Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (2024)

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (1)

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by Liren Baker on May 25, 2022 | 5 Comments This post may contain affiliate links. Please see Affiliate Disclosure in my Terms of Service.

This list of Simple Memorial Day Food Recipes is full of plenty of fresh ideas for warm weather and backyard barbeques. Delicious recipes include Fireworks Pasta Salad, Berry Crisp Parfaits, Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad, and even a quick tutorial on how to microwave corn on the cob (so easy!).

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (2)

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling

As we pause to remember the meaning of Memorial Day, our gatherings of family and loved ones mean even more. I hope you enjoy these simple and flavorful recipes for Memorial Day Recipes whether you are grilling for your family or entertaining a large crowd this holiday weekend. I’ve included plenty of make-ahead salads, easy grilling ideas, and red, white, and blue desserts for your perfect Memorial Day menu.

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (3)

Memorial Day has a special place in my family’s heart, and I am sure that as we all enjoy the long holiday weekend, we will pause to remember the true meaning of the holiday. And, of course, part of the fun is kicking off the season of outdoor meals and grilling! So, I thought I would share some of my favorite recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling. These dishes are all about celebrating fresh and simple food, whether you are grilling with the family or entertaining a crowd!

Happy Cooking!

Simple Memorial Day Food Recipes

This list of Simple Memorial Day Food Recipes is full of plenty of fresh ideas for warm weather and backyard barbeques. Delicious recipes include Fireworks Pasta Salad, Berry Crisp Parfaits, Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad, and even a quick tutorial on how to microwave corn on the cob (so easy!).

1

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (4)

Fireworks Pasta Salad

Everyone loves make-ahead side dishes! This fun Fireworks Pasta Salad features plenty of spice from cayenne pepper, spicy dill pickles and more. It's a spicy twist on macaroni salad that you can easily make the day before your gathering!

2

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Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops

Our family-favorite pineapple rum marinade makes these Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops so tender and flavorful. Use this recipe for cookouts all summer long.

3

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How to Microwave Corn on the Cob

Learn how to microwave corn on the cob with this quick method. It's fast, easy, and won't dirty any dishes!

4

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (7)

Red White and Blue Berry Coconut Slushies

These Red White and Blue Berry Coconut Slushies are a healthy way to cool off on hot summer days! Use lemonade, frozen berries, and light coconut milk to blend up this tasty warm weather treat.

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Grilled Corn and Poblano Salad

Another great make-ahead side dish, this Grilled Corn and Poblano Salad comes together quickly and can even be made with leftover grilled corn.

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Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (9)

Baby Back Ribs with Blueberry Balsamic Barbecue Sauce

Transform fresh blueberries into a spicy, sweet, and irresistibly sticky barbecue sauce on these Baby Back Ribs with Blueberry Balsamic Barbecue Sauce.

7

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Strawberry Shortcake (Vegan)

If you are looking for an easy vegan dessert for Memorial Day, this Strawberry Shortcake (Vegan) is a classic with a non-dairy twist! Use vegan butter and almond milk in the shortcakes and add a creamy coconut whipped cream and fresh strawberries to layer up these desserts.

8

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Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp (Vegan-Friendly)

When rhubarb is in season, embrace the tang in a Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp! A fruit crisp is the simplest summer dessert, and irresistible when served warm with a scoop of ice cream. It can also be easily made vegan by using vegan butter in the crisp.

Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (12)

Buffalo Ranch Grilled Potato Salad

Creamy, spicy and crunchy – every picnic should have potato salad and this Buffalo Ranch Grilled Potato Salad is a delicious side for your next picnic or outdoor party!

10

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Honey Spice Marinated Grilled Chicken

We call it Papa’s chicken and this Honey Spice Marinated Grilled Chicken is a crowd pleaser! The easy grilled chicken marinade recipe is made with a blend of honey, lemon, mustard, ginger, and soy sauce. It's wonderful with chicken and also works with pork.

11

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Cilantro-Sriracha Turkey Burgers

These Cilantro-Sriracha Turkey Burgers are an excellent healthy burger recipe. They are filled with sweet kernels of corn, cilantro, black beans, jalapeño peppers (fresh and pickled), and spicy sriracha.

12

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S'mores Ice Cream Pie

It's s'mores season! In this S’mores Ice Cream Pie — two of summer’s favorite treats, s’mores and ice cream, collide in the ultimate dessert. There's a marshmallow meringue, melty chocolate ice cream, and a chocolate ganache smothered graham cracker crust.

13

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Cantaloupe Lime Popsicles

Blend cantaloupe, lime juice, and simple syrup together to create these frozen treats! Cantaloupe Lime Popsicles are an easy summer snack or light dessert to have on hand for Memorial Day Weekend.

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Lobster Cobb Salad

Because lobster equals summer! Prep the salad dressing in advance to save time before your holiday gathering.

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Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin gets lots of flavor from a simple marinade. This family favorite recipe is a go-to for grilling season!

16

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Berry Sangria

This recipe for Berry Sangria is made with mixed berries, zinfandel and rum. Enjoy the best of the summer berries with this flavorful recipe.

17

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Summer Corn and Barley Salad

A delicious salad packed with flavor and summer’s sweet corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocados, and fresh basil. The barley makes it a healthy and fiber rich salad. This wholesome salad could stand on its own and also makes a wonderful side for your summer cookouts.

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Summer Corn and Nectarine Tabbouleh

Another easy corn recipe, Summer Corn and Nectarine Tabbouleh is a refreshing bulgur salad and the best tabbouleh for summer!

19

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Blueberry Crisp

Bake this simple Blueberry Crisp (fresh or frozen berries!) and fill your kitchen with the aromas of cinnamon and blueberries. Top it off with vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.

20

Blackberry Shrub Lemonade

Blackberry Shrub Lemonade can be served for the whole family, OR add a splash of rum for the grownup version.

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Vanilla Raspberry Ice Cream Bombe

Top this bright red Vanilla Raspberry Ice Cream Bombe with a combination of blueberries and raspberries to add patriotic colors to your holiday menu. Made with raspberry sorbet and creamy vanilla ice cream!

22

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Avocado Corn Tomato Salad

Avocado Corn Tomato Salad is simple, fresh and the perfect summer salad. It features avocados, tomatoes, corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

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Mixed Berry Cornmeal Galette

The patriotic colors in this simple Mixed Berry Cornmeal Galette make it a festive dessert for your Memorial Day Weekend menu. Enjoy it plain or top it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Mixed Berry Streusel Muffins

Don't forget breakfast! These red, white, and blue Mixed Berry Streusel Muffins are a colorful treat for breakfast or brunch.

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Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is chock full of summer’s best produce. It’s fresh, vibrant, and goes with everything! Enjoy the recipe for this hearty, vegetarian chickpea salad at your next picnic or BBQ!

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Berry Crisp Parfaits

These red, white, and blue Berry Crisp Parfaits are summer by the spoonful! Layer blueberries, raspberries, cream and a crunchy crisp in small jars for individual servings of a tasty dessert.

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Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (30)

Stovetop Rhubarb-Cherry Crisp

Another easy crisp recipe, Stovetop Rhubarb-Cherry Crisp is made completely on the stovetop and features seasonal rhubarb and cherries for a bright and beautiful dessert!

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Blueberry Buttermilk Cake

Dessert or breakfast? You choose with this easy Blueberry Buttermilk Cake packed with fresh or frozen blueberries and served with a dollop of whipped cream.

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Red White and Blue Berry Sorbet Floats

Red White and Blue Berry Sorbet Floats are made with layers of colorful patriotic sorbet—red raspberry, white coconut, and even frozen blueberries. These sparkling beverages are refreshing, light, and festive.

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  1. Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (33)

    Sabrina

    great and thank you for all of these, like the pineapple pork chops especially (I don’t like the default pork chop apple pairing), much appreciated!

    Reply
    • Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (34)

      Liren Baker

      I have to agree, I prefer pork chops with pineapple so much more!!

      Reply
  2. Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (35)

  3. Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (36)

  4. Simple Recipes for Memorial Day and a Season of Grilling (37)

    Liz

    Oh, gosh, I want to be at YOUR house today! What a terrific roundup of recipes that will be perfect all summer long!

    Reply

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