Best Recipes Day: 55 Best Memorial Day Recipes for the Long Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, a time to gather with friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy delicious, no-fuss meals that don’t keep you stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just chilling by the pool, these 55 crowd-pleasing Memorial Day recipes will help you put a fantastic dinner on the table in less than an hour. From juicy burgers to refreshing salads and decadent desserts, we’ve got you covered with easy, flavorful dishes that everyone will love.

In this post, we’ll share a curated list of recipes, expert tips for stress-free hosting, and a handy table to organize your menu planning. Plus, we’ll answer common FAQs to make your Memorial Day meal prep a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Why Memorial Day Calls for Quick, Crowd-Pleasing Recipes

Memorial Day is all about honoring those who’ve served while celebrating the start of summer. According to a 2024 survey by the National Retail Federation, over 60% of Americans plan to host or attend a BBQ or picnic during the holiday weekend. That’s a lot of hungry guests! But with the sun shining and the vibes relaxed, no one wants to spend hours slaving over a hot stove.

These no-fuss recipes are designed to save time without sacrificing flavor. Think vibrant salads, grilled mains, and make-ahead desserts that let you enjoy the party as much as your guests do. I remember last Memorial Day when my neighbor Sarah threw an epic BBQ. She had a spread of grilled veggies, sliders, and a killer fruit salad—all prepped in under an hour. Her secret? Simple recipes with bold flavors and smart prep.

What Makes a Recipe “No-Fuss”?

A no-fuss recipe is all about simplicity and speed. Here’s what we look for:

• Minimal Ingredients: Recipes with 10 or fewer ingredients keep things manageable.
• Quick Prep: Most of these dishes come together in 30–45 minutes.
• Versatile Flavors: Options for meat-lovers, vegetarians, and vegans to please every palate.
• Make-Ahead Options: Prep early to free up your day for fun.

With these principles in mind, let’s explore some of the best recipes for your Memorial Day celebration.

Top 10 Memorial Day Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Here’s a handpicked selection of 10 recipes from our list of 55, each ready in under an hour and guaranteed to impress. For the full list, check out our downloadable recipe guide at the end of this post!

1. Classic BBQ Cheeseburgers

Nothing says Memorial Day like a juicy cheeseburger hot off the grill. Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, then grill for 4–5 minutes per side. Top with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and a brioche bun. Total time: 20 minutes. Pro tip: Prep patties the night before to save time.

2. Grilled Veggie Skewers

These colorful skewers are a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Thread bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, brush with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then grill for 10 minutes. Expert insight: Chef Jamie Oliver suggests cutting veggies uniformly for even cooking.

3. Watermelon Feta Salad

This refreshing salad combines juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh mint for a burst of summer flavor. Toss together in 10 minutes and serve chilled. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with grilled mains.

4. BBQ Chicken Sliders

Shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, served on mini Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw, takes just 25 minutes. Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.

5. Corn on the Cob with Chili-Lime Butter

Grill fresh corn for 10 minutes, then slather with a zesty chili-lime butter. This side dish is a staple at my family’s Memorial Day cookouts, and it’s always gone in minutes!

6. Vegan Black Bean Burgers

For a plant-based option, these black bean burgers are hearty and flavorful. Blend black beans, breadcrumbs, and spices, then grill for 8 minutes per side. Fun fact: A 2023 study by the Plant-Based Foods Association found that 39% of Americans are eating more plant-based meals.

7. Caprese Pasta Salad

Cook pasta, toss with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and balsamic glaze. Ready in 15 minutes, this make-ahead dish is perfect for picnics.

8. Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes for 10 minutes, then grill for 3 minutes per side. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.

9. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

These creamy, individual cheesecake cups with graham cracker crust and berry topping are ready in 20 minutes. Chill them overnight for a stress-free dessert.

10. Peach Iced Tea

Brew black tea, add fresh peach slices and a touch of honey, and serve over ice. This refreshing drink takes 10 minutes and keeps guests hydrated.

Memorial Day Menu Planning Table

To make your prep even easier, here’s a table categorizing our top recipes by type, prep time, and dietary preferences:

Recipe	Category	Prep Time	Dietary
Classic BBQ Cheeseburgers	Main	20 min	Meat
Grilled Veggie Skewers	Side	15 min	Vegetarian/Vegan
Watermelon Feta Salad	Salad	10 min	Vegetarian
BBQ Chicken Sliders	Main	25 min	Meat
Corn on the Cob	Side	15 min	Vegetarian
Vegan Black Bean Burgers	Main	20 min	Vegan
Caprese Pasta Salad	Salad	15 min	Vegetarian
Spicy Grilled Shrimp	Main	15 min	Seafood
No-Bake Cheesecake Cups	Dessert	20 min	Vegetarian
Peach Iced Tea	Drink	10 min	Vegan

Tips for Stress-Free Memorial Day Hosting

Hosting a Memorial Day gathering doesn