It doesn't feel like summer until you've had a Memorial Day barbecue, and this recipe collection will inspire your menu so the food and drinks are better than ever.
45 Memorial Day Barbecue Recipes for an Unforgettable Cookout
Updated on Mar. 26, 2025
1/45
Barbecue Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
Barbecue chicken is my favorite thing to make and eat at cookouts, so this crowd-friendly recipe is right up my alley. The method ensures glazed, lightly charred but not burnt pieces. Grilling the chicken over medium heat instead of high prevents flare-ups and promotes even cooking. Pro tip: Wait until the chicken is almost done to start saucing. This will let the chicken build up baked-on layers of sauce that won’t slip off or burn.
2/45
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
This vegetable and elbow pasta salad has a very unique ingredient in the dressing that adds sweetness and flavor: sweetened condensed milk. The salad needs overnight refrigeration, which makes it a great party dish. Nothing needs to be done the day of the party but to uncover it and give it a stir.
3/45
Barbecue Burger
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything, so it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 626 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
This isn’t any plain, classic grilled hamburger. The beef is mixed with a homemade barbecue sauce and spices for flavor, and an egg and oats bind the meat for well-structured patties. Brush the burgers with more barbecue sauce as they grill to boost that sweet and smoky flavor.
4/45
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 221 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
Three types of potatoes create a naturally festive side dish for Memorial Day! Warm potatoes are dressed with a mustardy vinaigrette instead of a thick, creamy one so the colors aren’t covered.
5/45
Veggie Kabobs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling is a delightful way to prepare the season's freshest produce. A zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
A lemon and garlic marinade transforms everyday vegetables like mushrooms, onions, zucchini and tomato into party-worthy grilled skewers. You can switch up the seasoning by experimenting with different grill-friendly marinades, but make sure the marinade has some acidity (like vinegar or citrus) so it permeates through the mild vegetables.
6/45
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bratwurst: 533 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 825mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 20g protein.
Instead of hot dogs, try grilling bratwurst at your next cookout. Bratwurst are simmered in beer first, so they need only a short time on the grill to crisp the exterior. Make sure to grill them over indirect heat to keep them from bursting or splitting.
7/45
Smoked Ribs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The gorgeous crisp bark and trademark pink smoke ring on these ribs will wow your friends and family. A generous splash of tangy apple cider added during the smoking process helps make the ribs super tender. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked pork: 639 calories, 42g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 2037mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
I thought I didn’t like ribs until I prepared homemade smoked baby back ribs. Then I realized that with the extra time and effort to make them fresh off a grill, they’re so much better than any restaurant. The ribs cook in three stages: smoked with a rub, wrapped in foil with liquid and, finally, smoked while sauced. To save time before hosting a party, make the ribs ahead and quickly heat them on a grill with a fresh brush of sauce before serving.
8/45
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Making this cool, crisp and creamy side dish is as easy as whisking together a sour cream-based dressing, tossing in sliced sweet onions and cucumbers, and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Since cucumbers have so much water, they will thin the dressing as the salad sits. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, and leave the excess water behind.
9/45
Summer Harvest Grilled Panzanella Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful and healthy grilled panzanella salad is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish that makes the most of simple, seasonal ingredients. The salad combines the smoky flavors of grilled summer vegetables with juicy tomatoes, crusty bread and a zesty vinaigrette. Panzanella salad is best enjoyed after the bread has soaked up all the flavors and juices from the veggies and dressing. —Olga Kouloufakos, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 263 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
The key to perfectly grilled vegetables that won’t fall through the grates is also a top-rated grill accessory: a grilling basket. After the vegetables are cooked, all you have to do is chop them, then toss them with grilled bread and a zippy vinaigrette. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes for the bread to soften and absorb all the flavors from the vegetables.
10/45
Corn Ribs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
The weather is warming up, and that means it's time to pull out the grills! This corn ribs recipe contains notes of garlic, onion, mild heat from cayenne pepper and a zesty spritz of lime—it's the perfect addition to your upcoming summer barbecue. —Bill Roberts, Geneva, Illinois
These grilled strips of corn might remind you of pork ribs, but they are a vegetarian swap and a totally fun addition to a cookout spread. To create the ribs, slice boiled corn on the cob crosswise and then quarter each piece through the core. It’s a quick and easy task with a properly sharpened knife, so check your blade before starting.
11/45
Grilled Chicken Wings
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
These simple grilled chicken wings are like a blank canvas ready to dress with your favorite sauce. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 80 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
Cooking chicken wings on a moderately hot grill infuses a deep smoky taste into the meat while crisping and caramelizing the skin. And there is no extra richness or flavor of fry oil, making grilled wings my favorite. In this recipe, the wings are tossed with a spicy hot sauce, but you could make barbecue sauce glazed wings or lemon-pepper wings instead for less heat.
12/45
Creamy Coleslaw
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
This simple coleslaw recipe leans into convenience by using coleslaw mix as the base. Then it is topped with a homemade creamy dressing for maximum flavor. The mayonnaise and sour cream-based dressing doesn’t have additional vinegar or lemon juice, so it’s more sweet than sharp. You can always add a splash if you prefer a more acidic dressing.
13/45
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can't get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor in this recipe. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 142 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Making homemade lemonade is easy, and the pucker and vibrancy of fresh lemon juice can’t be replicated in a powdered mix. This recipe also uses a lemon zest-infused simple syrup for an even stronger lemon taste. By using a syrup, there’s no risk of having a layer of undissolved sugar crystals at the bottom of your lemonade pitcher.
14/45
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 144 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
Having a platter of grilled vegetables at a cookout is a must for me because it adds a ton of color to the table and ensures a vegetarian option at a traditionally meat-heavy gathering. If your grilled vegetables usually lack flavor, the marinade in this recipe will solve that problem and provide a sauce to drizzle over the veggies while warm.
15/45
Grilled Steak
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 373 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 48g protein.
There’s no need to marinate the meat to add big flavor to grilled steaks. In this recipe, a crushed garlic and lemon mixture is brushed onto strip steaks in the last few minutes of grilling to flavor the meat, and it cooks lightly without burning.
16/45
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Instead of serving regular grilled corn at your next cookout, try corn in this fresh salad with juicy ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado. If you struggle with knowing how to cut corn off the cob, we love Ina Garten’s tip of laying down a clean kitchen towel so the kernels don’t bounce off the counter.
17/45
Grilled Shrimp
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
These grilled shrimp skewers are brushed with a flavored lemon and chili powder butter mixture that matches perfectly with the smoke from the grill. If you’re buying frozen shell-on shrimp, you will need to clean, devein and prep shrimp before grilling them. It’s a quick task once you know how to do it.
18/45
Frozen Rhubarb Slush
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
22 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and refreshing, this pretty pink rhubarb slush stores well in the freezer, so it's great to have on hand for summer guests. Just thaw and add ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Aah! —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 179 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
If you are looking for an icy, refreshing drink for your next summer gathering, this sweet-tart rhubarb and strawberry concoction is worth clearing space in the freezer. Make a big pitcher or scoop the slush into individual glasses before adding ginger ale.
19/45
Sloppy Joe Dogs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog: 422 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
What’s a cookout without hot dogs? Instead of sticking to the usual mustard, ketchup and relish, try topping grilled hot dogs with sweet and tangy sloppy joe meat that you can make in advance and reheat when it’s time to eat.
20/45
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 339 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
Crunchy seasoned panko, grilled jalapeno, fresh cilantro and a lime cream cheese spread transform grilled corn on the cob into a party of textures and flavors. Crema, used in the creamy spread, is similar to sour cream, but it’s more saucy and not as tangy. You can often find it in the dairy case with Latin cheeses.
21/45
Macaroni Egg Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty dish proves you don't have to feed a crowd to enjoy delicious picnic salad flavor. Hard-boiled egg makes the salad nice and hearty. —Ruth Wimmer, Bland, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 246 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
This macaroni salad has a simple but classic-tasting mayonnaise-based dressing. It is lightly sweetened with sugar but still has sharpness from vinegar and mustard. Adding chopped hard-boiled eggs makes the salad more robust, but it still pairs well with everything from barbecue chicken to smoked ribs.
22/45
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with White Barbecue Sauce
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite summer recipe to make for a barbecue. You can set it and forget it until it's time to shred it. My son hates traditional barbecue sauce, so I've made this white sauce with mayonnaise for many years. —Linsey Bruce-Lefkowitz, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 418 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
You don’t have to grill to have a successful cookout. These pulled pork sandwiches are a perfect example of how you can use a slow cooker instead. White barbecue sauce is a tangy mayonnaise sauce that originated in Alabama. It is a fun departure from red tomato-based barbecue sauce. Make a double batch and serve extra on the side for dipping anything from raw vegetables to air-fryer french fries.
23/45
Summer Squash Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packing a satisfying crunch, this salad is a tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is a colorful way to use our fresh produce. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Making a raw summer squash salad is one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy the refreshing vegetable. This is a preparation often overlooked in favor of sauteing or grilling. The recipe takes a simple approach and dresses thin strips of raw squash and sliced radish with a punchy vinaigrette for a crisp and light side dish that rivals any coleslaw.
24/45
Grilled Cabbage
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
To ensure cabbage wedges cook all the way through on the grill before charring, this recipe wraps the cabbage in foil, trapping in steam and creating a barrier from the hot grill grates. Brush the wedges with butter to enhance the natural sweet taste of the cabbage. Or, keep it dairy-free and use a neutral cooking oil instead.
25/45
Summertime Tea
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without tequila): 102 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
More than just iced tea, this recipe is a sweet, fruity blend of tea, sugar, orange juice concentrate and lemonade concentrate that is just as refreshing with or without the optional tequila. Use decaf black tea bags to dial down the caffeine but keep the flavor.
26/45
The Best Baby Back Ribs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then I add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 647 calories, 41g fat (13g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 2345mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
If you have always wanted to try making baby back ribs on the grill, consider this recipe your invitation to the rib party. An overnight marinade and spice rub add flavor to the meat. Cooking on a two-zone grill allows for slow-cooking over indirect heat and then a quick char over hot direct heat for super tender ribs.
27/45
Cornbread Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
This layered side dish, full of crumbled cornbread, beans, cheese and fresh vegetables, might not be your typical salad, but the combination of ingredients is perfect for a summery cookout. Plan ahead because the assembled salad needs to sit for several hours so the ranch-infused dressing can soften the bread and infuse the layers.
28/45
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Many times I must come up with recipes that require only the ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of them I created. It's now my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 447 calories, 29g fat (6g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
This recipe offers a few helpful steps for superior steak kabobs, including a long marinade for the beef cubes that starts with store-bought salad dressing and a bacon wrap around the meat for even more flavor. Turn the kabobs occasionally while grilling so the meat and vegetables cook evenly, but don’t overcook the kabobs.
29/45
Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
The hot days of summer sometimes call for a lighter, but still satisfying, dinner. This impressive salad fits the bill because lean pork tenderloin lazily simmers in a slow cooker until tender, keeping the kitchen cool. Then the meat gets sauced and served over romaine lettuce surrounded by chopped vegetables, eggs and cheese.
30/45
Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lt. William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells 'home' for us is good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Of course you can buy barbecue sauce, but why not make your own Dr Pepper-infused version when it is as easy as simmering a handful of ingredients together for about 30 minutes? Use the sauce to baste chicken, ribs or burgers, or just set out a dish for people to use as a dip.
31/45
Juicy Lucy Burger
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends in Minnesota introduced me to the Juicy Lucy burger, a local favorite. Instead of putting the cheese on top, it gets stuffed inside, keeping the meat around the cheese nice and juicy. We love the meltiness of American cheese, but it works with any cheese you'd like. —Brigette Kutschma, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 376 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
A Juicy Lucy is a fun twist on a cheeseburger, with melted cheese in the center of the burger rather than on top! To keep the shredded American or cheddar cheese from leaking out while grilling, sandwich the cheese between two large, thin patties and carefully but thoroughly seal the edges together.
32/45
Southern Deviled Eggs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There is nothing more simple, or delicious, than these southern deviled eggs. I make them for every barbecue, tailgate or picnic, and they're always a hit. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
I’m always glad to see a platter of deviled eggs on the table at a cookout, especially when they are creamy and simply seasoned with mayonnaise, mustard and relish, as in this recipe. The hardest part of making deviled eggs is cooking hard-boiled eggs perfectly and then peeling hard-boiled eggs so they are smooth and blemish-free. With a little practice, you’ll get it!
33/45
Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has been making this recipe for years. Every time I make it for company, my guests rave and can't believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 310 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
This three-ingredient corn side dish has a concentrated onion flavor from being coated in melted butter and dry onion soup mix and then oven-roasted in a foil pouch. Try sprinkling the cooked corn with finely chopped chives or scallions to add a pop of green and a bolder onion taste.
34/45
Honey-Barbecue Wings
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These wings get loads of flavor from being tossed in a slightly sweet honey barbecue sauce. They’re just the tiniest bit sticky—exactly the way they should be. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 133 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
Bring barbecue flavor inside with this recipe for fried chicken wings coated in a salty-sweet glaze. Just simmer the sauce until thickened slightly. Then it will cling to the wings generously and not drip off or make the flour-dusted crispy wings soggy.
35/45
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
There is an old saying that what grows together goes together. In the season of garden abundance, these words offer the freedom to combine fruits, vegetables and herbs in the same bowl without worrying if it will taste good. This salad exemplifies the proverb by blending sweet watermelon with cucumbers, mint, scallion and a simple balsamic vinaigrette for a side dish that tastes of summer in every bite.
36/45
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I'm always asked for the recipe. Serve it with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 238 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Save yourself the work of stuffing individual peppers before your next party. Make a creamy, cheesy jalapeno popper dip instead. The slightly spicy warm dip pairs perfectly with chips, crackers or cut-up vegetables as scoops.
37/45
Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon bowl with a scalloped edge filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Turn a summery sweet watermelon into a party-worthy punch with this easy wine-spiked fruity drink recipe. Make the watermelon base ahead of time. All you have to do before serving is stir in cold sweet white wine and ginger ale. Serve it in a large punch bowl or hollowed-out watermelon.
38/45
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite barbecue chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
These easy sandwiches simmer cooked and shredded chicken with a quick homemade barbecue sauce. You don’t have to spend much time at the stove to create a summer-worthy meal. For a slight twist on a classic barbecue sauce, this recipe includes salsa. If you want a more fiery burn, choose a hot salsa.
39/45
Jicama Slaw
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This jicama slaw is a nice change of pace from traditional cabbage coleslaw. The jicama adds a sweet, nutty flavor and lots of extra crunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 109 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
If you are looking for a side dish that satisfies like coleslaw but doesn’t use cabbage, this jicama slaw is the answer. A simple dressing with cilantro, mayonnaise and sour cream dresses shredded jicama, carrot and red bell pepper for a crisp and light salad that won’t wilt quickly in the refrigerator.
40/45
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped my mother's potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin's, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 315 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
Baked potatoes aren’t the first thing you think of for a cookout, but potato salad certainly is. This mashup of the two offers the best of both dishes. Instead of boiling potatoes for the salad, roast cubed potatoes to deepen their flavor. Then, toss them with hard-boiled egg, bacon, cheese, onion, pickle and a creamy dressing.
41/45
Kofta Kabobs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy these deeply spiced, herb-flecked lamb kabobs with a dazzling array of fresh accompaniments. They're fabulous served over rice and topped with olives, artichokes, feta and tomatoes, plus a squeeze of lemon for brightness. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 493 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1403mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
These ground lamb and beef kabobs have fresh herbs, garlic, onion and warm spices, like cinnamon and smoked paprika. They char up on the grill into a juicy, savory, boldly flavored main dish. Since this recipe uses ground meat, instead of threading the mixture onto a skewer, firmly pack and shape the mixture into a long oval around the skewer so it’s secure when grilling.
42/45
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Using tri-color pasta is an easy way to add color and flavor to a simple pasta salad. This recipe combines vegetables, cooked cooled spirals and prepared Italian dressing for a no-fuss side dish. Drop fresh broccoli florets into the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking time for bright green, crisp broccoli and al dente pasta in one pot. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy salad.
43/45
Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecue beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 279 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
This warm, layered, meaty dip is assembled in minutes. Instead of making homemade barbecue, it calls for prepared barbecue shredded beef. Although it needs only crispy french-fried onions as a topping, the optional fresh diced tomatoes, red onion and cilantro add a bright, juicy taste to cut through the rich meat and cheese.
44/45
Lemon Orzo Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 259 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Even though orzo looks like plump grains of rice, it’s pasta and the perfect bite-sized shape to serve at a party. This recipe has bold, fresh flavors, including a lemon vinaigrette with tarragon, crumbles of feta cheese and marinated artichoke hearts. As with any good pasta salad recipe, keep a close eye on the boiling pasta so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy or waterlogged.
45/45
Bacon Cheeseburger
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Where can you get a juicy burger that is superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
For an ultra-seasoned burger, we flavor the patties in this recipe with fresh onion and garlic, a trio of tangy condiments, and a bit of sugar and vinegar. Beyond the cheddar-topped meat is my favorite part: bacon. No matter how you cook bacon, make sure it’s crispy and well-rendered so it’s easy to eat and doesn’t become chewy under the weight of the bun and all the toppings.
Memorial Day Barbecue FAQ
What foods are most commonly served on Memorial Day?
Memorial Day typically has warm, early summer weather just begging for a big outdoor spread of picnic recipes and food fresh off the grill. If you are new to grilling, we have the ultimate grill guide to get you started and cooking with confidence. Since Memorial Day is a holiday to remember those who sacrificed themselves in the United States military, it’s common to serve red, white and blue dishes in honor of the American flag.
What should I barbecue on Memorial Day?
For a delicious Memorial Day spread, go classic and family-friendly by grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs. Or, try something new with a grilled fish recipe like salmon, shrimp skewers or even lobster. If you have time, turn your grill into a smoker and cook a pork shoulder or brisket until meltingly tender. For those who don’t eat meat, add a grilled vegetarian recipe to round out the table.
What is a good menu for a Memorial Day barbecue?
It’s easy to focus on what to serve as a main course, but part of the fun of a cookout is having a mix of different foods to nibble on. Think of the whole menu when planning. To kick things off, start with some easy Memorial Day appetizers including dips, snack mixes, fruit and cheese so your guests can casually graze. Then, make a few Memorial Day side dishes to place alongside grilled meats, seafood or veggies. To end the meal, try a red, white and blue dessert that’s festive and delicious.
