The easy summer recipes that I actually make on repeat every Memorial Day weekend are fresh salads, grill recipes, crowd-friendly sides, easy appetizers, and a few desserts that everyone looks forward to.
Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer around here. We spend as much time as possible outdoors, whether grilling in the backyard, going to the beach, or having casual gatherings with family and friends. While burgers and hot dogs definitely make an appearance, I also like to mix up light meals, big salads, easy sides, and recipes that can be prepared ahead of time so I’m not stuck in the kitchen all weekend.
A recipe I make every Memorial Day weekend.
Here are some recipes I actually make on repeat every Memorial Day weekend. Some recipes are great for feeding a crowd, while others are perfect for an easy lunch or leisurely dinner after a long day in the sun. A mix of high-protein favorites, summer salads, grilling recipes, appetizers and desserts that are festive without being fussy.
30 Memorial Day Weekend Recipes
From easy bake recipes and fresh summer salads to make-ahead side dishes, backyard barbecue 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 Avocado Salad is a fresh salad or appetizer made with tender shrimp, creamy avocado, tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro and bright lime juice. Light and flavorful, it’s perfect as a light meal or on a tostada for an easy summer dish.
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shrimp salsa
The shrimp salsa is so delicious you might not want to share it! 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 for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday, football, or holiday party. This layered dip leaves an impression and always disappears!
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Burger Slider Skewers
Bacon mini burgers topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles on a skewer! Prepare some ketchup and mustard for dipping and watch them disappear!
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Easy Baking Recipes
Türkiye Burger Recipe
A healthy twist on a classic, these turkey burgers are quick to make, full of flavor, and always juicy. Great for weeknights or summer grilling.
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Hot Dog Onion Recipe
Smokey, tangy and delicious, this is my mom’s recipe for savory hot dog onions. These are the best onions for hot dogs and only take about 15 minutes to make!
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Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
I set out to make a Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger that even meat-lovers would love. Pickled and grilled mushrooms, then topped with melted Swiss cheese, grilled red onion, tomatoes, spinach, and avocado. Yum yum!!
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Aspects of preparing in advance
Red Potato Salad Recipe
This healthy baby red potato salad is light, creamy, and perfect for summer cooking! No need to peel, just use mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and vinegar. A quick barbecue side dish that everyone will love.
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Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This is a cold Italian pasta salad filled with colorful vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as well as popular Italian dishes such as 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 cheese, lemon, and crunchy vegetables. It’s perfect as a summer side dish or light lunch, and goes well with grilled food.
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Cabbage Salad Recipe
This homemade coleslaw recipe goes great with anything this summer! Eat as a side dish with sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, etc.
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summer dessert
Because no long weekend is complete without something sweet.
Cheesecake Cupcakes
Easy cheesecake cupcakes made with a vanilla wafer crust topped with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, 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 year. Refrigerated pie dough makes it even faster!
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Skillet Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cobbler
Skillet Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cobbleskillet Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cobbler is made with blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries topped with a delicious biscuit topping and baked in a cast iron skillet.
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Ambrosia Salad
It contains a variety of fresh fruits, whipped cream, walnuts, marshmallows, etc. Ambrosia Fruit Salad It’s ready in minutes. The perfect summer dessert to bring to your next potluck!
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Bananas baked in foil
Roasted bananas are wrapped in foil and filled with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and chopped almonds. A quick and gooey dessert perfect for summer cookouts, camping, or for an easy sweet treat on the grill.
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To me, Memorial Day weekend is less about making a huge, complicated meal and more about eating a few really good recipes that everyone looks forward to all weekend. I try to keep things easy, fresh, and flexible so I can spend less time cooking and more time outdoors with family and friends.
If you make one of these recipes this weekend, let me know which one is your favorite! If you’re looking for more ideas, don’t miss our full collection of Memorial Day Recipes, Summer Meals, and Grilling Recipes. What are your plans for this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy!!
