Memorial Day Recipes & Menu Ideas

Memorial Day always feels like the celebration of the start of summer. Where we currently live (Tennessee), Memorial Day is when kids finish school, and when the weather finally gets consistently warm again. It’s one of my favorite holidays, especially when it comes to food— gathering around the table, simple meals, and being together.

In this roundup, I’ve gathered 15 of my favorite Memorial Day recipes to celebrate Memorial Day weekend right. You can go as casual as messy burgers, hot dogs, and grilled corn on the cob or as fancy as shrimp boil and smoked brisket. Or, mix it up with a few traditional entrees and a few fresh, new ones.

List of the Most Loved Memorial Day Recipes

1. Amazing Shish Kabob Recipe (with Beef)

This savory beef kabob recipe is a beef lover’s dream. The tender pieces of beef are alternated with colorful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for one perfect main course.

2. Grilled Corn on the Cob (Extra Easy)

Grilled corn on the cob is one of the most classic Memorial Day Recipes out there. The smokiness of the kernels is great eaten as-is, but you can also slice the kernels off and add them to a grilled corn avocado and tomato salad.

3. Chimichurri Steak

This steak is marinated for only 30 minutes, giving the perfect zesty-bold garlic-lemon-herb flavor. I can’t even look at the pictures or think about this steak without salivating!

4. 5 Minute Grilled Chicken Thighs

If you’re having a large gathering, chicken thighs are one of the easiest, most fool-proof meats to make. With this recipe, you won’t have any stress this and it’s going to be such a crowd pleaser.

5. Fresh Pineapple Salsa

I never thought pineapples would work so good in a salsa, and boy was I wrong! The sweet pineapples pair so well with the spicy jalapeños and tangy lime dressing. The fresh flavors are so addicting!

6. Panzanella Salad

Looking for a new kind of salad to bring to the potluck? This panzanella salad has all the usual ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, but it also has toasted bread (kind of like croutons!) all tossed in a vinegary dressing. I love summer salads like this!

7. Deviled Egg Potato Salad

The perk of this potato salad is how you can prep ingredients days ahead of time (even the whole salad), making it a great make-ahead hosting or party dish. Plus, I’ve never heard of anyone who can resist its creaminess!

8. Oven Baked BBQ Pork Ribs

Are you having a Memorial Day BBQ event? In this case, you’ve got to serve at least 1-2 things that have BBQ flavor, and these pork ribs are a great option. Stick them in the oven while you get everything else together and be surprised by the final tenderness and flavor.

9. Greek Watermelon Feta Salad

When you think of salad, you probably don’t think watermelon, but maybe you should! This salad is fresh, juicy, sweet, with slight morsels of tangy feta cheese. You’re going to be craving this all year long after you try it.

10. Steak Bruschetta

I really enjoy having appetizer and finger sandwiches as at least one of my Memorial Day recipes. It’s easy to just grab one sandwich and continue having fun chatting and playing games with friends. Plus, you can make part of these sandwiches the night before for super easy assembly the day of.

11. Fritos Chili Cheese Salad

Yes, you read that right. This salad literally has chili cheese Fritos in it! They give the perfect flavored crunch to the remainder of the salad consisting of corn, bell peppers, onions, cheese, and mayonnaise. It’s a really fun salad to add to your fun festivities!

12. Shrimp Boil

Memorial Day is the start to the summer, right? And what makes you think summer more than a shrimp/seafood boil? Celebrate the new season with this easy 35 minute sheet pan dinner!

13. Grilled Zucchini & Squash

Did you know this is my husband Tim’s all-time favorite veggie dish? He loves the flavors, especially when grilled – but if you don’t have a grill, that’s okay, too. Check out the recipe for instructions on how to roast it in the oven instead.

14. Smoked Brisket

You’ll need a smoker for this one, so if you have one, this recipe is a must. And if you don’t have one, get one on Memorial Day sale because this brisket is so tender and heavenly! It’s really good on it’s own or put into smoked brisket sandwiches.

15. Messy Burgers

What’s a summer holiday without burgers? Grill up the patties and lay out all your favorite toppings to build your favorite burger all the way from step one.

Memorial Day Desserts

• Rice Crispy Treats – Make them festive with colorful sprinkles
• Cherry Galette – Top it with vanilla ice cream for next-level goodness
• Peach Cobbler – Gooey, warm peaches with a biscuit-like topping
• Fresh Fruit Tart – A fruit medley is always appealing
• Nutella Brownies – Chocolate lovers love this one