Do you find that Memorial Day sneaks up on you every year?
It does for me and I always end up scrambling to throw something together that actually looks organized!
I used to worry too much about having fun foods, but eventually I rounded up some festive recipes that are delicious and easy to make.
Now every May I’m ready with a plan that’s not fussy or complicated.
And you can be ready too!
If you’re entertaining a few close friends or hosting the whole block or just having a BBQ bash with your family, here are some easy recipes you’ll want on the table.
1. Grilled Corn With Chili-Lime Butter
Peel back the corn husks but don’t remove them. You can get rid of the silk stuff, though.
Mix some softened butter with lime zest, lime juice (just squeeze the lime!), chili powder and a pinch of salt.
Cover each cob with the butter mix and fold the husks back over the corn.
Grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes, but make sure you turn them occasionally.
Serve the corn hot with an extra swipe of chili-lime butter!
2. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers
Grab some skewers and thread on strawberries, blueberries, and chunks of banana or marshmallow.
Alternate the colors to give them a flag-inspired look.
Throw the skewers in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. You can dip the banana pieces in lemon juice to keep them fresh longer.
These work best when the fruit is cold and firm.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Rub a pork shoulder with your favorite BBQ seasoning and cook it low and slow in a slow cooker or oven until it’s fall-apart tender.
Shred the meat and toss it with barbecue sauce.
Toast slider buns lightly and pile on the pork.
Add pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch. Serve warm with napkins nearby.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad
Cut a ripe watermelon into cubes and toss with some crumbled feta cheese.
Add thinly sliced red onion along with a handful of fresh chopped mint.
Drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and a tiny bit of balsamic glaze.
Mix it all gently, making sure you don’t break up the watermelon pieces.
Chill until it’s time to serve.
5. Patriotic Layered Jello Cups
Mix up some red Jello and fill up some clear cups about a third of the way.
Let it set in the fridge, then add a layer of whipped cream or vanilla pudding.
Repeat with blue Jello. After it’s firm, top with more whipped cream and some star sprinkles.
6. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Cut some fresh pineapple and chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
Marinate just the chicken in a mix of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
Use a skewer and thread the chicken and pineapple, alternating pieces.
Grill over medium heat for around 12 to 15 minutes, making sure you give them a turn while they’re cooking.
And make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through before serving.
7. American Flag Cookie Cake
Roll out some sugar cookie dough on a baking sheet and bake it until it’s golden.
Once the cookie is cooled, spread a layer of vanilla frosting on top.
Now, here’s where you get to be creative:
Use blueberries for the stars section of the flag and sliced strawberries for the stripes!
Then fill in the white areas with mini marshmallows or more frosting.
Be sure to chill the cookie before serving.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Take each hot dog and wrap it with a slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure it if you have to.
Grill them over medium heat, turning until the bacon is crispy and the dog is cooked all the way through.
You can toast the buns on the grill for the last minute!
Layout out toppings like cheese, onions, or barbecue sauce and serve them hot off the grill.
9. Classic Deviled Eggs With a Twist
Deviled eggs are a classic for any gathering!
Hard-boil a dozen eggs, peel them, and then slice them in half.
Scoop out the yolks and mash them up with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of pickle juice.
If you want to add an extra punch, stir in some finely chopped pickles or crispy bacon bits.
Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika or chives.
10. Strawberry Shortcake Jars
Slice up some fresh strawberries and toss them with a little sugar to make them nice and juicy.
Take a small mason jar and fill the bottom with crumbled shortcake or biscuits.
Add whipped cream and a spoonful of the strawberry mix.
Repeat the layers one more time and store the jars in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them up.
11. Caprese Pasta Salad
Cook up some pasta and let it cool (you can use any pasta you want).
Toss the cool pasta with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
To give it some zing, drizzle the entire thing with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste and chill it in the fridge until it’s time to eat.
12. Firecracker Shrimp
To make Firecracker Shrimp, toss peeled shrimp into a mix of smoked paprika, garlic, cayenne, and olive oil.
Let them marinate for 15 minutes before sauteeing or grilling the shrimp over high heat.
The shrimp should be nice and pink and slightly charred.
Serve the shrimp with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo and garnish with green onions or cilantro.
13. Cheeseburger Sliders
Season some ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and shape into small patties.
Cook the patties on a hot skillet or grill them until they are browned and cooked all the way through.
Place on slider buns with cheese melted on top.
Put out some ketchup, mustard, and pickles for your guests.
Serve the sliders stacked on a platter.
And if you need more ideas, check out my post on easy slider recipes for your bash.
14. Sparkling Lemonade Punch
Along with some yummy food, don’t forget some festive drinks!
In a large pitcher, mix up some lemonade, lemon-lime soda, and a splash of orange juice.
Throw in some lemon slices and fresh berries for color.
Put it in the fridge to chill it, then pour over ice.
If you’re having an adult party, add a splash of vodka to the pitcher.
15. Loaded Potato Salad
Take potato salad to the next level by loading it with delicious goodies!
Dice up some potatoes and boil them until they are tender. Let them cool a little bit.
Mix the potatoes up with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sour cream.
And you can add some creaminess by throwing in some mayo.
Stir gently to coat without mashing and chill for at least an hour.
16. Mini Corn on the Cob With Herbed Butter
Boil or grill mini corn cobs (or regular corn cobs cut into chunks) until they are tender.
Mix them with chopped parsley, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Brush the butter over the hot corn and wrap it in foil to keep it warm if you’re serving later.
Stack them in a basket for easy grabbing.
17. S’mores Dip
Don’t forget about dessert!
Melt chocolate chips over low heat or in a dish in the oven.
Top the chocolate with marshmallows and broil until it’s golden and gooey.
Serve immediately with graham crackers for dipping.
Use a heat-safe dish to keep everything warm longer.
And make sure you keep a spoon nearby for scooping!
18. Jalapeño Popper Bites
For a spicy kick, make some jalapeno popper bites!
Slice the jalapenos in half and make sure to remove the seeds.
Fill each half with a mix of shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and garlic powder.
Top with breadcrumbs or wrap them up in bacon.
Bake the peppers at 375°F until everything is bubbly and golden.
Let them cool a bit before serving.
19. Berry Trifle Cups
Layer cubes of pound cake with whipped cream and mixed berries in small clear cups.
Repeat layers once or twice.
If you want a colorful look, use raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
Chill the cups before serving so all the yummy flavors can meld.
Want to get fancy? Add a mint leaf on top!
20. Grilled Veggie Skewers
To make grilled veggie skewers, chop zucchini, red onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms into equal-sized chunks.
Toss everything with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Thread everything onto skewers and grill until lightly charred, turning occasionally to cook evenly.
Serve warm or at room temp.
21. BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Grill or bake flatbreads until they are crisp, then spread with barbecue sauce, shredded cooked chicken, and red onion slices.
(You can also use naan bread!)
Sprinkle with shredded mozza or cheddar cheese.
Bake or grill until the cheese melts and finish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
22. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Making frozen bark is so easy!
Spread Greek yogurt on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
For a patriotic look, use strawberries and blueberries!
Freeze the pan until everything is firm, then break into pieces.
Store in a freezer-safe container and serve straight from the freezer.
23. Mac and Cheese Muffins
Make a batch or your favorite mac and cheese and spoon it all into greased muffin tins.
Press everything down slightly and top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake until golden and set. Let them cool a bit before removing.
24. Ranch Pasta Salad
Cook rotini pasta and let it cool.
Toss the pasta with ranch dressing, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
Chill the pasta salad for a couple hours, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
25. Spicy Grilled Sausage With Peppers
Slice up some spicy sausage links and colorful bell peppers.
Toss the sausage and peppers with olive oil and garlic before grilling everything on a flat-top or in a grill pan until browned and tender.
If you want to make this dish zesty, add a splash of balsamic or hot sauce.
Serve in buns or on a platter.
26. No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
To make the crust, crush graham crackers and mix them with melted butter.
Press it into a lined baking dish.
Whip up some cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then fold in whipped topping.
Spread this mix over the crust and put everything in the fridge until firm.
Cut into squares and top with fruit or pie filling.
27. Easy Grilled Artichokes
These grilled artichokes are a surprisingly simple yet impressive appetizer or side dish.
Steamed until tender, marinated with lemon, garlic, and rosemary, then grilled to perfection, they’re served with a warm butter dipping sauce that’s sure to delight your guests.
28. Red, White, and Blue Pretzel Bites
These are too cute!
Red, White, and Blue Pretzel Bites! They combine mini candy bars sandwiched between pretzels, dipped in colorful candy melts, and topped with sprinkles for a sweet and salty delight.
29. Parmesan Zucchini Chips
These Parmesan Zucchini Chips look soo crispy, cheesy!
Coated in seasoned panko and Parmesan, then baked until golden, they’re perfect for dipping in ranch or marinara, and even picky eaters will be asking for more.
30. Hibiscus Mocktail
This is a lightly sweet, bubbly drink made with hibiscus tea, lime juice, and honey simple syrup, topped with sparkling water.
It’s a festive, non-alcoholic option perfect for warm-weather gatherings, offering a colorful and hydrating alternative to traditional cocktails.
31. BBQ Chicken Marinade
This yummy marinade is a simple yet blend that turns plain chicken breasts into juicy, smoky Memorial day food.
With just seven ingredients—including BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and smoked paprika—you can whip up a marinade that infuses every bite with sweet and tangy goodness, making it ideal for summer grilling.
32. US Flag Layered Taco Dip
This an easy layered dip for your Memorial Day bash that everyone will devour.
It’s layered with sour cream, taco seasoning, black beans, shredded lettuce, and topped with cheese, olives, and grape tomatoes arranged to resemble the American flag, it’s a fun and flavorful dish that will impress your guests.
33. Mini Corndogs
My kids love these mini corn dogs.
They are a nostalgic, homemade take on the classic Sonic favorite.
With a sweet, crispy cornbread coating and juicy hot dog center, they’re the perfect kid-friendly snack or party appetizer that brings back all the fun of drive-in dining.
34. Mexican Chicken Salad
This Mexican chicken salad is a vibrant, veggie-packed dish that’s both flavorful and family-friendly.
Combining tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy dressing with a hint of spice from pickled jalapeños, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal.
35. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Here are some delicious slow cooker BBQ ribs that are a foolproof way to serve up tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without the grill.
Seasoned with a flavorful dry rub, slow-cooked to juicy perfection, and finished under the broiler for a caramelized crust, they’re a mouthwatering addition to any BBQ spread.
36. Blueberry Flatbread with Goat Cheese
This blueberry flatbread with goat cheese? Total win for any potluck or holiday.
It’s sweet, savory, and honestly looks way fancier than it actually is. The combo of warm roasted blueberries, creamy goat cheese, and a little honey drizzle is decadant.
Add a sprinkle of mint on top and boom, fancy appetizer or easy dinner side that feels super summery. Definitely keeping this one in the rotation!
37. Red, White & Blue Poke Cake
This easy poke cake is a festive and easy dessert perfect for patriotic celebrations.
The cake is topped with a creamy layer of whipped topping and adorned with patriotic sprinkles, making each slice resemble a bursting firecracker.
It’s a delightful treat sure to impress guests at any summer gathering.
Make This Memorial Day One to Remember
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that great food can bring people together.
No matter if your gathering is big or small, these festive recipes are super simple and will add some extra flair to your celebration.
So get ready for a memorable Memorial Day!
