These are the Memorial Day recipes I return to every year — the tried-and-true dishes that earn a permanent place on my summer menu. From juicy burgers and tender ribs to crisp wings, bright make-ahead salads, and refreshing desserts, this collection will help you build a stress-free, delicious Memorial Day cookout.
Good planning and a few go-to recipes are the secret to a relaxed Memorial Day dinner menu. Scroll through these favorites, pick what fits your crowd, and prep ahead for an easy, memorable cookout.
1. Juicy Mushroom Burgers with Swiss
Blending mushrooms into beef boosts moisture and umami, transforming ordinary burgers into something deeply flavorful. These Juicy Mushroom Burgers with Swiss lock in juiciness and deliver a rich, savory bite that guests always ask about. Grill them first—they go fast.
View Recipe →
2. Turkey Burger
Turkey burgers don’t have to be dry. A little mayonnaise mixed into the patty keeps them moist, tender, and reliably juicy every time. This simple trick turns a turkey burger into a crowd-pleasing option for your Memorial Day grill.
View Recipe →
3. Ground Chicken Burgers
These Ground Chicken Burgers convert skeptics by cooking the onions first to preserve moisture and mixing a touch of mayo into the patties. They stay juicy and take toppings beautifully—an easy, lighter burger option for summer gatherings.
View Recipe →
4. Moist and Flaky Salmon Burgers
With just a few ingredients, these salmon burgers are tender and flaky. Top them with fresh avocado and crunchy slaw for a light, flavorful sandwich that brightens any Memorial Day spread.
View Recipe →
5. Easy Sloppy Joes
Make from-scratch Easy Sloppy Joes in one skillet in about 30 minutes. Browning the tomato paste first adds a deep, caramelized flavor, creating a rich sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon—much better than any canned version.
View Recipe →
6. Ham & Cheese Sliders
These Ham and Cheese Sliders layer Swiss, deli ham, and sharp cheddar beneath a buttery Dijon-poppy seed glaze. Pre-baking the bottom buns keeps the assembly crisp, and a splash of Worcestershire in the butter adds a savory depth guests notice but can’t name.
View Recipe →
7. Tender Beef Ribs
Oven-baked Tender Beef Ribs become so soft the meat slides off the bone. Wrapping them tightly in foil traps steam for melting tenderness, then a broiler finish with BBQ sauce gives a sticky, caramelized crust. No smoker required.
View Recipe →
8. Spare Ribs
These oven-baked Spare Ribs use a smoky dry rub and a brown-sugar BBQ glaze to achieve fall-apart tenderness. Slow cooking in a sealed foil packet breaks down the collagen, and a quick broil caramelizes the sauce into a sticky, irresistible crust.
View Recipe →
9. Oven-Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
With only five ingredients and one baking sheet, these drumsticks are a low-effort favorite. Tossed in a sticky homemade honey-BBQ glaze and baked until caramelized, they’re a simple, crowd-pleasing addition to any backyard menu.
View Recipe →
10. Light and Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
This Light and Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken gets a shattering crunch from baking powder in the flour mix. Tiny bubbles puff the coating as it fries, producing a lighter, restaurant-style crust. Serve warm or cold on a big platter.
View Recipe →
11. Tandoori Chicken Wings
A yogurt-based tandoori marinade tenderizes and flavors chicken with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and a touch of cayenne. The same marinade that works for drumsticks is excellent on wings—finish under the broiler for charred spots and smoky depth.
View Recipe →
12. Baked Buffalo Wings
Skip the deep fryer—Baked Buffalo Wings crisp up beautifully in the oven, then get tossed in a buttery hot sauce. Serve with a bright homemade blue cheese dip; a splash of lemon juice makes that dip sing.
View Recipe →
13. Creamy Potato Salad with Egg
This Classic Creamy Potato Salad with Egg is a barbecue staple. Salt the water like pasta, cube potatoes for even cooking, and cool them before dressing so the mayo stays stable. The lemony, yogurt-lightened dressing keeps the salad bright and balanced.
View Recipe →
14. World’s Best Macaroni Salad
After testing, this Macaroni Salad stands out: creamy without being heavy, well-seasoned, and with a satisfying crunch from grated carrots and celery. If it sits overnight, add a splash of mayo before serving to revive the texture.
View Recipe →
15. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and rotini tossed in a bright homemade Italian vinaigrette—this Pasta Salad is a summer staple. Cook pasta just to al dente and rinse with cold water to keep it bouncy and prevent it from soaking up the dressing.
View Recipe →
16. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
All the flavor of elote without the husk: this Mexican Street Corn Salad chars sweet corn for smoky bits, then mixes cotija, lime, cilantro, and a touch of mayo for a creamy, tangy side that tastes like summer off the grill.
View Recipe →
17. Strawberry Caprese Salad
Fresh strawberries, creamy mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil make this Strawberry Caprese Salad an elegant, summery plate. It’s quick to assemble and always a standout at a picnic table.
View Recipe →
18. Thai Noodle Salad with Sweet Chili Dressing
This herb-forward Thai Noodle Salad with Sweet Chili Dressing is one of those BBQ sides that can outshine the main. It improves when made ahead and pairs perfectly with grilled meats and seafood.
View Recipe →
19. Kale Caesar Salad
Shredded raw kale stands up to bold Caesar flavors and stays crisp while you grill. This Kale Caesar with garlicky dressing, Parmesan, and bacon is hearty, make-ahead friendly, and a great green counterpoint to heavier dishes.
View Recipe →
20. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dish. Slow-simmering the chicken yields fall-apart tenderness as the meat bastes in its own juices and the sauce’s sugars concentrate into rich, savory flavor.
View Recipe →
21. Flaky Buttermilk Onion Rings
Soak onion rings in buttermilk with hot sauce and Creole seasoning for tender, flavorful rings. The coating is thin and shatteringly crisp—fry hot and salt immediately for the best crunch.
View Recipe →
22. Cornbread Casserole
This Cornbread Casserole is tender and moist, with juicy corn kernels and a pudding-like center framed by golden edges. It’s a comforting side that keeps well if you have leftovers.
View Recipe →
23. Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
A soft sugar-cookie crust topped with a light cream cheese filling and fresh fruit is perfect for a Memorial Day flag cake. Kids love helping decorate with strawberries and blueberries for a festive dessert.
View Recipe →
24. Strawberry Icebox Cake
Six ingredients, no baking, and barely any hands-on time: this Strawberry Icebox Cake is fridge-chilled magic. Graham crackers soften to a tiramisu-like texture while the cream filling stays fluffy and bright with fresh berries.
View Recipe →
25. Philadelphia Cheesecake
A classic Philadelphia-style cheesecake with a buttery graham crust and a simple, creamy filling. To prevent cracks, fold the eggs in gently and bake until the center reaches a silky texture. It’s an elegant finish to any holiday meal.
View Recipe →
26. Blueberry Pie
Nothing beats a homemade Blueberry Pie to close out a Memorial Day cookout. Bursting with fresh berries and wrapped in a flaky all-butter crust, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people savor the first bite in quiet appreciation.
View Recipe →
NEXT UP: Grilling Recipes for Father’s Day + Easy Strawberry Recipes.