50 Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off the Summer

St. Louis Style Ribs are perfect for the long Memorial Day holiday weekend. They are flavorful, tender and fall off the bone good. Add this to your Memorial Day recipe menu and your family will thank you.

Strawberry Pie is a summer time treat that my husband lives for. This pie is made with fresh, plump strawberry top with a sweet light homemade syrup. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

This colorful and tasty pasta salad is the perfect side dish to put on your Memorial Day menu. It’s packed with fresh veggies, pasta, protein and tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

These sticky, sweet, and smoky honey BBQ wings are oven-baked and oh so delicious. They’re the ultimate finger food for your Memorial Day gathering or any other casual get-together.

Tap into the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay with these authentic Maryland crab cakes, made with lump crab meat and seasoned to perfection. Serve them golden and crisp with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite remoulade sauce.

A Memorial Day menu wouldn’t be complete with this tender, slow-cooked pulled pork. Pile it high on a soft bun and add a little slaw to top it off. It’s savory, satisfying, and perfect for feeding your hungry crowd.

Nothing says the beginning of summer like peach cobbler. It’s made with juicy peaches and baked under a golden, buttery crust. This classic Southern peach cobbler is an irresistible dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

This classic macaroni salad is a backyard party favorite made with elbow macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and a tasty dressing. It’s a chilled side dish that pairs perfectly with your barbecued meats.

This creamy banana pudding layers sweet bananas, vanilla wafers, and homemade pudding for a nostalgic dessert everyone loves. It’s cool, comforting, and perfect to put on your Memorial Day menu.

Cool, crisp cucumber salad tossed in a tangy dressing is a refreshing way to balance out any hearty meal. It’s light, simple, and ready in minutes.

My Memorial Day table would not be complete without baked mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, featuring a crispy golden top and a rich, cheesy interior. The perfect side dish for every gathering.

When it comes to my summer gatherings, seafood is always on the menu. These crispy shrimp cakes are seasoned to perfection and pan-fried until golden brown. They’re easy to make and full of flavor in every bite.

Enjoy perfectly crispy and juicy chicken with this air fryer recipe that delivers all the flavor of fried chicken without the grease. It’s quick, easy, and family-approved.

Memorial Day and Potato Salad goes hand and hand. No one will be asking who made the potato salad once they taste this delicious Southern recipe. It will remind you of grandma’s recipe. Potato salad is a must-have side for any BBQ or picnic and your family and friend will love this!

A sweet treat, Banana cream pie combines a flaky crust, rich custard, and layers of fresh bananas topped with whipped cream. It’s a silky, satisfying dessert that’s both elegant and homey.

Slow-simmered with smoky seasoning, these collard greens are tender and packed with deep Southern flavor. They make a hearty, soulful side dish for any meal.

This sheet pan shrimp and sausage recipe is a one-pan wonder loaded with bold flavors, roasted vegetables, juicy shrimp and sausage. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for your Memorial Day gathering.

Step up your mac and cheese game with this decadent lobster mac and cheese, blending tender seafood with rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a luxurious twist on a beloved classic.

This fresh and bright salad is healthy and full of flavor. This is made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. It’s a vibrant side dish that’s perfect for both your holiday menu and meal prep.

Garlic parmesan wings are packed with savory flavor and coated in a buttery, cheesy rub that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether air fryed or baked, they’re a delicious twist on classic wings.

Deviled eggs with candied bacon are a holiday favorite at my house. These creamy and tangy deviled eggs are a timeless party appetizer with just the right balance of savory and sweet. They’re simple to make and sure to be a hit at your Memorial Day gathering.

If you don’t have time to fire up the grill then make these baked chicken thighs instead. They are seasoned to perfection and slathered in honey barbecue sauce, then baked for a deliciously sticky finish. They’re flavorful, budget-friendly, and full of down-home flavor.

Lemon icebox pie is a cool, creamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and bright citrus flavor. It’s a Southern favorite that comes together easily and is perfect for warm days.

These crispy honey Cajun wings are bursting with bold Southern spice and finished with a sticky-sweet honey glaze. Baked or fried to golden perfection, they deliver the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch.

This juicy pulled chicken sandwich is packed with bold BBQ flavor and comes together quickly with minimal effort. It’s a lighter twist on a favorite cookout staple.

Savory, buttery garlic noodles tossed with a touch of soy and parmesan make for a fast and flavorful side or main dish. These noodles are rich, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

This 7UP pound cake is a moist and buttery classic with a subtle citrus twist from the soda. It bakes up with a tender crumb and golden crust that’s perfect for any occasion.

These slow cooker baby back ribs are seasoned to perfection and cooked low and slow until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. Finish them with BBQ sauce under the broiler for a caramelized, finger-licking finish.

Silky and indulgent, this creamy mac and cheese is loaded with melty cheese and just the right seasoning. It’s stovetop comfort food at its finest.

Sweet potato pie is a soul food favorite with a silky, spiced filling and flaky crust. It’s a must-have dessert during the holidays—or any time you’re craving something sweet and Southern.

These oven-baked BBQ short ribs are juicy, meaty, and smothered in rich barbecue sauce for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. No grill needed—just slow roasting in the oven for incredible flavor.

These crispy lemon pepper wings are bursting with zesty citrus flavor and seasoned to perfection with a bold, peppery kick. Baked or fried, they’re a mouthwatering favorite for game day or anytime snacking.

Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside—this Southern fried catfish is seasoned with classic spices and fried to perfection. It’s a soulful dish that pairs perfectly with hush puppies, coleslaw, or cornbread.

This vibrant 3 bean salad combines kidney beans, green beans, and garbanzo beans in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

This classic chicken salad sandwich is loaded with creamy, seasoned chicken and served on soft bread for the perfect bite every time. It’s an easy and delicious lunch option that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Buttery, tender lobster tails are broiled or baked to perfection and brushed with garlic-herb butter for an elegant, restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether for date night or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Rich and velvety, this cream cheese pound cake delivers a moist texture and slightly tangy flavor in every bite. It’s a decadent dessert that’s delicious on its own or topped with fruit and whipped cream.

This decadent seafood mac and cheese is loaded with tender shrimp and crab in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s comfort food with a luxurious twist, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself.

Spicy, tangy buffalo wings are coated in a buttery hot sauce and served with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing. They’re the go-to snack for game day and gatherings.

These homemade chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect with a glass of milk, they’re a sweet treat everyone will love.

These crispy fried shrimp are a great addition to your Memorial Day menu. This is great as an appetizer or main dish, they’re quick to make and always a hit with seafood lovers.

These tender, slow-cooked BBQ oxtails are rich, flavorful, and smothered in sticky homemade sauce. They’re a soulful, fall-off-the-bone dish perfect for special dinners and family gatherings.

Dirty rice is a bold and savory Cajun classic made with seasoned ground meat, peppers, and spices. It’s a one-pot side or main dish full of Louisiana flavor.

Savory and slightly sweet, fried cabbage is a quick and flavorful side dish sautéed with onions and seasoning. It’s simple, soulful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This creamy spinach dip is packed with flavor from garlic, cheese, and perfectly wilted spinach. Serve it warm or cold with chips or bread for an irresistible party appetizer.

Pasta seafood salad is one if not my favorite summer salad. I make it with pasta, shrimp, tuna. This salad goes great with your favorite crackers or crispy bread.

Seafood gumbo is a flavorful New Orleans classic dish. I make this gumbo with shrimp, crab, chicken and smoky sausage in a rich, roux-based broth. It’s a bowl of soul with bold Louisiana flavor and plenty of love.

My Southern fried chicken recipe is always welcomed at my backyard get togethers. I fry them until they are golden and crispy. It’s a timeless favorite that brings comfort with every bite.

This cake is decadent, moist, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting. A true Southern classic, its deep red color and soft crumb make it the perfect dessert for your Memorial Day celebration.

This refreshing Greek salad is full of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta tossed in a simple vinaigrette. It’s a light and vibrant side dish that brings Mediterranean flavor to any meal.