Memorial Day Weekend Recipes You Can’t Miss

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect excuse to slow down, gather outside, and enjoy plenty of delicious food with family and friends. Whether you're planning a full Memorial Day BBQ menu or a simple Memorial Day cookout, these Memorial Day weekend recipes include everything from juicy grilled chicken, smoky burgers, and brisket to fresh salad, creamy pasta sides, and festive summer desserts.

You'll also find plenty of easy Memorial Day meals that can be made ahead in minutes, helping you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the holiday. From fresh summer flavors to crowd-pleasing classics, there's a recipe here for every kind of celebration.

Memorial Day Picnic & Potluck Favorites

From backyard burgers to easy shareable sides, these picnic and potluck favorites are perfect for feeding a hungry Memorial Day crowd.

Mushroom Oat Burgers

These mushroom oat burgers are hearty, savory, and packed with plant-based flavor. These patties combine mushrooms and oats for a tender yet satisfying texture. This recipe is perfect for cookouts, lunches, or meatless dinner options.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Oat Burgers

Homemade Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers cooked with crisp edges and served on soft buns. — Homemade Black Bean Burgers. Photo credit: Balancing Bowls.

These black bean burgers are flavorful, hearty, and easy to prepare. These patties have a satisfying texture with rich seasoning in every bite. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or vegetarian burger nights.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Black Bean Burgers

Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad mixed with dill pickles and creamy dressing. — Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Vegetarian South.

This dill pickle macaroni salad is creamy, tangy, and full of crunch. These flavors combine pasta and pickles for a bold and refreshing side dish. This recipe is perfect for cookouts, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

No Mayo Potato Salad with Vinaigrette

Vegan potato salad tossed with creamy dressing and tender potato chunks. — No Mayo Potato Salad with Vinaigrette. Photo credit: The Family Food Kitchen.

This vegan potato salad is creamy, flavorful, and completely dairy-free. These tender potatoes are coated in a rich dressing with fresh seasonings. This recipe is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Potato Salad with Vinaigrette

Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad is creamy, classic, and packed with comforting flavor. These ingredients combine into a refreshing side dish that pairs with many meals. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Watermelon Feta Blueberry Crostini

Crostini topped with watermelon, feta, and blueberries on toasted bread slices. — Watermelon Feta Blueberry Crostini. Photo credit: Bri & Cat.

These watermelon feta blueberry crostini are fresh, sweet, and beautifully colorful. These toppings combine creamy cheese with juicy fruit on crisp bread slices. This recipe is perfect for appetizers or summer entertaining spreads.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Blueberry Crostini

Italian Mac and Cheese

Italian-style mac and cheese baked creamy with melted cheese and pasta. — Italian Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

This Italian mac and cheese is cheesy, creamy, and full of rich flavor. These ingredients create a comforting pasta dish with an Italian-inspired twist. This recipe is perfect for dinners or cozy family meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mac and Cheese

Sugar-free Maple Baked Beans 3 Ways

Baked beans cooked in a rich savory sauce without added sugar. — Sugar-free Maple Baked Beans 3 Ways. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

These sugar-free baked beans are savory, hearty, and naturally flavorful. These beans cook into a rich side dish without excessive sweetness added. This recipe is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or healthy comfort meals.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-free Maple Baked Beans 3 Ways

Alabama Firecrackers

Seasoned crackers coated with spicy seasoning and baked until crisp. — Alabama Firecrackers. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These Alabama firecrackers are crunchy, seasoned, and packed with bold flavor. These crackers absorb spicy seasoning for an addictive and savory snack option. This recipe is perfect for parties, movie nights, or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Firecrackers

Crispy Air Fryer Oyster Mushroom for Easy Snacking

Air fryer oyster mushrooms served with lemon wedges and creamy dipping sauce on a gray plate. — Crispy Air Fryer Oyster Mushroom for Easy Snacking. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

These air fryer oyster mushrooms are crispy, savory, and full of umami flavor. These mushrooms develop a crunchy texture while staying tender inside during cooking. This recipe is perfect for snacks, sides, or plant-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Oyster Mushroom for Easy Snacking

Sweet and Spicy Korean Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Close-up of Brussels sprouts coated in gochujang glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds. — Sweet and Spicy Korean Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

These Korean Brussels sprouts are spicy, savory, and packed with bold flavor. These sprouts cook until tender while absorbing rich seasonings beautifully throughout. This recipe is perfect for side dishes or flavorful vegetable meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Korean Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Classic Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Egg salad tea sandwiches arranged on a wooden board with parchment paper, served with soft white bread and creamy filling. — Classic Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches Recipe. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

These egg salad tea sandwiches are soft, creamy, and elegantly simple. These sandwiches combine smooth egg filling with tender bread for light bites. This recipe is perfect for brunches, tea parties, or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Classic Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Summer Salads for Memorial Day

These fresh summer salads add bright flavor, crisp texture, and a refreshing balance to any Memorial Day BBQ or picnic spread.

Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad

Watermelon salad tossed with crunchy ingredients and a sweet spicy dressing. — Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad. Photo credit: Tasty Cue.

This sweet heat watermelon crunch salad is refreshing, spicy, and full of texture. These juicy watermelon bites pair perfectly with crunchy toppings and bold seasonings. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or light refreshing meals..
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad

Easy Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

Fruit salad mixed with red, white, and blue berries in a festive bowl. — Easy Red White and Blue Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Homemaking.

This red white and blue fruit salad is colorful, juicy, and wonderfully festive. These fresh berries create a refreshing dish perfect for patriotic celebrations and gatherings. This recipe is perfect for holidays, picnics, or summer brunch tables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

4th of July Salad - The Berry Caprese Salad

Berry caprese salad layered with fruit, cheese, and fresh herbs. — 4th of July Salad – The Berry Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This berry Caprese salad is fresh, vibrant, and beautifully balanced with flavor. These berries pair with creamy cheese and herbs for a patriotic summer dish. This recipe is perfect for cookouts, gatherings, or festive holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: 4th of July Salad - The Berry Caprese Salad

Everyone's Favorite 5 Bean Salad

Five bean salad tossed with colorful beans and sweet vinaigrette dressing. — Everyone’s Favorite 5 Bean Salad. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

This 5 bean salad is hearty, tangy, and full of satisfying texture. These beans absorb a sweet vinaigrette that adds bold flavor throughout the dish. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or make-ahead side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Everyone's Favorite 5 Bean Salad

Arugula and Spinach Salad

This arugula and spinach salad is fresh, peppery, and full of vibrant flavor. These greens combine into a light dish with balanced texture and freshness. This recipe is perfect for lunches, dinners, or healthy side salads..
Get the Recipe: Arugula and Spinach Salad

Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe

Mexican street corn salad mixed with corn, cheese, and creamy seasoning. — Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe. Photo credit: A Latin Flair.

This elote corn salad is creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. These ingredients recreate Mexican street corn in an easy and refreshing salad form. This recipe is perfect for barbecues, cookouts, or summer side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe

Cucumber Chickpea Feta Salad

This cucumber chickpea feta salad is crisp, hearty, and wonderfully refreshing. These ingredients combine creamy feta with crunchy vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas. This recipe is perfect for lunches, picnics, or healthy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Chickpea Feta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Street corn salad mixed with roasted corn and creamy seasoned dressing. — Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Foodess.

This Mexican street corn salad is creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor. These charred corn kernels pair perfectly with cheese, lime, and seasonings. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or festive side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas

Quinoa salad tossed with chili lime seasoning and colorful vegetables. — Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Beet of the Wild.

This chili lime quinoa salad is zesty, hearty, and full of fresh flavor. These ingredients combine fluffy quinoa with bright citrus and savory spices beautifully. This recipe is perfect for lunches, meal prep, or healthy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This black bean and corn salad is colorful, refreshing, and easy to prepare. These ingredients combine sweet corn with hearty beans for balanced texture and flavor. This recipe is perfect for parties, cookouts, or quick side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad

Refreshing Watermelon Strawberry Salad Recipe

Top-down view of watermelon strawberry salad with feta, mint, and lime in a white bowl. — Refreshing Watermelon Strawberry Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This watermelon strawberry salad is juicy, sweet, and wonderfully refreshing. These fruits combine into a bright dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings outdoors. This recipe is perfect for picnics, brunches, or summer celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Watermelon Strawberry Salad Recipe

Vegan Vietnamese Papaya Salad Recipe: Crisp & Tangy

A colorful plate of fresh vietnamese salad featuring vibrant carrots, juicy tomatoes, and green papaya. — Vegan Vietnamese Papaya Salad Recipe: Crisp & Tangy. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Vietnamese papaya salad is crisp, tangy, and packed with bold flavor. These shredded ingredients create a refreshing dish with balanced sweet and savory notes. This recipe is perfect for light lunches or flavorful side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Vietnamese Papaya Salad Recipe: Crisp & Tangy

Cakes, Cookies & Patriotic Desserts

These patriotic desserts are packed with sweet summer flavor and festive red, white, and blue colors perfect for Memorial Day celebrations.

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Cheesecake salad mixed with berries and creamy filling in patriotic colors. — Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

This red white and blue cheesecake salad is creamy, fruity, and perfectly festive. These berries combine with fluffy cheesecake filling for a refreshing dessert salad. This recipe is perfect for patriotic parties or summer gatherings outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Red White and Blue Fruit Pizza

Cookie bars topped with colorful fruit and sweet glaze. — Red White and Blue Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

These fruit cookie bars are soft, colorful, and packed with fruity sweetness. These layers combine chewy cookie texture with vibrant fruit toppings beautifully. This recipe is perfect for parties, picnics, or holiday dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Fruit Pizza

Oreo Cream Cheese Balls

These Oreo cream cheese balls are rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. These bite-sized treats combine chocolate cookies with smooth cream cheese filling. This recipe is perfect for parties, gifting, or quick dessert platters.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cream Cheese Balls

Old-Fashioned Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe

Lemon icebox cake layered with creamy filling and soft cookies. — Old-Fashioned Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This lemon icebox cake is creamy, refreshing, and full of bright citrus flavor. These chilled layers create a cool dessert with soft and delicate texture. This recipe is perfect for warm weather or easy no-bake desserts.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe

Fruit Pizza Cookies with Berries

Fruit pizza cookies topped with berries and creamy frosting on soft cookie bases. — Fruit Pizza Cookies with Berries. Photo credit: Risa’s Family Kitchen.

These fruit pizza cookies with berries are colorful, sweet, and wonderfully refreshing. These cookies are topped with creamy frosting and juicy fresh berries. This recipe is perfect for parties or patriotic dessert spreads.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza Cookies with Berries

Patriotic Red, White and Blue Fruit Skewers

Fruit skewers layered with red, white, and blue fruit pieces for a festive treat. — Patriotic Red, White and Blue Fruit Skewers. Photo credit: Ginger Homemaking.

These red white and blue fruit skewers are fresh, colorful, and easy to assemble. These fruity bites create a festive snack perfect for summer celebrations outdoors. This recipe is perfect for cookouts, parties, or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Red, White and Blue Fruit Skewers

4th of July Flag Cake

Sheet cake decorated like an American flag with berries and frosting. — 4th of July Flag Cake. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

This 4th of July flag cake is festive, colorful, and fun to serve. These berry decorations create a patriotic flag design across the fluffy cake surface. This recipe is perfect for Independence Day celebrations or summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: 4th of July Flag Cake

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies

Sour cream cookies baked soft with a light texture and sweet icing. — Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

These old-fashioned sour cream cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweet. These classic cookies have a rich texture that feels comforting and nostalgic. This recipe is perfect for dessert trays or afternoon coffee breaks.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies

Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These strawberry sugar cookies are soft, fruity, and beautifully pink in color. These cookies combine sweet strawberry flavor with a classic sugar cookie texture. This recipe is perfect for spring desserts or festive celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sheet cake baked moist with pink frosting and fresh berry flavor. — Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Sauce. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This strawberry sheet cake is moist, fruity, and full of bright berry flavor. These soft cake layers create an easy dessert perfect for feeding large groups. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or summer celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Sauce

Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream: Dairy Free, No Churn

Vegan strawberry ice cream scooped into a waffle cone, served in a glass cup with fresh strawberries around it. — Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream: Dairy Free, No Churn. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

This vegan strawberry ice cream is creamy, refreshing, and naturally sweet. These strawberries create vibrant flavor without using dairy ingredients in the recipe. This dessert is perfect for summer treats or plant-based dessert lovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream: Dairy Free, No Churn

Red Velvet Truffles Recipe Using Boxed Cake Mix

White chocolate red velvet truffles topped with pink and red sprinkles on a white plate. — Red Velvet Truffles Recipe Using Boxed Cake Mix. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

These red velvet truffles are rich, smooth, and beautifully decadent. These bite-sized desserts combine chocolate flavor with creamy and velvety texture throughout. This recipe is perfect for gifting, holidays, or elegant dessert platters.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Truffles Recipe Using Boxed Cake Mix