Now, these are the best memorial day recipes! Summer is basically here, and Memorial Day weekend is the the perfect transition holiday to really feel that summer energy – it’s truly the unofficial start to summer. When I think of Memorial Day, I think of my family get togethers, and lots of barbecues.
I think of foods like potato salad, lots of pasta salad, steak on the grill, crunchy salads with cucumbers and veggies, spicy beans with bacon, ribs, burgers and hot dogs. I think of the classics, but also switching it up with unique recipes as well. Talk about a next level cookout!
Cue’ our 30+ best memorial day recipes – continue reading below! Enjoy!
Let’s begin with appetizers to get going!
For appetizers, my eyes go straight to our lemon pepper chicken wings paired with creme fraiche ranch(that is to die for and you must have this on your menu!)
If you’re looking for a fun and unique plant-based appetizer, I also love our Heart of Palm & Watermelon “Ceviche”.It’s refreshing and crunchy – the taste is super unique! Pair it with some salsa and some lime juice, and you are golden! Another great plant-basedapp idea are these chipotle tostada bites with a super quick coleslaw. Serve while your guests are waiting for the main meal to be complete! Truly the best little bites.
Truly all of these appetizers are filled with so much flavor! BBQ/Memorial Day heaven!
Prosciutto, Mt. Tam and Fig Jam Crostini
I am literally obsessed with these prosciutto, Mt. Tam & Fig Jam crostini’s; they are perfect. It comes together so simply, it is SO quick to whip up and it’s definitely an appetizer pleaser.
These EPIC, easy, and delicious grilled baby artichokes are just SO good. Served with a homemade tarragon aioli, that is just so perfect, and don’t forget loads of fresh lemon juice, too.
This spinach dip is the best appetizer/side/dinner EVER! Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, or even bread and eat up! It’s also extremely quick and easy to make, this will go on repeat. Cue’ the cream cheese and load up on the cheese, and your guests will LOVE this.
These lemon pepper wings come together in NO time and are SO good! A quick lemon pepper butter paired with crispy wings = perfection. When I tell you I DREAM of these wings, I mean it. They’re seriously SO tangy, easy and delicious.
All about this roasted garlic & herb yogurt dip!! Say hello to this cozy/easy prep-ahead appetizer for the holidays. Filled with fresh herbs and yogurt. you will LOVE this.Serve with all your favorite vegetables and crudite. You can also add on hummus on the platter as well. Truly delicious, crisp and delightful!
This tomato bruschetta might be my favorite thing EVER. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was hands down the first recipe I learned to make/cook. (And definitely one of the top recipes I would defer to people to make when they are starting to cook, it is foolproof!) When I was first learning about cooking and expanding my skills, this recipe was one of the first ones I learned and conquered.
Try out this plant-based watermelon + heart of palm "ceviche". Loads of goodies including tomatoes, jalapeños, red onions, heart of palm, watermelon, cucumber and cilantro.
These Chipotle Tostada Bites are such a great appetizer treat! They are placed on top of crispy tortillas, a quick cabbage slaw with a homemade Tinga inspired sauce that is to die for!It starts off with a chipotle (Tinga) inspired sauce, then a homemade quick slaw and crispy (mini!) tostadas.
I absolutely all kinds of hummus, and this spicy roasted red pepper hummus recipe is no exception! Homemade roasted bell peppers, blended with all the goodness hummus has to offer. The taste is SO amazing, and is so creamy!
Side-dishes to me, make the whole meal complete, and I am quite obsessed! Some highlights are our crispy grilled potato salad with a creamy horseradish sauce, Spring panzanella and a plant-based mac n’cheese that is to die for!
Summer Panzanella Salad
Summer panzanella salad, oh YES! Tomatoes, cucumber, homemade bread cubes, cucumbers, red onions, mozzarella + basil all tossed with a tomato dijon dressing (lots of drizzle action!). I am in love.
Crispy smashed potatoes with this gochujang spicy mayo is, by far, my new favorite side, ever! A big reason why I’m obsessed with this recipe is because it uses mostly pantry staples and it's great to prep ahead!
Beets with Burrata, Hazelnuts and Green Goddess Vinaigrette
Talk about a dish! These beets with burrata, toasted hazelnuts and green goddess vinaigrette just might steal the show, at every gathering (and dinner, too!) I’m truly obsessed with this combo – the crunchy and toasty flavor from the hazelnuts, paired with beets, burrata and a tangy vin.
Sweet Potato and Kale Couscous with Spicy Basil Tahini
Now, this combo is everything! Sweet potato and kale couscous with a spicy basil tahini sauce, is just beautiful! It is nourishing, it is filled with flavor, and it comes together in no time.
These lemon haricot vert with crispy shallots must be on your sides rotation! This recipe utilizes shallots in 2 ways: tossed with the green beans AND topped as as a crispy crunch topping. It’s SO good!
I love this plant based Mac N’ Cheese! It is creamy, and dreamy, filled with a base of blended soaked cashews and nutritional yeast, spices, it is addicting. Tossed all together with my favorite cavatappi pasta and topped with homemade toasted panko breadcrumbs.
These simple herb and parmesan fries are epic! They are paired with a homemade (yes, homemade!) lemon garlic aioli that is foolproof, creamy and delicious.
This spring panzanella with Za’atar croutons recipe is SO good. This Spring salad recipe is filled with ingredients like radishes, asparagus, herbs, lettuce and MORE with a creamy and quick lemon dijon vinaigrette. Truly this super green asparagus salad has so much flavor. It makes for great main dish, or can be served as a side dish as well.
Crispy Grilled Potato Salad with Horseradish Sauce
Crispy grilled potato salad with a horseradish sauce. A homemade paste is made and tossed over the potatoes (think garlic, rosemary and dijon mustard), cooked on the grill and tossed with a creamy horseradish sauce.You can prep these ahead of time and then drizzle over the horseradish sauce at time of serving. This also makes a great side dish.
For mains, we have a ton of options below! I’m inspired by lemongrass chicken skewers since skewers = summer. However, below we have all types of grilled summery dishes ranging from chicken, tuna, salmon, steak, beef and MORE!
Other fantastic mains are our easy homemade burgers on the grill/or veggie burgers, too.
Vietnamese Inspired Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham
When I think of summertime, my mind immediately goes to grilling and my backyard. Specifically, these Vietnamese Inspired Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with fluffy white rice and Nuoc Cham.
Major summertime vibes with this sesame seared ahi tuna & grilled avocados (tossed in a ginger ponzu sauce). Been spending a lot of time outside on the grill and this is the perfect summery, colorful recipe.
Grilled New York Steak with Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette Salad
Let’s welcome this: grilled New York Steak with a sherry shallot vinaigrette salad.I am outdoors, grilling mostly every meal during the Spring/Summer and this recipe is no exception. Grilled salt + pepper steak is cooked to perfection and served alongside and radish & snap pea salad tossed in a homemade sherry shallot vinaigrette salad.
Grilled Salmon Skewers with a Green Herb Vinaigrette
The perfect grilled salmon skewers with a green herb vinaigrette.This dressing is tangy, greens galore, garlicky and literally everything I want & more! It serves its purpose as both a marinade for the skewers and served alongside for dipping and drizzlin’.
This is my go-to, most perfect burger recipe. It’s extremely simple, it’s quick, and it gets dinner ready in no-time. It’s also the most perfect recipe to make for a crowd – because who doesn’t love burgers?
Some of my favorites are our empress gin fizz or if you want to go the mocktail route, you can make this strawberry, pineapple and mango mocktail! (That recipe has gin, but just remove to make it a mocktail!)
Tip: If you’re having a picnic esque Memorial Day, I would recommend bringing a cooler with ice and your favorite canned/glass drinks as well. You can batch the above drinks in an airtight glass/cup/pitcher and serve straight from the cooler!
End on a sweet note, desserts for all!
Now, the best part for last is dessert. Keep it sweet with our cheesecake marble brownies, or a chocolate moussewhich can totally be prepped ahead. We’re topping with whipped cream, but a dollop of ice cream and/or fresh strawberries would be amazing!
Both of these are great prep ahead desserts so it’s all ready day of!
Cheesecake Marble Brownies
These cheesecake marble brownies are just a DREAM! Homemade brownie batter topped with cheesecake, is so epic.In this recipe, there is a marble swirl; but if you wanted to do a double layer with brownie and do a full cheesecake layer, that would absolutely be delicious as well.
This chocolate mousse might be my favorite dessert, I think, ever? It is creamy, thick, flavorful and oh so delicious. What I love about this dessert, is that it's pretty simple to come together, but it looks SO impressive, everyone will want the recipe.
If you do make any of these recipes (first of all, thank you!!), be sure to leave a comment and/or give the recipe a rating on their posts! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagramso I can be sure to see what you’re making! If you’d like to stay in touch and get the latest to your inbox, sign up for our Newsletter here as well!
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30+ Best Memorial Day Recipes
These are the best memorial day recipes! Summer is basically here, and Memorial Day is the the perfect transition to feel that summer energy. This burger recipe is one of my favorites!
Begin by making your burger sauce. In a bowl, mix together mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, diced pickles, sugar, vinegar, paprika and salt and pepper. Set aside.
Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them each in a ball and then a patty. Make a small dent with your thumb half way through the middle of the patty – this will help with even cooking and keeping your patties flat.
Tip: Season on both sides with salt and pepper. You can alternatively just season one side, then when you put them on the grill, put them on the grill seasoned side down, and season the other side on the pan itself.
In the meantime, slice, butter and toast your buns, set aside.
Heat a cast-iron griddle or skillet until very hot and then drizzle on a little bit of vegetable oil.
Working in batches, place your patties on the skillet. Place a spatula on top of the patty to push down a tad to get an even char and flatten it out a tad. If you want to make this a smash burger, don't form patties and place your sectioned ball on the skillet and smash it down as thin as you can with the spatula, 1-2 minutes until golden brown and then flip! When it’s crispy on the bottom (about 3-4 minutes), flip, and place a slice of cheese on the top of each patty. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve your patties on your buttered buns with your burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickled red onions. Serve and enjoy!
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