Get Ready to Grill—27 Must-Try Recipes for Memorial Day BBQs

Can you feel it? That first hint of summer approaches as we anticipate long weekends, backyard gatherings, and sunny afternoons. Memorial Day is right around the corner, marking the unofficial start of summer and the return of seasonal delights: fresh watermelon, grilled favorites, vibrant salads, icy desserts, and refreshing margaritas. Whether you're lighting up the grill or packing goodies for the beach, we've compiled a selection of recipes that will elevate your Memorial Day experience.

27 Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off Summer

The great thing about these Memorial Day recipes is they're perfect for more than just one weekend. From quick appetizers and summer salads to grilled chicken, seafood, vegetarian dishes, thirst-quenching drinks, and desserts that can be prepped in advance, each recipe deserves a place in your summer menu. They're easy enough for a casual family meal and impressive enough for a festive BBQ or pool party.

Below, discover our favorite Memorial Day recipes to celebrate summer in the tastiest way possible. Think of this as your essential guide for upcoming sun-filled events.

Appetizers

Rainbow Beet Salad

This colorful beet salad adds a festive touch to your table effortlessly. Featuring sweet heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a crunchy dukkah topping, it's a light and seasonal accompaniment.

Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad

This dish checks all the boxes for a summer gathering: easy to transport, bursting with flavor, and delicious at room temperature. The classic caprese elements combine beautifully with sun-dried tomatoes for a savory twist.

Hummus Toast with Tomatoes, Feta, and Za'atar

Great for hosting, this recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and perfect as an appetizer or casual side. It delivers that fresh, snackable vibe everyone craves before the main course, without much effort.

Charred Cabbage with Cashew Cream

This isn't your typical veggie side. With its smoky char and golden edges, grilled cabbage adds a touch of flair while remaining simple.

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Crispy Torn Halloumi Salad

This dish is a must-have for warm weather. Bright, salty, fresh, and satisfying, the golden halloumi provides a unique texture that elevates this salad.

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Grilled Romaine Salad with Cherries and Feta

A little heat enhances this dish beyond just greens. The charred romaine becomes crisp and flavorful, adding a lighter yet bold option to your Memorial Day spread.

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Ricotta and Plum Bruschetta

This appetizer looks sophisticated but is incredibly simple to prepare. The combination of whipped ricotta and ripe plums showcases a fresh, seasonal flavor, and the toasted bread offers a delightful crunch.

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Mains

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Combining spiced chicken, sweet peppers, and all the fixings, this dish brings a lively, interactive element to your Memorial Day celebration.

Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs

For a main dish that's easy yet flavorful, chicken thighs are the way to go. They're juicy, tender, and forgiving on the grill, ensuring you achieve maximum flavor without stressing over cooking times.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Grapefruit-Avocado Salsa

These tacos inject fun into your meal. They're simple to serve, customizable, and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for a relaxed gathering.

Burst Tomato Pasta

This recipe highlights how a few quality ingredients can create a fantastic meal. As the tomatoes blister and burst, they form a flavorful base that's light and perfect for summer.

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Cedar Plank Halibut with Salsa Verde

If you want to lighten up your Memorial Day menu, this dish fits the bill. Halibut offers a light, flaky alternative to traditional cookout fare while still providing that fresh-off-the-grill taste.

Grilled Salmon with Stone Fruit Salsa

This dish elevates the menu without complicating it. Classic grilled salmon pairs wonderfully with peach salsa, adding a pop of color and sweetness that's perfect for summer.

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Desserts

Strawberry Cream Cheese Galette

Rustic yet refined, this strawberry galette feels effortless yet special. Juicy berries enveloped in a flaky crust make it a perfect warm dessert paired with vanilla ice cream.

Peach Crumble Icebox Cake

A make-ahead dessert is a go-to for hosting. This peach crumble icebox cake allows the fridge to do the work, resulting in a cool, fruit-filled treat that embodies summer.

Strawberries and Cream Pavlova

This stunning dessert serves as a centerpiece. The airy meringue combined with strawberries and cream feels classic, fresh, and celebratory without overwhelming richness.

Summer Fruit Salad and Crushed Meringue

The best desserts often let seasonal ingredients shine. This fruit salad celebrates summer produce, offering a refreshing, sweet addition to your Memorial Day table.

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No-Churn Fruit Sorbet

This dessert is the perfect way to cool down. Colorful, refreshing, and incredibly easy to serve, it's ideal for ending the meal or providing a sweet treat between swims.

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Cherry Berry Ice Cream Pie

This frozen pie is a summer cookout essential. Creamy, cool, and nostalgic, it makes for a delightful Memorial Day dessert after a sunny day of grilling and enjoying seconds.

Grilled Peaches with Honey

We can't get enough of stone fruit. Elevate your ice cream sundae with these honey-grilled peaches. With the grill already hot, why not add these delicious treats?

Gluten Free & Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes

A tray of cupcakes brings fun to dessert. These cupcakes deliver classic carrot cake flavors in a casual format that's perfect for picnics and backyard gatherings.

Drinks

Honeydew Melon Slushies

For a drink that feels like a mini getaway, try this slushie. Bright, refreshing, and wonderfully simple, it adds a fun twist to your menu.

Non-Alcoholic Summer Spritz Bar

If you're after a festive drink without the alcohol, look no further. These non-alcoholic spritzes are crisp, colorful, and perfect for sipping all afternoon, catering to everyone at your Memorial Day gathering.

Spicy Mezcal Paloma

This Paloma reimagines the classic with a summer twist. Using mezcal introduces a bold, earthy flavor that keeps each sip refreshing and zesty, perfect for a long weekend.

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Spicy Margarita

This margarita packs a punch in the best way. It's vibrant, zesty, and festive enough to make any laid-back backyard gathering feel more exciting.

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Lillet Rosé Spritz

This is your sophisticated patio drink. The floral, honeyed notes from the Lillet add a delightful twist, making it more intriguing than your standard spritz while remaining crisp and refreshing.

Limoncello Spritz Cocktail

Bring the bubbles with this chic spritz. Ideal for at-home happy hours, family brunches, or Memorial Day celebrations. But honestly, you shouldn't need a special occasion to enjoy this delightful drink.

 This post was last updated on May 17, 2026, to include new insights.