These are the easy summer recipes I actually make on repeat every Memorial Day weekend—fresh salads, grilling recipes, crowd-friendly sides, easy appetizers, and a few desserts everyone looks forward to.
Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer around here. We usually spend as much time outside as possible, whether that means grilling in the backyard, heading to the beach, or having family and friends over for something casual. And while burgers and hot dogs definitely make an appearance, I also love mixing in lighter meals, big salads, easy sides, and recipes that can be prepped ahead so I’m not stuck in the kitchen all weekend.
The Recipes I Make Every Memorial Day Weekend
These are the recipes I actually make on repeat every Memorial Day weekend—some are great for feeding a crowd, others are perfect for easy lunches or laid-back dinners after a long day in the sun. You’ll find a mix of high-protein favorites, summer salads, grilling recipes, appetizers, and desserts that feel festive without being fussy.
30 Memorial Day Weekend Recipes
From easy grilling recipes and fresh summer salads to make-ahead sides, backyard BBQ favorites, and simple desserts, these easy summer recipes are perfect for cookouts, parties, and long weekends with family and friends.
Poolside Snacks and Apps
Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a fresh salad or appetizer made with tender shrimp, creamy avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and bright lime juice. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect as a light meal or spooned over tostadas for an easy summer dish.
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Shrimp Salsa
Shrimp Salsa is so good, you might not want to share! Made with shrimp, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion and lime juice. Bring this to a party and watch it disappear!
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Taco Dip
This super easy, no-cook taco dip is a MUST-have at any get-together – birthdays, football, holidays. This layered dip is sure to impress and always disappears!
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Burger Slider Skewers
Mini burgers with bacon, layered on skewers with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles! Set out some ketchup and mustard for dipping and watch them disappear!
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Easy Grilling Recipes
Turkey Burger Recipe
A healthy twist on a classic—these turkey burgers are quick to make, packed with flavor, and always turn out juicy. Great for weeknights or summer grilling.
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Hot Dog Onions Recipe
Smoky, tangy, and delicious, this is my mom’s recipe for saucy Hot Dog Onions. They’re the best onions for hot dogs and only take about 15 minutes to make!
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The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
I set out to make a great tasting grilled portobello mushroom burger that even a meat lover would love. The mushrooms are marinated then grilled and topped with melted Swiss Cheese, grilled red onion, tomatoes, spinach, and avocado – yum!!
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Make-Ahead Sides
Red Potato Salad Recipe
This healthy Baby Red Potato Salad is light, creamy, and perfect for summer cookouts! Made with just a touch of mayo, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and vinegar—no peeling required. A quick, BBQ side dish everyone will love.
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Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Cold Italian pasta salad packed with colorful veggies, such as broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers, plus Italian favorites like salami, cheese, pepperoncini, and olives.
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Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Greek Orzo Salad is a light and refreshing pasta salad made with orzo, feta, lemon, and crisp veggies. Perfect as a summer side dish or light lunch, and great with anything off the grill.
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Coleslaw Recipe
This homemade coleslaw recipe is the perfect side to pair with anything you’re grilling this summer! Serve it as a side dish with sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and more.
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Summer Desserts
Because no long weekend is complete without something sweet.
Cheesecake Cupcakes
Easy Cheesecake cupcakes made with cream cheese, Greek yogurt with a vanilla wafer crust topped with strawberries and blueberries.
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Blueberry Galette
This easy blueberry galette is the perfect dessert to bake when fresh summer blueberries are in season or any time of the year. Using refrigerated pie dough makes it even faster!
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Skillet Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cobbler
Skillet Mixed Berry Buttermilk CobblSkillet Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cobbler is made with blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries covered with a delicious biscuit topping and baked in a cast iron skillet.er
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Ambrosia Salad
With a variety of fresh fruit, whipped cream, walnuts, and marshmallows, Ambrosia Fruit Salad is ready in minutes. The perfect summer dessert to bring to your next potluck!
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Grilled Bananas in Foil
These Grilled Bananas are wrapped in foil and stuffed with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds. A quick, gooey dessert perfect for summer cookouts, camping, or an easy sweet treat on the grill.
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For me, Memorial Day weekend is less about making one giant complicated meal and more about having a few really good recipes everyone looks forward to all weekend long. I try to keep things easy, fresh, and flexible so I can spend less time cooking and more time outside with family and friends.
If you make any of these recipes this weekend, let me know your favorites! And if you need more ideas, don’t miss my full collection of Memorial Day recipes, summer meals, and grilling recipes. What are your plans this weekend? Whatever they are, hope you enjoy!!