29 Memorial Day Recipes To Make Sure Your Summer Starts Deliciously

There’s a reason people talk about what they ate more than what they did. These 29 meals make sure Memorial Day isn’t just another calendar blip with grill smoke. Whether you’re outside, inside, or somewhere in between, the food still brings the vibe. Kick off summer like you know what you’re doing.

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Who doesn’t love a good twist on classic BBQ chicken? Imagine that smoky, tender chicken packed inside a fluffy potato. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes come together to create a meal that screams comfort yet is perfect for a summer kick-off. It’s like getting the best of both worlds—heartiness and festive vibes in every bite.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Honeycrisp Salad

Sometimes, you just need something refreshing to balance out the hearty dishes. Enter Honeycrisp Salad, a crisp, sweet mix that provides a light contrast. With its refreshing crunch, it’s a no-brainer for something on the lighter side. Plus, its simplicity makes it a hit for any summer gathering, making sure there’s something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Queso Dip

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, look no further. Creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, Queso Dip is a staple that never disappoints. It’s that perfect dip for chips, making any social gathering instantly better. Gather around the bowl, because this is where memories are made, one scoop at a time.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Seeking a versatile addition to your Memorial Day menu? Creamy Avocado Sauce is the answer, adding a smooth, rich layer to any dish. Drizzle it on tacos, burgers, or even salads for an instant flavor upgrade. It’s the kind of sauce that’ll have people asking for seconds, and even the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Strawberry Poke Cake

For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert that combines fruity sweetness with cake is a dream. Strawberry Poke Cake does just that, infused with bright strawberry flavors. This cake is a showstopper, perfect for ending your meal on a high note. Plus, it’s sure to stand out on any dessert table, drawing oohs and aahs.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Now, this is how you do patriotic themes right. Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad offers a fun twist on traditional salads. This dish is handheld, colorful, and has a gratifying crunch, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. It’s the ultimate way to show off your spirit in a tasty, innovative manner.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Million Dollar Casserole

When looking for something that feels like a hug in a dish, you can’t go wrong here. Million Dollar Casserole lives up to its name, offering layers of comfort and flavor. It’s rich, filling, and just what you want greeting you after a long day of summer fun. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something incredibly rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Crunchy Onion Rings

Forget the store-bought version; homemade is where it’s at. Crunchy Onion Rings bring that perfect golden crunch that’s an ideal side or snack. They’re a bit nostalgic, reminding everyone of summer fairs and fun times. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, adding a homemade touch to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Homemade Buckeyes

Chocolate and peanut butter is a combination that never fails. Homemade Buckeyes are bite-sized treats that pack a sweet punch, perfect for nibbling on throughout the day. They’re simple to make and even easier to enjoy, guaranteeing they won’t last long. These are the treats that will have even the grown-ups coming back for ‘just one more.’
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Italian Pasta with Salami

Want a dish that travels well and tastes amazing cold? Italian Pasta with Salami is your go-to, mixing tasty flavors with hearty pasta. It’s the perfect addition to any outdoor feast, offering a filling option that’s a bit out of the ordinary. The blend of salami with pasta creates a memorable dish that’s a hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

If you’re in the mood for something spicy and easy to share, this is it. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel takes the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers and rolls them into an easy-to-eat treat. They’re a breeze to grab and go, making mingling a piece of cake. It’s a creative twist on a favorite appetizer, ensuring your dish stands out.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Key Lime Pie

Nothing says summer quite like a citrusy dessert. Key Lime Pie offers a tart, refreshing finish to any meal, balancing sweetness with a zingy lime kick. This pie is a classic that’s always welcome, especially when you’re looking for something a bit lighter. It’s the kind of dessert that cools you down and leaves you refreshed.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Kick up your snack game with a dish that’s sure to grab attention. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a spicy, cheesy delight, perfect for munching on while sharing stories. They’re a game changer for anyone looking to bring a bit of heat to the table. Plus, they’re customizable, making them a hit with both adults and kids.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

For a dish that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and creamy, look no further. Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an unexpected combination that just works wonderfully together. It’s a conversation starter, thanks to its unique mix of textures and flavors. This dish can serve as a dessert or a fun side, fitting perfectly into any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Brats in a Blanket

Sometimes, you just need a hand-held delight that combines tasty flavors with a bit of pastry. Brats in a Blanket are an easy-to-make, easy-to-love option perfect for guests of all ages. They’re great for walking around and chatting, keeping the vibe casual and fun. It’s a simple twist on classic flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Ice Cream Cake

Beat the heat with a dessert that’s as delicious as it is cool. Ice Cream Cake is a fan favorite, combining layers of ice cream with cake for a decadent treat. It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized with your favorite ice cream flavors. This cake is a showstopper, sure to draw a crowd as soon as it’s set out.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is a must-try. Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a vibrant addition to any table, offering a refreshing break from more traditional sides. It’s easy to make in large batches, ensuring there’s plenty to go around.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Key Lime Bars

When pie seems too daunting, bars offer a gratifying alternative. Key Lime Bars bring that beloved tart flavor in a more portable form. They’re perfect for picnics, easy to share, and just as refreshing as their pie counterpart. These bars ensure you get your citrus fix in every bite, making them a perfect sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Introduce some charred, smoky goodness to your meal with a vegetarian twist. Grilled Veggie Kebobs are colorful, nutritious, and incredibly tasty, offering a lighter side to the usual barbecue fare. They’re fun to make, eat, and share, making them a great addition to any outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Antipasto Salad

Looking for a dish that’s as striking visually as it is delicious? Antipasto Salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate, blending various flavors and textures. It’s the perfect starter or side, light yet rewarding. This salad has a way of bringing everyone together, drawn in by its vibrant appearance and delicious taste.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Celebrate the simple joys of childhood with a classic summer dessert. Neapolitan Ice Cream offers three flavors in one, making it a versatile treat that pleases a crowd. It’s a nostalgic nod that’s sure to spark conversations and memories alike. This dessert is the epitome of summer joy, offering something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Who can resist the spicy kick of jalapeños paired with the smoky goodness of bacon? Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are a bold choice, delivering a burst of flavor with each bite. They’re the perfect appetizer, small enough to snack on but packed with enough flavor to be memorable.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Oreo Cheesecake

Combining two favorites into one, this dessert offers the best of both worlds. Oreo Cheesecake is creamy, indulgent, and loaded with that classic cookie crunch. It’s a dessert that commands attention, making it a perfect centerpiece for your sweet spread. Few can resist its charms, making it a sure hit among both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

For a dish that screams summer, look no further. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies combines the heartiness of pasta with the fresh taste of grilled vegetables. It’s a great side dish that complements any main, ensuring your plate is balanced and colorful. Not only is it tasty, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Tomahawk Steak

When you want to impress with your grilling skills, this is the dish to choose. Tomahawk Steak is as dramatic in presentation as it is in taste, promising to be a memorable part of your meal. It’s perfect for those who love a good showstopper at their barbecue. Cooking it might just feel as rewarding as eating it, guaranteeing satisfaction all around.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Spice things up with a dish known for its bold flavor. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings bring the heat and the taste, perfect for those who like it a little fiery. They’re a great way to add some zing to your menu, ensuring there’s something with a kick. Plus, wings are always a hit, making them a safe yet exciting choice.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Patriotic Rice Crispy Treats

Want a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat? Patriotic Rice Crispy Treats are not only delicious but also a creative way to show your colors. They’re easy to make, even with kids, making the preparation part of the fun. These treats are sure to pull at everyone’s heartstrings while fulfilling their sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Rice Crispy Treats

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Add a pop of color and a crunch to your meal with a side that’s both pretty and tasty. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a fresh, tangy addition that complements any barbecue dish. It’s a classic with a twist, offering a bit of zing to liven up your plate. This coleslaw proves that sometimes, simple is best, especially when it looks this good.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Bring the vibrant flavors of street food to your Memorial Day celebration. Mexican Street Corn Salad is zingy, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a standout dish. It’s the kind of side that makes people go back for seconds, maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad