Classic Cookout: 30 Traditional Memorial Day Foods

Celebrate Memorial Day by gathering your loved ones for an incredible cookout, where mouthwatering delights await. It’s the perfect opportunity to bond, relax, and relish in the company of family and friends while indulging in a delectable feast. When it comes to planning a cookout, certain classic dishes simply have to make the menu. If you are at a loss, we’ve made a list of Traditional Memorial Day Foods to make your cookout unforgettable.

Touch up your celebration with some of our Mouth-Watering BBQ Sauce Recipes and Patriotic Desserts To Sweeten Your Memorial Day to make your cookout even more special. With these classic dishes and tasty recipes, you’ll be sure to have a memorable cookout that everyone will enjoy!

Here’s our list

The Perfect Burger

Source: Natasha’s Kitchen

Burgers are undoubtedly one of the main highlights of any cookout. If you’re looking for a delicious, juicy burger that everyone will love, try Natasha’s Kitchen’s Perfect Burger recipe. It contains easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips that make this classic Memorial Day dish all the more simple and enjoyable.

Oven-Baked Ribs

Source: Inspired Taste

Contrary to popular belief that only pit masters can cook ribs, baking them in the oven is actually a simple process that requires only time. In fact, 95% of the recipe time is inactive, giving you plenty of time to relax while waiting for the ribs to cook to perfection.

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings

Source: Cafe Delites

These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings live up to their crispiness without being deep-fried! Seem crazy, but the secret is a common ingredient you probably already have in your pantry. Toss the wings in a delicious Buffalo Sauce, and you’ll experience the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Perfect Grilled Steak

Source: Iowa Girl Eats

It’s a simple and delicious way to make a sizzling grilled steak. This Perfect Grilled Steak with Herb Butter recipe includes homemade steak seasoning and a finishing touch of buttery herbs. Your friends and family will be sure to love this classic Memorial Day dish.

Corn On The Cob

Source: Spend With Pennies

Grilled Corn on the Cob is a dish worth getting excited about. The smoky and charred flavor enhances the sweetness and brings out the natural taste of corn. Pair this with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and you’ve got a tasty side dish that everyone will love!

Grilled Vegetables

Source: Love And Lemons

Discover how to prepare delicious grilled vegetables! You can serve them as a side dish during your next barbecue or add a tasty sauce to make them a complete meal. Make sure to mix up the colors and flavors of your vegetables to make the most out of this classic Memorial Day dish.

Best Potato Salad

Source: A Spicy Perspective

You should cook starchy potatoes for a great potato salad until they become very soft. This will partially mash them and create a thick and rustic texture. Additionally, it’s important to use high-quality refrigerated relish that has a fresh taste, large chunks, and a firm texture. Cheaper, ultra-sweet options from the shelves can overpower the dressing’s flavor.

Coleslaw

Source: Inspired Taste

Here is a quick and easy homemade coleslaw recipe with a delicious creamy dressing. It can be made in advance as well. This coleslaw recipe contains vibrant, fresh flavors that can enhance the taste of any dish it accompanies.

Favorite Baked Beans

Source: How Sweet Eats

Here’s our favorite recipe for baked beans! They’re thick and sweet with a delicious blend of BBQ sauce, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle seasoning. They’re absolutely delicious! I also recommend serving this with sweet cornbread for a classic Memorial Day dish.

Garlic Grilled Shrimp

Source: Spend With Pennies

One great dish for the summer grill is Garlic Grilled Shrimp, especially when cooked on skewers. Just marinate the shrimp in a tangy sauce, which can be enjoyed on its own or added to a tasty shrimp taco.

Pulled Pork With BBQ Sauce

Source: RecipeTin Eats

Easy to make in a slow cooker and loved by people worldwide. It’s slow-roasted for 12 hours and requires minimal effort for high returns. Rub the pork with a secret spice mix and slow-cook it until the meat is tender enough to be easily pulled apart.

Grilled Salmon

Source: Dinner At The Zoo

This golden-brown grilled salmon is coated in a delicious marinade, making it a simple yet impressive dinner option that is sure to earn you rave reviews. You can also bake, broil, or pan-sear the salmon.

S’mores

Source: Dinner Then Dessert

S’mores are delicious because of how the melted marshmallow and chocolate blend together. Some people avoid serving them at barbeques because they believe they have to be made individually. Nevertheless, there are numerous quick cooking methods that enable multiple s’mores to be made at once.

Easy Cucumber Salad

Source: The Stay At Home Chef

A well-loved family recipe known as Easy Cucumber Salad. It has been enjoyed for generations and involves thinly sliced cucumbers and onions tossed in a sweet, tangy vinaigrette. This classic side dish goes perfectly with any Memorial Day meal.

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Source: Sweet & Savory Meal

For Memorial Day or Independence Day, you can savor the perfect patriotic dessert by trying out Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad, which is made with fresh and tasty fruits. Since it is colorful and creamy, it is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or barbecues during summer.

Curried Chicken Apple Wraps

Source: Eating Well

Mix chicken, apple, onion, mayo, yogurt, and curry powder in a small bowl to prepare the dish. This quick, easy curried sandwich wrap tastes great with shredded chicken and chopped green apples. It can be served as a light dinner or lunch during Memorial Day.

Cajun Pasta Salad

Source: How To Feed A Loon

I highly recommend trying the Cajun Pasta Salad! It’s packed with flavor and has a nice, subtle spicy kick. It’s an excellent addition to any Summer BBQ. Just remember to add some extra water if you make it ahead of time and plan on letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours, as it tends to thicken over time.

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction

The pizza includes tangy BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, Gouda cheese for a smoky flavor, and cilantro for freshness. This recipe will make enough for two 12-inch pizzas so that you can freeze half for later. It’s easy to make and has an unbeatable flavor.

Related Post: Recipes With Barbecue Chicken

Watermelon Salad

Source: Love & Lemons

This watermelon salad recipe is a delightful and refreshing dish that is ideal for hot summer days. The combination of feta, avocado, mint, and lime creates the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s a light and easy dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or even a main course.

Grilled Pork Chops

Source: The Stay At Home Chef

Making perfect grilled pork chops is a simple process. Start by selecting the appropriate cut, then flavor it appropriately and grill it to enjoy the most delicious pork chop you’ve ever tasted. I love making grilled pork chops because they are just as delicious as beef steak. Everyone who eats them always raves about how amazing they are.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs

Source: Feel Good Foodie

If you’re searching for a creative way to serve fruit to your family, then try out this grilled fruit kabobs recipe. It’s a healthy food option, and I’ve learned that my kids like to eat anything on a stick. All you need are some skewers, your preferred fruit, and a grill. There’s no need for utensils; preparing and cleaning up after is straightforward.

Vegan Chickpea Burgers

Source: Loving It Vegan

These vegan chickpea burgers are easy to make and taste delicious. They have a savory flavor, crispy exterior, and soft interior and are packed with veggie burger goodness. It would be great to include vegan cheese or vegan mayo. It can be eaten for lunch or dinner, either with a side salad or fries or on its own.

Bacon Corn Dip

Source: Damn Delicious

The dip is extremely creamy and irresistible. It’s so delicious that you might even want to eat it with a spoon instead of chips! The dip consists of veggies, bacon bits, and a creamy texture. The best part is the crispy bacon sprinkled on top of the dip.

Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

Source: Insanely Good Recipes

If you want to enjoy a delicious and classic macaroni salad that brings back memories of your grandma’s cooking, here’s a simple recipe you can try. This versatile side dish is perfect for barbecues, roasted meat, or even as a snack. With so many variations of macaroni salad out there, nothing beats the taste of grandma’s recipe!

Mini Shrimp Tostadas

Source: Aleka’s Get-Together

These mini tostadas with shrimp are a great appetizer to serve at any party for your friends and family! They are delicious, easy to prepare, and can be made in large quantities, which is perfect for hosting larger crowds.

Pigs In A Blanket

Source: The Recipe Rebel

Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner, as an appetizer at a party, or as a snack, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser! This dish is made by rolling tasty little smokies in buttery, flaky, and golden-brown crescent rolls.

Classic Guacamole

Source: Jennifer Meyering

Guacamole is one of the ultimate classic dishes that pair perfectly with any of your Memorial Day favorites. My favorite recipe involves quick and simple steps using fresh avocados, onions, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve it up with tortilla chips or spread it over burgers and tacos.

Bruschetta Recipe

Source: I Wash You Dry

I rely on this simple Bruschetta Recipe as my favorite summer appetizer. It is prepared using fresh tomatoes, basil, and onions and served on toasted baguette slices. You can top it off with a homemade Balsamic Glaze for added indulgence.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Source: Pinch & Swirl

These Fried Green Tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them addictive! You can serve them as a tasty appetizer, a side dish, or even as the main attraction in a BLT sandwich. This recipe is similar to Southern Cooking’s version, but without sugar and with a bit of added cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Finally, one can use flaky sea salt to add additional flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Mini Caprese Salad Bites

Source: The Comfort Of Cooking

I really love Caprese salad, which I think embodies the essence of summer. One can serve it in various ways, such as plated, piled up, or as bite-sized portions, topped with the delightful combination of high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil. With its fresh, juicy, colorful, and flavorful ingredients, what’s not to love?

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