Memorial Day recipes
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of grilling season, and these recipes are made for it. You will find quick burgers, grilled chicken, sausages, skewers, fresh spring and early-summer salads, and easy desserts for a backyard gathering or a potluck. Every recipe on this page takes 20 minutes or less to make.
29 recipes, quickest first.
10 minClassic coleslaw
10 minRed, white and blue sangria mocktail
12 minWatermelon feta mint salad
15 minMexican street corn salad (esquites)
16 minGrilled garlic lemon shrimp skewers
17 minFirecracker shrimp
17 minStrawberry lemonade
18 minBroccoli salad with bacon
18 minCowboy caviar
18 minGrilled peach caprese
19 minGrilled lemon dill salmon
19 minGrilled vegetable skewers with herb oil
20 minBBQ chicken skewers
20 minClassic deviled eggs
20 minClassic grilled cheeseburgers
20 minFlag fruit pizza
20 minGrilled bratwurst with beer onions
20 minGrilled chicken thighs
20 minGrilled corn with chili-lime butter
20 minGrilled flank steak with garlic herb butter
20 minGrilled honey chipotle chicken tenders
20 minGrilled hot dogs with a toppings bar
20 minGrilled Mexican street corn (elote)
20 minGrilled pork chops with brown sugar rub
20 minGrilled sausage, peppers and onions
20 minHawaiian chicken kebabs
20 minItalian pasta salad
20 minQuick potato salad
20 minRed, white and blue berry trifle cups
Since it is often the first cookout of the year, check your grill, fuel and thermometer a day ahead. Build a menu with one grilled main, a vegetable, a make-ahead salad and something sweet, and lean on seasonal produce like asparagus, strawberries and fresh herbs. Most recipes scale up easily if more people show up.
Common questions
What food is served on Memorial Day?
Most Memorial Day gatherings center on the grill: burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken and sometimes steak or ribs. Common sides include potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, corn, baked beans and fruit salad. Desserts tend to be easy to share, like cookies, bars, strawberry shortcake and anything with fresh berries.
How do you clean a grill before the first cookout of the season?
Check gas lines and connections for leaks by brushing on soapy water and looking for bubbles. Remove the grates and scrub them, clear out grease and ash, and wipe the inside of the lid. Then preheat the grill for 15 minutes on high to burn off residue, brush the grates again and oil them lightly before cooking.
What should I bring to a Memorial Day cookout?
Bring something that travels well and doesn't need oven space: a pasta or grain salad, a big bowl of fruit, chips with a dip, or bars and cookies. Ask the host what they need, since drinks, ice, buns and condiments often run out. Pack cold dishes in a cooler so they stay at 40F or below.
Can I make cookout side dishes the day before?
Yes. Pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw and bean salads often taste better after resting overnight in the refrigerator. Hold back crunchy toppings, fresh herbs and some of the dressing until just before serving to keep them fresh. Cut fruit is best the same day, but you can wash berries and melon a day ahead.