Easy Memorial Day Recipes

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Prepping for a summer picnic or MDW BBQ? This collection of incredible Memorial Day Recipes has everything you need for the perfect holiday spread!

Corn, cherries, red onions, and basil in a white serving bowl.

Whether you need the perfect main course, a tasty side dish, or a sweet treat to please any crowd, these recipes have something to offer for everyone! These recipes capture all the flavors of summer, so you can kick off the warmer months with the best recipes.

And once all the cooking is done, take a look at the selection of summery cocktails so you can kick your feet up and enjoy these Memorial Day recipes in style.

Whether you’re enjoying a skewer of my Grilled Pesto Shrimp or digging into this Summer Corn Salad, there’s something for everybody here!

Main Course Recipes for Memorial Day

When it comes to your MDW menu, the main course is arguably the most important part! My buffalo chicken sliders are a foolproof option, and these Ahi Tuna Tacos are perfect if you’re a fan of seafood.

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buffalo chicken sliders on a sheet pan
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
With a bold and classic flavor, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for a crowd pleasing appetizer or a fun handheld dinner! Pair tender and spicy chicken with soft rolls for a party sandwich!
Bufflo Chicken Sliders
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grilled pesto shrimp on wooden skewers close up photo.
Grilled Pesto Shrimp
Simple and easy to make, this Grilled Pesto Shrimp is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish with the perfect char that even a novice can make!
Grilled Pesto Shrimp
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is juicy and full of flavor! It's easy to make with just a few ingredients and cooks in your slow cooker all day.
Pulled Pork Recipe
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two crab cakes on a plate with lemon slice
Maryland Crab Cakes
A Maryland Crab Cake Recipe made with jumbo lump blue crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, and a secret ingredient! They are a true Maryland staple.
Maryland Crab Cakes
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ahi tuna tacos on parchment paper
Ahi Tuna Tacos
Ahi Tuna Tacos are a delicious meal made with a few simple ingredients and only 10 minutes of cook time. You'll have them on the table so fast!
Ahi Tuna Tacos Recipe
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Close up of air fryer turkey burgers.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Juicy, delicious, and healthier than fast food, these super simple Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are perfect to serve with your favorite toppings!
How to Make Burgers in the Air Fryer
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salmon salad sandwich on a serving tray
Salmon Salad Sandwich
Salmon Salad Sandwiches are a high protein lunch or dinner that's quick and easy to make. Filled with fresh veggies and flaky salmon, you can enjoy it as a refreshing salad or sandwich filling.
Salmon Salad Recipe
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Close up of pasta salad with meat in a bowl.
Cheeseburger Pasta Salad
This 20 minute Cheeseburger Pasta Salad is so easy to throw together and even tastes great the next day! Serve it as a main dish or side!
Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

Memorial Day Side Dish Recipes

Once you have your main course locked down, the first thing you’ll want to do is pick a side or two to pair with it. These Watermelon Tajin Skewers are a unique blend of sweet and spicy, and as a Maryland girl I have to recommend my Crab Fries as well!

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Maryland crab dip in a white baking dish garnished with fresh parsley.
Maryland Crab Dip
This Maryland Crab Dip is a staple in Maryland that's made at every holiday and get-together! It's unbelievably easy, impossible to mess up, and will leave a lasting impression.
Maryland Crab Dip
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summer corn salad close up
Summer Corn Salad
Summer Corn Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer salad full of fresh corn, red onion, honey goat cheese, cherries, and a fresh basil vinaigrette. This garden-fresh salad is so easy to make and is sure to become a staple in your home this summer.
Summer Corn Salad
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watermelon tajin skewers on a serving plate with lime
Watermelon Tajin Skewers
Watermelon with tajin is a delicious sweet and spicy combo! Skewered with fresh lime juice, mint, and cotija, these watermelon skewers are perfect for a refreshing summer treat.
Watermelon Tajin Skewers
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corn salad in a white bowl topped with cilantro and lime wedges
Avocado Corn Salad
Avocado Corn Salad is the perfect bright summer salad loaded with grilled corn, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a creamy dressing.
Avocado Corn Salad Recipe
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burrata salad on a large plate with a white napkin
Caramelized Peach Burrata Salad
Sweet and tangy caramelized peaches with creamy burrata, savory prosciutto, and fresh mint come together to create this beautifully bright summer salad.
Peach Burrata Salad Recipe
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Crab fries on a baking sheet with melted cheese and scallions.
Crab Fries
Savory and satisfying, these super easy Crab Fries are ready in under 30 minutes and make the perfect restaurant-quality appetizer!
Homemade Crab Fries
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Close up of BLT pasta salad.
BLT Pasta Salad
This super easy, 20-minute BLT Pasta Salad is fantastic as a picnic or cookout side dish, but I love serving it as a main course in the summer too.
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
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watermelon feta salad in a large white bowl
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad with mint wins over a crowd of any size. If you're looking to dress up fresh watermelon this recipe is for you!
Watermelon Feta Salad
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Air fryer smashed potatoes on a white serving platter.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy and flavorful, these easy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and air fried to perfection with garlic and olive oil.
How to Air Fry Smashed Potatoes

Memorial Day Drinks

Once all of your food is ready to serve, you deserve to have a drink! My Mint Mojitos are a staple summer drink, and these Strawberry Basil Margaritas are fantastic if you like a sweet and frozen cocktail.

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two mint mojitos on a wood serving tray
Easy Mint Mojitos
If you're in the mood for a refreshing summer drink, this Mint Mojito Recipe will hit the spot! It's easy to make, delicious, and refreshing.
How to Make Mint Mojitos
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3 champagne cocktails on a wood serving board with flowers
Peach Sorbet Champagne Cocktails
It's bubbly, it's bright, it's the champagne cocktail your Sunday ladies brunches have been missing! Celebrate Summer by pouring drinks and making a toast with this fun and easy drink.
Peach Sorbet Cocktail Recipe
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Rosé Sangria
A Rosé Sangria recipe that tastes even better when you make it ahead of time. Think boozy fruit in a dangerously drinkable rose' cocktail. It's perfect for a crowd!
Rose Sangria Recipe
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Gin Fizz Lemonade Cocktail
Gin Fizz Lemonade Cocktail
Easy 3 ingredient Gin Fizz Lemonade drink is made with Bombay Sapphire Gin. Refreshing and citrusy, you’ll enjoy this low calorie cocktail.
Gin Fizz Lemonade Recipe
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Quick and Easy Frozen Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Quick and Easy Frozen Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Make this Frozen Strawberry Basil Margarita recipe for a quick cocktail with a medley of refreshing flavors!
Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe
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Watermelon Lemonade Prosecco Spritzer
Watermelon Lemonade Prosecco Spritzer
This fizzy fruity concoction is the ideal summer libation. With pureed watermelon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon liqueur and prosecco.
Watermelon Lemonade Prosecco Recipe

Memorial Day Dessert Recipes

All of the best meals end with something sweet. My Holiday Sugar Cookies can easily be decorated in a patriotic theme for a fun and festive treat, and my Key Lime Pie Cannoli Dip is a unique dessert that you’ll never have leftovers of!

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close up of cannoli dip in a small bowl with chocolate chips
Cannoli Dip
If you love cannolis, you're going to love this easy Cannoli Dip recipe! Now you can whip up your favorite Italian dessert right out of your kitchen.
How to Make Cannoli Dip
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holiday sugar cookies with red frosting and sprinkles
Holiday Sugar Cookies
These super easy sugar cookies are easy to decorate for any holiday, so break out the red white and blue sprinkles for a fun and festive treat!
How to Make Holiday Sugar Cookies
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overhead photo of cannoli dip with a lime wedge on top
Key Lime Pie Cannoli Dip
Key Lime Pie Cannoli Dip is the best of both worlds, combining two classic desserts to make one super delicious dip! It's easy and made with pantry staples.
Key Lime Cannoli Dip Recipe
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5 Minute Raspberry Frozen Yogurt
5 Minute Raspberry Frozen Yogurt
Make a batch of homemade Raspberry Frozen Yogurt for a light and sweet treat to beat the heat! It’s super easy to make and pops with fruity flavors. Only 5 ingredients are needed!
Raspberry Frozen Yogurt Recipe
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Strawberry Icebox Cake
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Strawberry Icebox Cake is a layered dessert that starts with Lorna Doone Cookies on the bottom, a creamy Cool Whip cheesecake pudding filling, that’s topped with juicy fresh strawberries. This no bake dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Strawberry Icebok Cake Recipe
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Blueberry Lemon No Bake Cheesecake Jars
Blueberry Lemon No Bake Cheesecake Jars
Yummy no-bake cheesecake in a mason jar! With a graham cracker almond crust, a sweet cream cheese lemony Greek yogurt layer, and homemade blueberry sauce.
No Bake Cheesecake Jars Recipe

FAQs

What are the best foods to eat on Memorial Day?

Throwing something on the grill is a great start for any MDW, so chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and ribs are classic options. If you don’t feel like grilling, you can make a lot of the same dishes in your air fryer or in the oven for a more convenient option!

What are some good side dishes for Memorial Day?

A nice pasta salad or potato salad is always a great choice. Any one of these summer pasta salads is sure to be a hit at any picnic, pool party, or cookout!

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