29 Memorial Day Recipes That Will Make You Wish Summer Lasted Forever

They know that Memorial Day isn’t just the start of grilling season—it’s the start of good decisions around the grill. 29 recipes that make even store-bought buns feel like a win. They’re messy, loud, and worth building a whole weekend around. Suddenly, Monday doesn’t seem so bad.

Strawberry Poke Cake

If you’re after something that screams warm weather and brings a pop of color to the table, look no further. Strawberry Poke Cake is an easy pick for a casual backyard get-together. It’s light, refreshing, and a crowd-pleaser, making you wish warm-weather gatherings could last forever.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Forget about the store-bought stuff; here’s a homemade sauce that’ll make anything it touches shine. Rich and silky, this condiment transforms simple snacks into something special. With a Creamy Avocado Sauce in your arsenal, every dish becomes an opportunity to impress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Who doesn’t love a hearty salad that can stand alone as a meal? Full of flavors that’ll transport you to sunny coastlines, this one’s a keeper. Make room on the picnic table for Mediterranean Orzo Salad because it’s sure to be a hit. It’s an ideal choice for those who want something rewarding yet light enough to enjoy on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

BBQ Sauce

Transform your grilling game with a homemade sauce that’s miles ahead of anything from a jar. It’s all about that sweet and tangy flavor that can only come from a labor of love. Slather some BBQ Sauce on whatever you’re cooking, and watch it disappear off plates.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Shrimp Tacos

Street food has nothing on you when you whip up these beauties. They’re quick, flavorful, and have just the right kick to liven up your meal. Pack a punch of seaside flavor with Shrimp Tacos at your next outdoor feast. They’re the piece-de-resistance that turn a meal from good to ‘Can I have more, please?’ in just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Fruit Pizza

Bring a bit of whimsy and fun to the dessert table with something that’s as gratifying to look at as it is to eat. This sweet treat hits all the right notes with a variety of fresh fruit toppings. Fruit Pizza is that showstopper dessert that gets all the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’. It’s a hands-down favorite for both kids and adults, making it a party essential.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Crunchy Onion Rings

Let’s be honest—no one can resist a side that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s the ideal companion for your burgers and hot dogs. Crunchy Onion Rings are not just a side; they’re often the underrated star of the plate. They’ll disappear as quickly as they come off the fryer, so be sure to make plenty.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Homemade Buckeyes

Ever crave a sweet that captures the joy of a dessert without being over the top? These bite-sized treats are perfect for popping one after another. Homemade Buckeyes might just be the easiest way to win over a crowd with a sweet tooth. They’re an unassuming addition to your spread, but one that nobody can pass up.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Pico de Gallo

This isn’t just another salsa; it’s a fresh, vibrant addition that will make your tortilla chips feel fancy. Full of fresh flavors, it’s like a tiny fiesta in every bite. A bowl of Pico de Gallo brightens up the table and adds a homemade touch that guests can taste. It’s a simple yet essential component that complements a host of warm-weather dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Key Lime Bars

For those who love a good tangy twist to their dessert, this one’s for you. Compact and loaded with flavor, these bars are perfect for serving a crowd. Key Lime Bars are just the right mix of tart and sweet, and they’re a breeze to serve at gatherings. Grabbing one of these will bring a bit of tropical vibes to any backyard bash.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Turkey Sliders

Ideal for those who prefer their burgers in a mini, more manageable size, these sliders are crowd-pleasers. Each little sandwich is a mouthful of joy and perfect for both kids and adults. When you serve up Turkey Sliders, expect them to go quickly. They’re the sort of thing that makes you want to fire up the grill all weekend long.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups

These colorful cups are more than just a treat; they’re a nod to warm-weather celebrations. With layers that mimic the hues of the holiday, they’re as patriotic as they are delicious. Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups might just be the ultimate kid-friendly dessert. They’re fun, simple, and a sweet end to any Memorial Day feast.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups

Queso Dip

Imagine a creamy, melty bowl of goodness that becomes the centerpiece of your snack table. Perfect for dipping, this cheesy delight will have everyone coming back for more. Break out the chips because Queso Dip is ready to be the star. It’s the kind of indulgent treat that makes casual dining all the more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Small in size but huge on flavor, these little bites are always in demand. Wrapped in bacon, they’re tasty and perfect for piling onto your plate. A batch of Bacon Wrapped Smokies doesn’t last long, so make sure you get some before they’re gone. They’re a bit addictive and will likely be the first to disappear from your appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

When you combine the love for buffalo chicken with the crunch of nachos, you get pure magic. They’re messy in the best way and built to feed a happy crowd. Every bite of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos is a flavor explosion. It’s the plate of choice for those who crave a little heat and a lot of toppings in their appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

These sliders are not just sandwiches; they’re a mini Hawaiian vacation between buns. The tropical twist on the classic pulled pork will have everyone talking. With Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders making an appearance, your cookout is instantly enhanced.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

If you’re a fan of heat with your eats, these pinwheels are an absolute must-try. They’re like the appetizer you know and love, but with a playful spin. The spirals of Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels make them as attractive as they are delicious. They’re a perfect finger food that packs just enough punch to keep the party interesting.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

7 Layer Dip

Seven layers mean seven times the fun in this dish that’s a feast for the eyes and the palate. Each layer is a discovery of flavor that makes for an awesome dipper’s paradise. The tower of taste that is 7 Layer Dip is essential for any sunny day spread.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Patriotic Rice Crispy Treats

When the simplicity of rice crispy treats meets a dash of patriotic colors, you know you’ve got a winner. These treats are sticky, sweet, and a snap to make. Fun to look at and even more fun to eat, Patriotic Rice Crispy Treats are a hit with folks of all ages. They’re the kind of snack that gets snatched up quick at pool parties and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Rice Crispy Treats

Antipasto Salad

This one’s for the lovers of Italian deli favorites who like them all tossed together in a salad. Bursting with varied flavors, it’s like a charcuterie board in a bowl. An Antipasto Salad is robust enough to serve as a main dish or side. It’s a flavorful addition that stands out among the usual greens and brings a bit of Italy to your outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

If you’re after a sweet treat that’s as playful as it is delicious, these cookies won’t disappoint. Soft, chewy, and dotted with marshmallow swirls, they’re as joy-inducing as a dessert can get. Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are perfect for those who love their sweets with a twist. They’re the soft batch that gets gobbled up as a post-barbecue treat.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Who can say no to a classic side that’s as vibrant as it is crunchy? This slaw is a refreshing companion to all your grilled favorites. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is the bit of freshness that breaks through the heavier mains. It’s a necessary crunch in the spread that offers a colorful contrast to the array of warm-weather eats.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Sometimes you want a dessert that’s as zingy as a warm day is long. These cupcakes offer a zingy lemon base topped with sweet raspberry frosting. Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting are individual delights that make serving dessert a piece of cake—no pun intended.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Picture little orbs of tasty goodness that have a surprise kick nestled within. These cheese balls are the perfect blend of smoky bacon and fiery jalapeño. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are the answer when you’re looking for a bold appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Oreo Cheesecake

Who can resist the classic combo of Oreos and cheesecake? It’s creamy, it’s rich, and it’s got that beloved cookie crunch. An Oreo Cheesecake serves up sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the dreamy dessert that fits right in at both fancy picnics and laid-back barbecues alike.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Italian Pasta with Salami

Take your pasta salad game up a notch with an Italian twist. It’s the kind of dish that’s robust with each forkful packed with flavor. A bowl of Italian Pasta with Salami is a must for any outdoor feast looking to add some hearty flair. Served chilled, it’s the refreshing yet filling choice that complements the sunshine perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Grilled Veggie Kebobs

If vegetables could talk, they’d tell you this is the way they want to be cooked. Charred to perfection, they’re both healthy and irresistible. Grilled Veggie Kebobs are the perfect side for those looking to balance out their meal. They offer a smoky taste that pairs well with anything else you’re throwing on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Why settle for one flavor when you can have three classics in every scoop? With Neapolitan Ice Cream, it’s like a little ice cream shop right in your bowl. This old-fashioned favorite is a warm weather staple that never gets old, no matter how many years it’s been part of the tradition.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

There’s something about Southern charm mixed with crunch that just hits right. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings are for the spice-lovers who want a bit of heat. They’re the finger-licking highlight of any cookout that promises to fill up the room with happy chatter and crunching.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings