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Best Memorial Day Recipes

Looking for great Memorial Day recipes? Choose from 89 of my most popular, easy recipes that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

89 Best Memorial Day Recipes

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The unofficial start of the summer season – Memorial Day – is almost here! Warm days, sunshine, boating, pool parties, vacations. I do love summer! The days are long and lazy and we all seem to relax and enjoy ourselves so much more. That’s definitely a reason for celebration!

After all the canceled plans of the last few years, lots of you will be cooking for friends and family, so I’ve put together this list of my favorite summer recipes to help you with your Memorial Day menu planning.

🍔 Sandwiches, Burgers & Fries


1. Juicy Meatloaf Burgers

A meatloaf burger on a white serving plate.

Juicy Meatloaf Burgers are your favorite comfort food transformed into tender, juicy burgers served on toasted buns.

2. Turkey Burgers

Finished turkey burger on a white serving plate.

Juicy, delicious, lightly seasoned and grilled turkey burgers – an indulgent ground turkey patty made with gruyere cheese, tangy Dijon mustard and breadcrumbs to bind it all together.

3. BeeBop’s Bacon Cheeseburger

Bacon cheeseburger on a bun with fries on a plate.

A luscious burger topped with bacon and bleu cheese.

4. Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Finished taco burger on a wooden serving board.

Change up your Taco Tuesday with these easy, juicy Air Fryer Taco Burgers! In less than 30 minutes you’ll sit down to burgers full of flavor, perfectly juicy, and deliciously seasoned.

5. Air Fryer Meatball Subs

A finished meatball sub split in half on a serving plate.

Air Fryer Meatball Subs packed with hearty meatballs, marinara, and cheese are an easy 15-minute meal that will become a weeknight favorite!

6. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Sliders

Two chicken sliders on a serving plate.

These delicious Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders, made with very simple ingredients and 5-minute prep time, are a multi-purpose recipe that works for both an appetizer and an entree.

7. Roasted Tomato Sandwich

A Roasted Tomato Sandwich on a ciabatta roll layered with a flavored mayonnaise, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil. https://www.lanascooking.com/roasted-tomato-sandwich/

Use some of your garden fresh tomatoes to make this delicious Roasted Tomato Sandwich!

8. Asian Style Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

Asian barbecue sandwich with coleslaw on a bun.

Chicken breasts are marinated with Asian flavors, then grilled and topped with an Asian style coleslaw.

9. Mediterranean Pressed Sandwich

This Mediterranean Pressed Sandwich with its lovely bright flavors is just perfect for a late summer picnic. https://www.lanascooking.com/mediterranean-pressed-sandwich/

A pressed sandwich filled with all the brightest flavors of the Mediterranean.

10. Oven Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy

Shrimp Po' Boy with onion rings in the foreground.

Indulge in a classic southern sandwich with this Oven Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy. Crispy shrimp served on a baguette with tangy remoulade sauce.

11. Buffalo Chicken Dogs

A buffalo chicken dog in a basket.

Use purchased Buffalo chicken to make this quick and easy weeknight meal.

🥗 Summer Salads


12. Southern Potato Salad

Southern potato salad on a white plate with a hamburger and slice of watermelon.

This Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe is great to take to a potluck. It’s made with tender, steamed potatoes and a mayonnaise dressing.

13. Creamy Grape Salad

Creamy grape salad in a serving dish with a spoon.

Creamy Grape Salad is a study in contrasts – sweet and creamy, crispy and soft, nutty and fruity in one recipe. A hit for potluck dinners!

14. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a blue bowl.

Great summer side dish with chicken, pork, burgers…you name it!

15. Broccoli Salad

A wooden spoon holding a bite of broccoli salad.

Pure vintage comfort food and the perfect side dish for any summer party. Guests always ask for the recipe!

16. Blueberry Pineapple Congealed Salad

A serving of congealed salad on a white plate.

This Blueberry Pineapple Congealed Salad is topped with sweetened cream cheese, sour cream, and walnuts for a wonderfully sweet and tart dish.

17. Tomato and Avocado Salad

Tomato and avocado salad on a large white serving plate.

The very essence of summer! A light, refreshing, and healthy Tomato and Avocado Salad. Ready for the table in just 10 minutes.

18. Black Eyed Pea Salad

Black Eyed Pea Salad in a vintage serving bowl set on a kitchen towel.

Southern marinated Black Eyed Pea Salad is a versatile and effortless side dish for your next picnic or potluck dinner. 15 minutes to make!

19. Sunshine Salad

A serving of sunshine salad on a small china plate.

Sunshine Salad is a traditional gelatin salad, or congealed salad, made with lemon jello, pineapple, carrots, and chopped nuts.

20. Lemon Dill Potato Salad

Lemon Dill Potato Salad - A warm potato salad dressed with a mixture of olive oil, lemon, and dill. No mayo makes it safer for picnics! https://www.lanascooking.com/lemon-dill-potato-salad/

Lemon Dill Potato Salad – a warm potato salad dressed with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and dill. No mayo makes it safer for picnics!

21. Sweet and Sour Cucumber and Vidalia Onion Salad

Sweet and Sour Cucumber and Vidalia Onion Salad - This cucumber and Vidalia onion salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for springtime. https://www.lanascooking.com/sweet-and-sour-cucumber-and-vidalia-onion-salad/

A light, refreshing springtime salad featuring baby Vidalia onions.

22. Fire and Ice Tomatoes

Tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion in a glass bowl.

A sweet-tart salad with fresh summer tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet Vidalia onions.

23. Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Grapes - a surprising combination for a refreshing summery pasta salad. Great for a cookout or picnic! https://www.lanascooking.com/bow-tie-pasta-salad-with-tomatoes-and-grapes/

Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Grapes – a surprising combination for a refreshing summery pasta salad. Great for a cookout or picnic!

24. Texas Caviar

Texas caviar in a blue bowl.

Texas Caviar combines black-eyed peas, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro for a light yet substantial summer dip or salad.

25. Summertime Pasta Salad

Summertime Pasta Salad - a cold pasta salad packed with fresh veggies and lightly dressed with a parmesan and garlic dressing. https://www.lanascooking.com/summertime-pasta-salad/

A cold pasta salad packed with fresh veggies and lightly dressed with a parmesan-garlic dressing.

26. Lime Congealed Salad

A serving of Lime Congealed Salad on a red lettuce leaf.

An old fashioned southern favorite, Lime Congealed Salad stands in as a fantastic salad, side dish, or dessert.

27. Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad in a blue bowl.

This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is a favorite summer side dish perfect for all your cookouts and takes only 10 minutes of hands-on time!

28. Strawberry Banana Jello Mold

Strawberry banana jello mold on a glass pedestal.

A refreshing summer jello mold with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, sour cream, and nuts.

29. Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad in a glass serving bowl.

Low in fat, high in flavor, with a healthy dose of protein from the beans, this Black Bean and Corn Salad is a tasty side for a picnic.

30. Watermelon Salad with Mint

Watermelon salad in clear glasses.

This minty watermelon salad is a light, refreshing combination of watermelon, berries and grapes with a minty, ginger syrup.

31. Fresh Salad Green with Classic Vinaigrette

Fresh salad greens tossed with class vinaigrette dressing.

Tender, fresh salad greens dressed simply with a classic French vinaigrette.

🥩 Meaty Dishes (Ribs, Wings, Steaks, and More!)


32. Grilled Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Grilled steak salad on a large white platter.

Grilled Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing is a show stopping main dish for your Fourth of July celebrations This main dish salad features grilled Romaine lettuce and steak topped with blue cheese dressing.

33. Machaca Burritos

Machaca Burritos on a serving plate.

Machaca Burritos are a delicious, meaty treat made with marinated skirt steak, peppers, and onions.

34. Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos

Two slow cooker shredded beef tacos on a serving plate with a kitchen towel underneath.

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos are a set-it-and-forget-it dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Be sure to try the quick pickled red onion garnish!

35. Citrus Marinated Ribeye

Finished ribeye steak on a pan.

Citrus Marinated Ribeye Steaks add excitement to your cookout with an orange, lemon, rosemary, and garlic marinade for over-the-top flavor.

36. Carne Asada Tacos

Carne Asada Tacos in a basket.

Succulent grilled, marinated flank steak, sliced thin and served with taco toppings.

37. Fried Catfish with Cheese Grits

Fried catfish and cheese grits on a serving plate.

You’ll find Fried Catfish and Cheese Grits at the center of any southern fish fry. It’s one of the foundations of southern comfort food!

38. The Best Marinated Pork Loin

Pouring sauce over finished pork loin in a serving dish.

My Marinated Pork Loin recipe uses a simple, savory marinade to create a roasted pork loin that is moist and flavorful every time!

39. BLT Pizza

BLT Pizza on a serving tray.

This BLT Pizza serves up a thin, crisp pizza crust topped with garlicky Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, grape tomatoes, bacon, and arugula.

40. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork barbecue sandwich on a white serving plate.

Fool-proof recipe with 5-minute prep for making southern style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Great for feeding a crowd or dinner on busy days!

41. Slow Cooker Barbecued Ribs

A platter of barbecued ribs with coleslaw and sauce on the side.

These luscious, perfectly tender Slow Cooker Barbecued Ribs are prepped in about 10 minutes and cooked long and low for maximum flavor.

42. Real Simple Fried Chicken

Finished fried chicken on a white serving platter.

My simplest and most authentic recipe for Real Simple Southern Fried Chicken. Quick and easy for a family dinner or special occasion.

43. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Wraps on brown paper with sauce in the background.

This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wrap uses all the classic components of Buffalo wings and wraps them up in one nice, neat whole wheat wrap.

44. Fried Chicken Fingers

Fried chicken fingers piled on a kitchen towel.

Nana’s Fried Chicken Fingers are ridiculously easy to make and come with a choice of two dipping sauces – honey mustard and spicy ketchup.

45. Perfect Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Finished buffalo wings on a serving plate.

The Perfect Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings have all the classic taste with no messy frying and no added fat! Serve these at your next football party and enjoy the compliments.

🥜 Summer Side Dishes and Snacks


46. Alabama Fire Crackers

Finished crackers in a white serving bowl.

Alabama Fire Crackers, soaked through with butter, red pepper, and hot sauce are always a hit at parties and perfect with salads and soups.

47. Sausage Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Sausage stuffed bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white serving plate.

Decadent Sausage Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos are stuffed with a cheese and sausage filling, wrapped in bacon, and baked to perfection.

48. Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn

Popcorn in a blue bowl.

Popcorn coated with garlic infused butter and tossed with herbs and celery seed.

49. Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts in a glass bowl.

Boiled Peanuts are fresh, green peanuts cooked in a salty brine. They’re a little salty, a little earthy, a lot delicious!

50. Parmesan Garlic Baked Potato Wedges

Baked potato wedges in a white dish.

These Crispy Baked Potato Wedges are coated in olive oil, Italian spices, garlic, and parmesan cheese and baked to crispy perfection!

51. Spicy Cheese Crackers

Spicy cheese crackers in a green vintage bowl.

Cheesy crackers coated with spices and butter.

52. Asiago Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps in a basket with a blue napkin.

Crispy chips of baked asiago cheese, minced sage, and chopped pine nuts.

53. BBQ Beans

Finished BBQ Beans in a white serving bowl.

Take plain baked beans to the next level with these delicious BBQ Beans full of onion, bacon, and seasonings in a tangy tomato sauce.

54. Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew in a vintage bowl.

Learn to make the very best Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew recipe! This Georgia staple is an iconic southern barbecue side dish.

55. Refrigerator Pickled Peppers

Glass canning jars filled with refrigerator pickled peppers.

Make these quick refrigerator pickled peppers to enjoy with summer meals!

56. Refrigerator Kosher Dills (Claussen Copycat)

Glass jars of refrigerator dill pickles.

Delicious, crispy Refrigerator Kosher Dill Pickles without the canning process! You’ll love my copycat recipe of the famous Claussen brand of dill pickles found in your grocery store’s refrigerator case.

57. Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs

A finished deviled egg on a white plate.

Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs are just about perfect for any party, barbecue, or holiday. This classic recipe is easy and delicious!

🧀 Delicious Dips and Spreads


58. Refried Bean Dip

Finished refried bean dip in a baking dish.

Creamy refried beans and hearty seasoned beef are combined with salsa, black olives, and green onions topped with sour cream and cheese to make this Refried Bean Dip the absolute best!

59. Blue Cheese Dip

Blue cheese dip in a decorative bowl with celery sticks alongside.

A delicious dip for raw vegetables or to serve with Buffalo chicken wings.

60. Beer and Three Cheese Dip

Cheese dip in a bread bowl.

Beer and three cheeses make this dip exceptionally delicious.

61. Sausage Cheese Dip

Sausage cheese dip in a small brown bowl.

My Sausage Cheese Dip recipe is like the famous cheese and salsa dip with a little something extra! You’ll love it, guaranteed!

62. Hot Baked Crab Dip

Crab dip in a baking dish with crackers on the side.

For the ultimate party indulgence, serve your guests this luscious Hot Baked Crab Dip that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

63. Spicy White Bean Dip

Spicy white bean dip in a small brown bowl.

A spicy white bean dip great for enjoying along with your favorite college football game!

64. Hot Artichoke Dip

Finished hot artichoke dip in a baking dish.

This cheesy, Hot Artichoke Dip will have everyone asking for your recipe. Serve it with crackers or crostini and it will be the hit of your holiday parties!

65. Warm Turnip Green Dip with Bacon

Warm turnip green dip in a baking dish.

Warm Turnip Green Dip with Bacon is a taste-tempting mixture of cream cheese, bacon, and turnip greens. Great for your game day spread!

66. Caraway Cheese Spread

Caraway cheese spread in a glass bowl.

Delicious combination of flavors with cream cheese, green onion, capers, and caraway seed. Great for snacks, football games, or movie watching.

67. Ricotta Veggie Spread

Ricotta veggie spread in a vintage green bowl.

This ricotta and fresh veggie combination is a great hors d’oeuvres served with cocktails or just as an afternoon snack.

🍰 Desserts and Drinks


68. Strawberry Jello Pie

A slice of strawberry jello pie on a white serving plate.

This easy, no-bake Strawberry Jello Pie is full of delicious fruit flavor and the perfect ending for a summer party!

69. No Bake Banana Fudge Pie

Finished banana fudge pie on a wooden board.

With just 20 minutes of prep time, this No-Bake Banana Fudge Pie is a winner with its layers of chocolate, pudding, and fresh bananas!

70. No Bake Cheesecake Cups

Finished individual no bake cheesecake cups topped with strawberries.

Make these easy mini No Bake Cheesecake Cups for your next party! You’ll only need 10 minutes of prep time and a few very basic ingredients.

71. Old Fashioned Southern Caramel Layer Cake

Southern caramel layer cake on a white cake stand.

This old fashioned southern Caramel Layer Cake with an easy homemade caramel frosting tastes like a little slice of heaven!

72. Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes on a white serving plate.

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes is a classic, vintage recipe. A cross between a cookie and cake, not too sweet, and utterly delicious.

73. Southern Blackberry Cobbler

A spoonful of blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

Southern Blackberry Cobbler is the best of southern summer desserts. You’ll love its warm, buttery dough and tart-sweet blackberries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

74. Grilled Peaches

Grilled peach halves on a white serving plate.

What better way to celebrate delicious summer produce than with these spectacular Grilled Peaches ready in less than 15 minutes? Serve them drizzled with vanilla, lime, and brown sugar glaze.

75. Real Deal Banana Pudding

Banana pudding in a glass bowl on a kitchen towel with spoons in the foreground.

The original and best Banana Pudding recipe. Layers of luscious vanilla custard, crunchy vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas topped with a golden meringue.

76. Mississippi Mud Cake

A vintage recipe for Mississippi Mud Cake - a brownie cake base topped with melted marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate frosting. https://www.lanascooking.com/mississippi-mud-cake/

Learn to make vintage Mississippi Mud Cake, a cross between brownies, cake, and s’mores! Delicious, decadent, and suitable for any occasion!

77. Homemade Peach Ice Cream

Creamy, cold and delicious homemade peach ice cream with sweet, fresh Georgia grown peaches and rich with eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk. https://www.lanascooking.com/homemade-peach-ice-cream/

Southern summers wouldn’t be complete without a churn of homemade peach ice cream.

78. Texas Sheet Cake

A slice of Texas sheet cake on a white napkin.

Texas Sheet Cake is a southern treat that combines a cocoa sheet cake with a chocolate and pecan icing for a decadent dessert! It’s always a hit at parties and gatherings.

79. Strawberry Icebox Cake

A serving of strawberry icebox cake on a white plate.

This easy no-bake Strawberry Icebox Cake is a vintage treat that features layers of graham crackers, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream for a delicious dessert with no baking required.

80. Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich

This Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich is the perfect treat for busy kids (and grown-ups, too!) on a hot summer afternoon. Quick to make and fun to eat. https://www.lanascooking.com/nutella-ice-cream-sandwich/

This Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich is the perfect treat for busy kids (and grown-ups, too!) on a hot summer afternoon. Quick to make and fun to eat.

81. Banana Split Icebox Cake

Banana split icebox cake on a serving plate.

Easy no-bake icebox cake featuring everything you enjoy about a banana split!

82. Best Baked Alaska

Finished Baked Alaska on a white serving plate.

This 1960s retro recipe for Baked Alaska will have you reminiscing about Beatles songs and go-go boots! It combines buttery rich pound cake, creamy ice cream, and fluffy meringue for a dessert that is not only delicious but also makes an impressive ending to any dinner.

Strawberry pie on a decorative vintage plate.

Glorious fresh strawberries top a whipped cream and cream cheese layer over a chocolate cookie crust.

84. Traditional Southern Egg Custard Pie

Traditional southern egg custard pie on a serving board with a kitchen towel in the background.

Eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla with a little nutmeg make this traditional southern Egg Custard Pie a dessert loved by both kids and adults.

85. Lemon Meringue Pie

A slice of lemon meringue pie on a dish.

This Classic Lemon Meringue Pie has a tart lemon filling balanced with a sweetened meringue topping and buttery, flaky pie crust.

86. Strawberry Lemon Limeade

Two glasses of strawberry lemon limeade with a pitcher in the background.

A 15-minute recipe for the tastiest, most refreshing drink for all your summer activities.

87. Southern Iced Sweet Tea

A glass of southern iced sweet tea with lemon and mint.

Southern Iced Sweet Tea, a strong infusion of black tea that is sweetened and served over ice, is an essential element of southern cuisine.

88. Infused Water (Agua Fresca)

A glass of agua fresca infused water.

Infused Water with the flavors of cucumber, strawberry, andpink grapefruit is a delicious way to cool down in the summer heat.

89. Watermelon Cherry Limeade

Two glasses of watermelon cherry limeade.

Deliciously refreshing summer time drink – a mix of watermelon juice, sparkling cherry juice, and lime.

So there you have it! A roundup of some of my very best recipes for your Memorial Day menu planning. Here’s wishing you and your family a fantastic long weekend full of fun and great food!

89 Best Memorial Day Recipes

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4 Comments

  1. Have a great trip. I want the lemon dill potato salad. Like, now. At 8:00 a.m.

    Miss P

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      I tell you – that potato salad is so good!! You should try it sometime.

  2. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says:

    Thanks for including our round up! Yours look AHHHHH-mazing! Those baked beans and potato salad are calling my name :)

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      You’re welcome! Yours looks fabulous, too.