling texture. It’s light yet fulfilling, perfect for those who like a bit of spice. And yes, the dressing is as good as it sounds.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re searching for the comfort of a cheeseburger without the grill, The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole is the go-to dish. It’s perfect for a laid-back day when you want something heartwarming. Gathering around a table with this casserole makes for a perfect long weekend meal. It’s simple, filling, and keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad brings a kick with its spicy flavors that mix perfectly with crisp cucumbers. It’s a refreshing side that balances out heavier main courses. Perfect for a long weekend, it’s quick to whip up with vibrant flavors. This dish is a standout favorite for anyone who enjoys a touch of spice in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bacon lovers, rejoice! Smoky Bacon Pig Shots packed with smoky flavor, are irresistible. They’re an excellent choice for adding a unique twist to your meal lineup. Ideal for munching throughout a leisurely day, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh and full of herbs, Caprese Pesto Tarts provide a burst of flavor in every bite. Combining classic ingredients in a novel way, they’re a great choice for a festive meal. They’re quick to disappear from the table, proving their popularity. Perfect for any long weekend gathering indoors.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake on cake stand.
Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smooth, creamy, and bursting with sweet strawberries, Strawberry Cheesecake is a favorite. It’s perfect for capping off any meal with a sweet finish. Everyone will appreciate its rich and comforting taste. It turns a simple dessert moment into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

A bread bowl filled with a creamy dip, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Celery sticks are placed on the side.
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a dip that goes beyond the ordinary, give this one a try. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip combines rich flavors for a creamy and addictive result. Perfect for dipping during a casual hangout, it’s a hit with crowds. You won’t stop at just one serving, that’s for sure.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw is crunchy, tangy, and a colorful addition to any plate. It’s great for balancing out richer dishes with its fresh taste. Easy to prepare in large quantities, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd. A reliable choice for those who love their greens with a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Strawberry Dump Cake

A close-up of a fruit crumble dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If simplicity had a taste, it would be found in this dessert. Strawberry Dump Cake is as easy as it gets with a mix, dump, and bake approach that’s foolproof. You end up with a dessert everyone enjoys, showcasing that sometimes less really is more. No need for complex techniques to achieve a memorable sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine biting into a tender roll filled with a spicy, creamy mixture. That’s what you get with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls, a dish that combines soft bread with a kick of heat. They’re surprisingly simple to make and are always a hit. These rolls are for those times you want a little spice in your meal, making them utterly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Here’s a dish that layers not just ingredients but textures and tastes. Seven Layer Salad is vibrant, each layer offering a new bite and a different experience. It’s the perfect addition to any table, bringing health and taste in equal measure. People love it for its diversity, making it a dependable choice when you want to serve something that pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Strawberry Shortcake

A close-up of a delectable strawberry shortcake reveals layers of biscuit, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry pieces on a plate. In the background, a bowl of strawberries enhances the sweet temptation.
Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone loves a dessert that combines fruitiness with creamy and soft textures. Strawberry Shortcake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something incredibly joyful. Topped with whipped cream, it’s a dessert that speaks of comfort and happiness. It’s an enduring classic for a reason, bringing smiles with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture.
Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says great things can’t come in small packages? Cheeseburger Sliders prove that you can pack all the deliciousness of a full-sized cheeseburger into a mini version. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and perfect for any occasion. It’s the juiciness and cheesiness that steal the show, making them a favorite for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning a classic salad into a more robust meal can be as simple as adding pasta to the mix. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is hearty, filling, and retains all the charm of the original Caesar salad with a twist. It’s a dish that works well either as a main or a side, versatile in its appeal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

A close-up of a brownie square topped with a swirl of cheesecake and cherry filling.
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fusion at its finest, Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies blend rich chocolatey brownies with creamy cheesecake and ripe strawberries. Every bite is a mix of decadent flavors. They’re a standout dessert that’s sure to impress. And honestly, who can resist the combo of strawberries and chocolate?
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Shrimp Tacos

Close-up of a shrimp taco with avocado, tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of sauce in a toasted tortilla.
Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Shrimp Tacos are a fun and easy way to spice up mealtime. The tender shrimp paired with fresh toppings and wrapped in a soft tortilla—it’s a winner. They come together quickly for a meal that’s both light and satisfying. It’s a casual dish that’s seriously good.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups

Three-layered red, white, and blue dirtcups with vibrant fillings are topped with various candies and sprinkles, all perfectly arranged on a red and white checkered cloth.
Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Celebrate in style with Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups. This dessert is playful, tasty, and perfect for any occasion that calls for something special. Layers of colors and textures make every spoonful exciting. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups

Strawberry Pie

Close-up of a strawberry pizza featuring a thin crust topped with a layer of strawberry sauce and sliced strawberries, evoking the delightful appearance of a strawberry pie with its vibrant red color.
Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about Strawberry Pie that feels like pure joy. The sweet filling encased in a flaky crust is dessert perfection. It’s easy to make and even easier to love. This pie is all about showcasing the simple goodness of strawberries.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These bite-sized snacks are always a crowd favorite. Warm and soft bread wraps around a simple filling to make Pigs in a Blanket easy to enjoy. They’re great for munching throughout the day without making a mess. Perfect for a long weekend when you want something easy to grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Close-up of Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies filled with white chocolate chips and raspberries, topped with fresh raspberries and white chocolate chunks.
Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies, sweets hit the spot every time. The mix of sweetness and tartness makes them hard to resist. Perfect for dessert or a midday treat, they pack all the right vibes. Great when you want something different from regular brownies.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The spiral-shaped Pizza Pinwheels are familiar but with a fun twist. Each bite is loaded with the flavors you love about pizza rolled into a fun form. They’re easy to snack on while hanging out for the day. Simple to serve and great any time you want that pizza craving fix.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars bring together sweet and tangy in a cool way. They’re creamy, rich, and pack a bold punch in each bite. Great for dessert or when you need something fun to share. Perfect for adding something different to your dessert rotation.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Easy to make and simple to eat, Pinwheel Sandwiches are fun for lunch or snacks. They’re packed tightly into an easy-to-handle form. Customize them however you want without the fuss of regular sandwiches. A solid option for tossing together over the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whether it’s a relaxing afternoon or a breezy evening, Antipasto Salad brings a refreshing start. Every bite offers a fresh experience, making it a go-to for those seeking something light yet fulfilling. It pairs well with a variety of mains, ensuring your meal is balanced and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm and cheesy, Spinach Artichoke Dip is an easy centerpiece for casual meals. Scoop it up however you like, as it pairs well with almost anything crispy. Great for a chill day at home when you want something good to share. Keep a bowl on hand whenever you’re in the mood to snack together.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Close-up image of a snack pack filled with whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sugar sprinkles. Packaging displays
Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad is not your typical salad, served conveniently in a bag so you can keep moving. Crunchy and with a mix of sweet and salty, it’s an inventive snack for the day. Fun to enjoy without plates or fuss when you’re hanging out. Perfect for keeping things creative while staying laid-back.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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