Memorial Day Cookout Recipes

Memorial Day is a time for honoring those who served and sacrificed for our country, but it’s also an opportunity to gather with friends and family for a cookout. However, planning a cookout can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to impress your guests with delicious food. Here are some of the easiest Memorial Day cookout recipes that will impress your guests without causing you any extra stress.

Easy Memorial Day Cookout Recipes for Stress-Free Entertaining

Main dishes of chicken, shrimp, beef or pork that works well on the grill or the oven.

Overhead shot of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers on a white table.

Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs recipe with garlic, lemon and herbs creates the most amazing grilled shrimp. Included are easy steps with your choice of a grilling method to create a family favorite dish. (Click Image For Recipe)

Best Ever Dry Rub Chicken Wings

So delicious for your cookout menu, these Best Ever Dry Rub Chicken Wings are incredibly flavorful and absolutely addictive. (Click Image For Recipe)

Cooked steak on a plate after being marinated in Rib Eye Steak Marinade.

Best Ribeye Steak Marinade

This recipe creates the Best Ribeye Steak Marinade that is bursting with fresh rosemary and garlic. Super flavorful and delicious rib eye steaks. (Click Image For Reipe)

Best Dry Rubbed Ribs of Your Life

Best Dry Rubbed Ribs of Your Life recipe creates meat so tender it falls off the bone. These ribs are juicy, packed with flavor and do not require a grill. You will fall in love with these ribs from the first bite. (Click Image For Recipe)

Mango Shrimp Kabobs

Mango Shrimp Kabobs are an out of this world delicious grilling recipe perfect for a healthy dinner. Mango marinade has lime, orange, garlic and cilantro. Be careful, this recipe is seriously addictive. (Click Image For Recipe)

Several Mango Grilled Shrimp on skewers.

Country Style Ribs in the Oven

Country Style Ribs in the Oven recipe is one of the easiest recipes for a crowd or smaller family dinner. Made with a simple homemade dry rub that is loaded with flavor and boneless pork ribs. This makes a wonderful main dish for celebrations or for extremely easy cooking. (Click Image For Recipe)

A pile of Country Style Pork Rib in that were baked in the oven with a homemade dry rub.

Make Ahead Memorial Day Recipes To Save You Time

A wonderful variety of side dishes that all can be made ahead of time, making life so much easier on Memorial Day.

Pasta Salad with Mayo in a blue serving bowl.

Macaroni Salad

Creamy, crunchy and flavorful cold Macaroni Salad is an easy and foolproof side dish perfect for BBQ’s and get togethers. Included are tips and secrets to making an irresistible classic creamy pasta salad that is sure to become a family favorite recipe. (Click Image For Recipe)

No-mayo Potato Salad in a blue bowl sitting on a wooden table.

Italian Potato Salad

Italian Potato Salad is easy to make, healthy and full of the bright and delicious flavors of Italy. This is a perfect make-ahead side dish for picnics, BBQ’s, cookouts or potlucks because it has no mayo. Additionally, without the garnish of parmesan cheese, this is a gorgeous vegan salad that everyone will love. (Click Image For Recipe)

Cold Pasta Salad for summertime in a blue and white bowl.

Summer Pasta Salad

Irresistible Summer Pasta Salad has pan roasted corn, crisp sugar snap peas, savory feta and fresh herbs in a bright homemade lemon vinaigrette. A healthy summer side dish that is very easy to make and is always a hit. (Click Image For Recipe)

Skinny Red Potato Salad

My most requested side dish for BBQ’s, Skinny Red Potato Salad is an easy and healthy summer classic. With simple ingredients, great texture and the fresh flavor of dill, this potato salad is always a hit. (Click Image For Recipe)

Red Potato Salad garnished with Green onions and fresh dill.

Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad is an absolute crowd pleaser with a balsamic vinaigrette, creamy mozzarella, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts. A light meal that is great for dinners or work lunches. Beware, stopping at one bowl is almost impossible. (Click Image For Recipe)

Super Healthy Broccoli Salad

Super Healthy Broccoli Salad is a twist on a classic with extra nutrition packed in. It is crunchy, sweet and savory, a salad everyone gobbles up. (Click Image For Recipe)

A bowl full of Dill Pasta Salad with cucumber coins and pickles.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Bright and crisp, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is mouthwateringly addictive. With absolutely no dairy, loads of chives and dill pickles makes it perfect for your summer cookout. (Click Image For Recipe)

Overhead photo of a bowl of Italian Tortellini Salad.

Bacon Belly Button Pasta Salad

A family Favorite cold meal during the hot summer months. This Bacon Belly Button Pasta Salad (aka. Tortellini Salad) is a zesty and an incredibly delicious pasta dish. Light and yet very satisfying, this always disappears extremely fast! (Click Image For Recipe)

Memorial Day Cocktails to Impress Your Guests

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Refreshing and tasty non-alcohol beverages that the whole family can enjoy.

Two chalice glasses of lemonade sitting on a marble countertop from How To Make Lemonade recipe.

Best Lemonade

How to make the Best Lemonade that tastes like seductive limoncello but without the alcohol. With a kiss of fresh mint, this lemonade recipe is not overly tart and is immensely refreshing. Pure bliss for lemon lovers on a hot summer’s day. (Click Image For Recipe)

How to Make Iced Tea

Learning how to make iced tea is extremely easy with this recipe and guide. So delicious and simple, this is a summer staple in our house every year. (Click Image For Recipe)

Table setting with two glasses and a pitcher of the Best Iced Tea.

Passionfruit Orange Mocktail

The perfect summer drink, Passionfruit Orange Mocktail is a fruity and refreshing drink. Family friendly and great to welcome summer guests. (Click Image For Recipe)

A frosty glass of Passionfruit Mocktail on a white board.

Hibiscus Pink Lemonade

Learn how to make gorgeous and refreshing Hibiscus Pink Lemonade with these easy steps. This recipe creates one of the most delicious, nonalcoholic drinks! It is perfect for parties or just to stay cool all summer long. (Click Image For Recipe)

Pink Lemonade in a glass with mint and lemon twist.

Alcoholic Cocktails

Fruity, light and refreshing, these cocktails are delicious summer survival for adults.

Spritz in a short wine glass made with Limoncello, Prosecco and sparkling water.

Limoncello Spritz

The perfect summer cocktail for lemon lovers, this quick and easy Limoncello Spritz is made of 3 simple ingredients. Because it is bubbly, refreshing and sweet, it’s perfect for summer parties, BBQ’s, bridal showers, etc. (Click Image For Recipe)

Frozen Watermelon Mojitos

Frozen Watermelon Mojitos is the drink of summer! An adult-beverage speckled with mint, a hint of lime, watermelon simple syrup and incredibly refreshing icy watermelon. It is dangerously delicious! (Click Image For Recipe)

Rainbow Tequila Sangria

Rainbow Tequila Sangria is a refreshing adult cocktail that is as much fun to look at as it is to drink. Strawberries, citrus, red and green grapes all mingle with crisp sauvignon blanc and your favorite tequila to produce the happiest way to celebrate summer. (Click Image For Recipe)

Vodka Honey Lemonade

Vodka Honey Lemonade is a refreshing homemade adult beverage kissed with honey and speckled with fresh mint. (Click Image For Recipe)

Cherry Wine Slushies

With just 3 ingredients, Cherry Wine Slushies is a fast and refreshing summer frozen cocktail. This drink recipe is perfect for anyone who adores cherries and is perfect for staying cool during the dog days of summer. (Click Image For Recipe)

Blueberry Rum Spritzer

Fun drinks are a requirement for surviving summer and this Blueberry Rum Spritzer absolutely falls into the category of easy and fun alcoholic drinks to make. It is light and refreshing with loads of blueberry flavor and a hint of lemon. So delicious, it is sure to top your list of best alcoholic drinks. (Click Image For Recipe)

Grapefruit Wine Slushies

This Grapefruit Wine Slushies recipe creates incredibly refreshing summer cocktails that are so easy to make. Learn how to make wine slushies at home with only 3 ingredients and a blender. Such a fun way to stay cool when temperatures rise. (Click Image For Recipe)

Vegetable Recipes and Salads for the Memorial Day Cookout

Impressive and gourmet tasting salads and vegetable recipes that are easy to make and always crowd pleasers.

Up close photo of Summer Tomato Salad garnished with Italian olives and fresh basil leaves.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad is an incredibly fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for Spring and Summer meals. Juicy heirloom tomatoes are drizzled with a fresh herb, garlic and red wine vinaigrette. This salad is as appealing to the taste buds as it is to the eyes. (Click Image For Recipe)

Summer Fruit Salad with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon and dragonfruit.

Berry Fruit Salad

Berry Fruit Salad with a honey, lime and mint dressing is a beautiful and tasty addittion to summer parties. With strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and dragonfruit, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or fun summer dessert. (Click Image For Recipe)

Strawberry Walnut Salad

Strawberry Walnut Salad is an irresistible side that comes together quickly and is a perfect addition to all kinds of get togethers. Sweet strawberries, toasted walnuts, tangy feta and spring mix salad are tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. (Click Image For Recipe)

Up close photo of a plate of Spring Mix Salad with strawberries and walnuts.

Green Bean and Tomato Salad

Green Bean and Tomato Salad uses fresh green beans, lemon and thyme to make a quick and easy cold salad that tastes great along side steak, meatloaf, pork chops and salmon. A side dish that makes eating healthy fun and satisfying. (Click Image For Recipe)

Green Bean Tomato Salad in a blue and white patterned bowl.

Roasted Zucchini Slices

Incredibly easy to make and so full of flavor, these Roasted Zucchini Slices are as healthy as they are delicious. Flavors of garlic, thyme and parmesan. We love zucchini cooked like this. (Click Image For Recipe)

Roasted Zucchini with parmesan and herbs.

Brussel Sprouts on a white plate from Grilled Brussel Sprouts Recipe.

Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts recipe creates a delicious no hassle side dish. Great for weeknight dinners or grilling out on the weekends. With savory spices and balsamic glaze, this veggie recipe is a favorite with Brussels sprout lovers. (Click Image For Recipe)

Tabouli Salad

Tabouli Salad is a light and refreshing grain salad that works beautifully next to all kinds of meats or Mediterranean dishes. Made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, English cucumbers, parsley and mint. This side dish is very easy to make and is delicious during the hottest months of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)

Springtime Pasta Salad

Springtime Pasta Salad is an easy, light, refreshing and yet such a satisfying recipe with a simple lemon vinaigrette, olives and fresh veggies. It is the perfect make a ahead dish for company, potlucks or cold lunches during the week. (Click Image For Recipe)

Memorial Day Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Cakes, cookies and pies! All these recipes are perfect for summer celebrations and can be made ahead of time.

Lemon Roll Cake

Bright and fluffy with a creamy lemon curd and whipped cream filling, this Lemon Roll Cake is easy to make and adored by many. My husband calls this cake heavenly bites of sheer goodness. It makes a wonderful Easter dessert or a refreshing treat for a summer party. (Click Image For Recipe)

Strawberry Crumble

Strawberry Crumble is a divine dessert with a buttery and crumbly oat pecan topping that uses either fresh or frozen berries. This summertime classic is wonderful for parties, BBQ’s or just as a treat because of its easy and quick assembly and heavenly flavor. (Click Image For Recipe)

Chewy Brownies

These indulgent Chewy Brownies are a chocolate dream come true. They are fudgy, with a perfect balance of chewiness and richness in every bite, ready in a snap and oh-so-satisfying. It’s basically baking up a pan of happiness. (Click Image For Recipe)

Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

This Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, made with pineapple, boasts a moist and tender crumb bursting with flavor. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a timeless favorite that’s sure to delight with every flavorful bite. (Click Image For Recipe)

4 Peanut Butter Cookies Stacked together on a wire cooling rack.

Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Best Peanut Butter Cookies recipe creates soft and chewy cookies that are a peanut butter lovers dream come true. These melt in your mouth cookies are made from natural peanut butter, whole peanuts and peanut butter chips. (Click Image For Recipe)

Key Lime Pie

One of the easiest summer desserts, this Key Lime Pie recipe has a sweet and tangy key lime custard inside a crunchy graham and coconut crust and is topped with a fluffy lime whipped cream. This is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves citrus. (Click Image For Recipe)

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies are so amazing that my butter loving husband can’t even tell that they are plant based. Made with ground oats, applesauce, vegan chocolate chips and walnuts. This recipe makes the best Chocolate Chip Cookies. (Click Image For Recipe)

Seven Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies stack on top of each other.

Lemon Sheet Cake

Welcome to a citrus lover’s dream! This easy, from-scratch Lemon Sheet Cake recipe is a fluffy and bright dessert that simply sings of citrusy heaven. Topped with a velvety smooth lemon cream cheese frosting that is part whipped cream and part cream cheese. This family favorite dessert has the perfect balance of sweet to tang and is wonderful for holidays, summer BBQ’s or just because. (Click Image For Recipe)

Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie

Extra smooth and creamy, Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie is an amazing Icebox Pie. With a graham cracker crust and sweetened sour cream topping, this easy pie is perfect for the Holidays or as a summertime dessert. (Click Image For Recipe)

Lemon Ice Cream

Refreshing, creamy and luxurious, this Lemon Ice Cream is a dream come true for lemon lovers. Made with Limoncello and a custard base that is infused with the bright flavors of lemon zest. This frozen lemon dessert has the perfect balance of sweetness to tanginess all while being extravagantly creamy. (Click Image For Recipe)

A served piece of Apple Spice Cake Recipe on a white plate with a fork.

Apple Sauce Spice Cake

Fluffy and moist, this Apple Sauce Spice Cake is an old fashioned cake recipe that is extremely easy to make. Topped with a cinnamon cream cheese icing, this from-scratch recipe is packed with Autumn spices that makes a perfect Fall desert. (Click Image For Recipe)

Lemon Blueberry Cake in a bundt shape on a cake stand.

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Buttery and lusciously lemon, this Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake is an easy and heavenly from-scratch dessert. Made with buttermilk and a lemon glaze, this cake is great for parties or family get togethers. (Click Image For Recipe)

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Sweet and buttery, Lemon Shortbread Cookies are simple cookies perfect for holidays, special events or just as a treat for lemon lovers. Included are common challenges and solutions when making this American shortbread cookie. (Click Image For Recipe)

Mom’s Frozen Peanut Butter Pie

Mom’s Frozen Peanut Butter Pie is always a hit at family get togethers no matter the time of year. This super easy old fashioned pie is a recipe you can count on again and again to bring smiles to everyone. (Click Image For Recipe)

One piece of Peanut Butter Pie on a plate with the whole pie behind it.

Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies recipe creates a chewy, crispy and flavorful treat that everyone loves. Made with pecans, coconut, old-fashioned rolled oats and cinnamon. Such an easy cookie that is so very satisfying. (Click Image For Recipe)

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies sitting next to a glass of milk.

Cherry Pistachio Upside Down Cake

Cherry lovers rejoice! Cherry Pistachio Upside Down Cake recipe has caramelized cherries and pistachios with a moist, from scratch cake. This cake can be made anytime of year! (Click Image For Recipe)

Mom’s Lemon Butter Bundt Cake

Springtime is never complete until we have my Mom’s Lemon Butter Bundt Cake. Your soul will be satisfied with a crispy, buttery bottom similar to old-fashioned buttermilk donuts. Kissed with the refreshing flavor of lemon, this is a must have this time of year. (Click Image For Recipe)

Appetizers to Kick Off Your Memorial Day in Style

Beautiful and easy appetizer recipes that are perfect for summer celebrations.

Caprese Salad with heirloom tomatoes, burrata and basil.

Burrata Caprese

Perfect for summer, Burrata Caprese is a simple and delicious salad or Italian appetizer of heirloom tomatoes, basil, mozzarella Burrata and a balsamic glaze. (Click Image For Recipe)

Simple White Bean Dip

Simple White Bean Dip is a quick and healthy recipe perfect as an appetizer for a party or a fast afternoon snack. This recipe is so delicious you may find yourself craving this as a feel good lunch also. (Click Image For Recipe)

Simple Healthy Guacamole

Simple Healthy Guacamole is an incredibly fresh and flavorful Mexican dip. Authentically made with chunky avocados and tomatoes. Perfectly spiced with cilantro, jalapeño and garlic. This recipe will spoil you for all other guacamoles! (Click Image For Recipe)

Bruschetta with Balsamic Reduction

Imagine for a minute biting into the crispy bread. Hearing that perfect crackling noise as the tangy sweet balsamic reduction flows over your tongue AND ohhhh, the robust flavor of basil hits you. And ahhh, there it is, the sweetness of the tomato. Are you hungry yet for this Bruschetta with Balsamic Reduction? (Click Image For Recipe)

Overhead photo of Antipasto Kabobs on a white marble countertop.

Antipasta Skewers

These easy Antipasta Skewers are a delicious cold make-ahead appetizer that are always a crowd pleaser. Perfect for the holidays, summer parties or watching Super Bowl. Included are secrets for the tastiest and most affordable way to make an appetizer on a stick. (Click Image For Recipe)

Overhead photo of Garlic Dip surrounded by wavy potato chips.

Roasted Garlic Dip

Roasted Garlic Dip is creamy and savory with bright flavors. Roasting the garlic creates a mild sweet and yet savory companion to the caramelized shallots. Lemon, chives and parsley brings in a brightness that makes this dip amazing as an appetizer and compliments veggies. (Click Image For Recipe)

Red Pepper Dip in a blue bowl garnished with red chili pepper flakes, olive oil and basil leaves.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Incredibly fast and easy to make, this Roasted Red Pepper Dip has the sweet charred flavor of roasted bell peppers, the nutty flavor of Parmigiano Reggiano and the peppery profile of fresh basil. Also, this healthy recipe can used as a dip or spread. (Click Image For Recipe)

Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs are a timeless appetizer, cherished for their simple and irresistible flavor. This recipe includes easy-to-follow steps, eliminating the challenges that most people hate about making Deviled Eggs. Ideal for holidays, picnics, or parties, this appetizer never fails to bring joyful munching. (Click Image For Recipe)

Pico de Gallo

This Pico de Gallo recipe is a fast, fresh, and absolutely delicious salsa. Works great as a companion to chips or as a condiment with tacos, burritos or any Mexican cuisine. (Click Image For Recipe)

Up close photo of Chunky Salsa with white onion and cilantro.

Mango Cucumber Salsa

Mango Cucumber Salsa offers a delightful mix of sweetness, crunch, and tang, making it a refreshing and versatile condiment. Whether paired with tacos, fish, chicken, or enjoyed with chips, its vibrant flavors shine through. With the option to use fresh or frozen mango, this recipe ensures a taste of the tropics anytime of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)

Best Artichoke Dip on a table with grapes, prosciutto and crackers.

Lemon Artichoke Dip

Cheesy, savory and full of the bright citrusy flavor of lemon, this Lemon Artichoke Dip is by far one of my favorite appetizers. This recipe is versatile enough to work either as a holiday appetizer or for a summer get together. (Click Image For Recipe)