Memorial Day weekend 2023 will be here before you know it. First and foremost, the holiday is about honoring soldiers who died while fighting for our country. While you may take time to reflect on the patriotism and sacrifice that represents the holiday through Memorial Day activities, many people also consider Memorial Day weekend to be the first real weekend of summer. And for lots of families, that means firing up the grill, having friends over, sipping summer co*cktails, and enjoying the warm weather.
You’ve probably thought about what Memorial Day recipes will be part of this year’s festivities. Burgers are definitely a must, and it’s not a summer cookout without corn on the cob. But why not get a little more creative this year? Try adding some flavorful shrimp to the menu, or get out the food processor to make a creamy dip everyone will love. It’s never a bad idea to have a bright, flavorful salad for vegetarian guests (although omnivores will also appreciate it, we’re sure). And of course, you can’t forget dessert. Homemade popsicles are easy to prep and sure to be a hit. If your Memorial Day barbecue attendees are 21+, then they’ll enjoy a sweet summer co*cktail with their meal. Many of them are even easy to customize to make alcohol-free, for non-drinkers or those under 21.
Read on for the best, easiest Memorial Day recipes to make the first weekend of summer a great one.
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1
Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad
Kick off summer with this salad that features some of the season's best produce like sweet corn and crunchy green beans.
Get the Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad recipe.
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2
Italian Sausage Burger with Marinated Peppers and Onions
Nothing says summer like a good burger. Mix things up a bit with this delicious burger made with Italian sausage, peppers, and onions all on a toasted sesame bun. Get the Italian Sausage Burger with Marinated Peppers and Onions recipe.
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3
Grilled Skirt Steak with Charred Corn and Avocado Salad
Perfectly grilled steak + charred corn + creamy avocado = the perfect way to kick off summer.
Get the Grilled Skirt Steak with Charred Corn and Avocado Salad recipe.
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4
Zesty Shrimp Salad with Couscous
Everyone will love this colorful salad. It's full of bright flavors thanks to ingredients like fresh shrimp, navel oranges, and cherry tomatoes.
Get the Zesty Shrimp Salad with Couscous recipe.
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5
Seared Tilapia with Pineapple and Cucumber Relish
Fresh fish accompanied by a flavorful relish made with ginger, lime, pineapple, cucumber, and honey makes for the perfect Memorial Day weekend meal.
Get the Seared Tilapia with Pineapple and Cucumber Relish recipe.
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6
Salmon with Corn and Avocado Succotash
Tender salmon, fresh corn, flavorful lime, juicy plum tomatoes, and creamy avocado come together in this easy meal that's perfect for the start of summer.
Get the Salmon with Corn and Avocado Succotash recipe.
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7
Lentil Hummus
Everyone at your Memorial Day party will be asking for the recipe to make this creamy, garlicky dip. Whether you choose to share the secret healthy ingredient is up to you.
Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.
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8
Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad
This simple salad is so refreshing — and so easy. You can even make it up to a day before your party so it's ready to go when your guests arrive.
Get the Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad recipe.
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9
Grilled Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are basically the official food of summer. And if they're not, they should be — especially when they're topped with pineapple, lime juice, red onion, and jalapeño.
Get the Grilled Fish Tacos recipe.
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10
Smoky Chicken with Charred-Corn Salad
No grill? No problem. Both the chipotle chicken and the charred corn for this easy meal can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet.
Get the Smoky Chicken with Charred-Corn Salad recipe.
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11
Sweet and Sour Short Ribs with Pickled Onions
Take ribs to the next level with a tangy sauce made with pineapple, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Top with pickled onion for that extra crunch.
Get the Sweet and Sour Short Ribs with Pickled Onions recipe.
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12
Salami-Wrapped Melon with Basil
If you're having a last-minute Memorial Day party, good news: These sweet and savory snacks come together in less than 15 minutes.
Get the Salami-Wrapped Melon with Basil recipe.
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13
Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad
Couscous is the perfect base for this summery salad, which features fresh corn, sweet cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and leafy herbs.
Get the Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad recipe.
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14
Whipped Feta with Cucumber
If you love feta on your salads, you'll go crazy for this dip that brings together creamy feta cheese, honey, and herbs. Crunchy cucumbers are the perfect pairing.
Get the Whipped Feta with Cucumber recipe.
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15
Black Bean and Avocado Salsa
Forget the jarred stuff. This flavorful salsa, made with black beans, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and creamy avocado is way better.
Get the Black Bean and Avocado Salsa recipe.
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16
Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter
Take a classic summer staple to the next level with butter that's infused with parsley, Parmesan, garlic, and lemons.
Get the Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter recipe.
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17
Blackened Fish and Avocado Tostadas
Tons of fresh flavors come together in this delicious tostada recipe. With fresh corn, smooth avocado, and blackened tilapia, it's the perfect way to kick off summer.
Get the Blackened Fish and Avocado Tostadas recipe.
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18
Beet and Feta Dip
This creamy dip is not only gorgeous (look at that color!) but also tasty. Chickpeas, feta cheese, beets, garlic and lemon all come together quickly in a food processor. Your guests will absolutely love it paired with pita bread and veggies.
Get the Beet and Feta Dip recipe.
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19
Fruit 'n' Yogurt Swirl Pops
Kids and adults alike will be happy to see these popsicles come out at any Memorial Day party.
Get the Fruit 'n' Yogurt Swirl Pops recipe.
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20
Ginger-Peach Soda
This drink is basically summer in a glass: peach, fresh ginger, seltzer and mint. For the grown-ups at the party, you could add a splash of rum or vodka.
Get the Ginger-Peach Soda recipe.