Memorial Day is not just a time for relaxation; it’s also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or casual outdoor gathering, food plays a central role in making the occasion truly special. This collection of 10 Memorial Day recipes brings together fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and festive twists on classic dishes, ensuring that your Memorial Day feast will leave everyone talking long after the holiday is over.
These recipes are designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, from savory side dishes to refreshing beverages. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, these dishes will help you serve up an impressive spread that’s sure to please your guests.
1. Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole
If you’re looking to add some heat to your Memorial Day spread, Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole is the way to go. Combining the creamy goodness of potatoes with the spicy punch of jalapeños, this casserole offers the perfect balance of comfort and excitement.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- Jalapeños (deseeded and chopped)
- Cream cheese and cheddar cheese
- Bacon and green onions
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes until tender.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon and sauté the jalapeños.
- Mash the potatoes and mix with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and sautéed jalapeños.
- Bake the mixture until golden and bubbly.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: This dish combines the beloved flavors of a jalapeño popper with the comfort of mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor.
See the Recipe for the full details!
2. Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita
A Memorial Day celebration isn’t complete without a signature cocktail, and this Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita is sure to impress. The sweet and spicy combination of fresh strawberries and jalapeños makes for a refreshing and bold drink that pairs perfectly with grilled foods.
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries
- Jalapeños
- Tequila, lime juice, and triple sec
- Simple syrup
Instructions:
- Muddle fresh strawberries and jalapeños in a cocktail shaker.
- Add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The fresh strawberry flavor balances the heat of the jalapeño, making this margarita a refreshing and exciting drink for your guests.
See the Recipe to try it for yourself!
3. Blackberry Champagne Mule
This Blackberry Champagne Mule is a luxurious twist on the classic Moscow mule. The addition of fresh blackberries and champagne adds a sophisticated touch to the drink, making it perfect for a Memorial Day brunch or evening celebration.
Ingredients:
- Fresh blackberries
- Ginger beer
- Vodka and champagne
- Lime juice
Instructions:
- Muddle blackberries in a mule cup.
- Add vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, then stir gently.
- Top with a splash of champagne and garnish with more blackberries.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The bubbles from the champagne and the refreshing zing of ginger beer make this cocktail a fun and festive drink for your holiday gathering.
See the Recipe for the complete instructions.
4. Pink Vodka Watermelon Lemonade
This Pink Vodka Watermelon Lemonade is the ultimate summer cocktail. Light, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet, it’s a perfect drink for sipping by the pool or at a Memorial Day picnic.
Ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon
- Lemon juice
- Vodka and simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
- Blend watermelon into juice.
- Combine with lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
- Stir well and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: Watermelon is synonymous with summer, and the addition of vodka makes this lemonade a fun and refreshing cocktail for any Memorial Day celebration.
See the Recipe to get started!
5. Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita
For those who like their drinks with a little extra kick, this Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the heat of serrano peppers, creating a bold and exciting cocktail for your Memorial Day bash.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple chunks
- Serrano peppers
- Tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar
Instructions:
- Muddle the pineapple and serrano peppers together.
- Add tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: This margarita is an adventurous take on a classic, with just the right amount of spice to make your Memorial Day celebration unforgettable.
See the Recipe for detailed steps.
6. Onion Boil (Viral TikTok Side Dish)
The Onion Boil became a viral sensation on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why. This side dish involves boiling onions in a flavorful broth, then caramelizing them for an incredible sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients:
- Onions (peeled)
- Butter, garlic, and broth
- Fresh herbs
Instructions:
- Boil the onions in a seasoned broth.
- Caramelize the onions in a hot pan with butter and garlic.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: This side dish is a fun, viral hit that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. The caramelized onions add a unique twist to your Memorial Day feast.
See the Recipe for all the details!
7. Mom’s Cucumbers
Simple yet full of flavor, Mom’s Cucumbers is a dish that’s been passed down through generations. The crunchy texture of cucumbers combined with a tangy dressing makes this a light and refreshing side perfect for your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- Fresh cucumbers
- Vinegar, sugar, and salt
- Dill and onions
Instructions:
- Slice cucumbers thinly and season with salt to draw out excess water.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, and dill, and pour over the cucumbers.
- Chill before serving.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: This dish is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, and its tangy flavor makes it an ideal side for a warm-weather meal.
See the Recipe for step-by-step instructions.
8. 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
For a delicious and unique twist on pizza, this 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza combines fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and Parmesan with a zesty lemon and basil topping, creating a flavorful, herbaceous bite that’s perfect for Memorial Day.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and Parmesan
- Lemons and fresh basil
Instructions:
- Roll out the pizza dough and top with cheese.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Add fresh lemon zest and basil before serving.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: This pizza is fresh and full of flavor, with the lemon adding a zesty punch. It’s an ideal dish for outdoor celebrations.
See the Recipe for the full details.
9. Lentil Veggie Burgers
For a vegetarian-friendly option, Lentil Veggie Burgers are a hearty, flavorful choice that’s packed with protein and fiber. These burgers are loaded with lentils, veggies, and spices, making them a satisfying addition to any Memorial Day spread.
Ingredients:
- Cooked lentils
- Carrots, onions, and garlic
- Spices (like cumin and paprika)
Instructions:
- Combine cooked lentils with finely chopped vegetables and spices.
- Form into patties and cook in a skillet or grill.
- Serve with your favorite burger toppings.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: These veggie burgers are a great alternative for plant-based eaters while still offering a hearty, flavorful option for everyone.
See the Recipe for detailed instructions.
10. Cabbage Salad with Citrus Dressing and Radishes
This vibrant Cabbage Salad with Citrus Dressing and Radishes is a light, fresh side dish that adds color and crunch to your Memorial Day feast. The tangy citrus dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp cabbage and spicy radishes.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cabbage
- Radishes, orange, and lime
- Olive oil and honey
Instructions:
- Shred the cabbage and slice the radishes.
- Toss with orange and lime segments, then dress with olive oil and honey.
- Chill before serving.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: This salad is bright and refreshing, making it a great side dish for a summer celebration. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and other Memorial Day favorites.
See the Recipe to make this crisp salad.
FAQs About Memorial Day Recipes
Q: Can I prepare these recipes ahead of time?
Yes! Many of these dishes can be prepared in advance. For example, the Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole and Lentil Veggie Burgers can be made the day before and simply reheated. Drinks like the Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita and Blackberry Champagne Mule can also be prepped ahead of time.
Q: Are these recipes suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be easily scaled up for a crowd. For example, the Onion Boil and Cabbage Salad with Citrus Dressing are both excellent options for serving a large group.
Q: Can these recipes be made vegetarian?
Yes! Recipes like the Lentil Veggie Burgers and Cabbage Salad are already vegetarian, and others can be adapted by swapping out meats for plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion
With these 10 Memorial Day recipes, you’re all set to create a memorable and mouthwatering feast. Whether you’re grilling, mixing up drinks, or preparing savory sides, these dishes will bring bold flavors and a festive spirit to your celebration. Enjoy your holiday, and happy Memorial Day!