Happy Memorial Day! Many Americans observe Memorial Day by holding family and friend gatherings, attending parades, and/or visiting cemeteries or memorials. Therefore, this collection of Memorial Day Recipes was created to inspire beverages and food served during these festivities.
What is Memorial Day?
Did you know that Memorial Day is more than just a day to enjoy a day off of work, beautiful weather, and a backyard BBQ? Furthermore, this holiday was created to honor the thousands of military men and women who sacrificed their lives by serving their country. Finally, unlike Veteran’s Day which honors the men and women, living and dead, Memorial Day focuses on honoring fallen soldiers.
According to History.com, Memorial Day is an “American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died in the United States military.” In addition, Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and became an official holiday in 1971. Finally, to learn more about how you can honor these amazing men and women, specifically those in Texas, visit Oath Nonprofit.
A Collection of Memorial Day Recipes
Beverages
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Who is looking for the ultimate kid-friendly drink for Memorial Day? Then look no further than Watermelon Agua Fresca! Furthermore, the vibrant colors will entice your eyes to drink up, and your kids will be wondering if you made this for them. Finally, this beautiful beverage comes together with 3 simple ingredients, is allergen-friendly, and is kid-friendly!
Non-Alcoholic Blood Orange Spritzers
Are you looking for a delicious Memorial Day Recipe for non-alcoholic beverages? Then, look no further than these refreshing non-alcoholic Blood Orange Spritzers that are an ideal sip for Memorial Day! Finally, these delicious spritzers are made with fresh-squeezed blood orange juice and rosemary simple syrup which makes these a perfect Memorial Day beverage recipe!
Fresh Cucumber Jalapeno Lemonade Mocktail
This Fresh Cucumber Jalapeno Lemonade is the refreshing Memorial Day Recipe drink that you never knew you needed! In addition, it is sweet, tart, subtly spicy, and has the cool addition of cucumber to quench your thirst. Finally, you can drink it as lemonade, a bubbly mocktail, or a specialty cocktail.
Blackberry Mint Julep
Blackberry Mint Julep is the perfect beverage recipe to toast fallen soldiers this Memorial Day. Finally, this cocktail is tart, sweet, and packs a punch.
Rhubarb-Strawberry Margaritas
Rhubarb Strawberry Margaritas are made with silver tequila, lime juice, and homemade rhubarb-strawberry syrup. In addition, this cocktail is tart-sweet, easy to make, and the ultimate beverage recipe for Memorial Day.
Appetizers and Side Dishes
Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Bruschetta is bright, bursting with flavor, and the perfect appetizer for any holiday. Furthermore, this recipe is excellent to make ahead and comes together within minutes. Finally, spoon this flavorful Tomato Bruschetta over Sourdough French Bread Crostini slices for a crowd-favorite appetizer.
Pulled Pork Empanadas
Are you looking to change up how you use leftover BBQ meat? Then, check out these Pulled Pork Empanadas! Slow, smoked Pulled Pork mixed with Kinder’s BBQ Sauce and hugged with Vegan Empanada Dough makes a delicious meal for any busy weeknight, potluck dinner, backyard BBQ, kid-friendly meal, and more!
Avocado Corn Salad
Avocado Corn Salad is a bright and feel-good salad that’s loaded with grilled corn, creamy avocado, and cherry tomatoes. In addition, the dressing gives this side dish an amazing fresh flavor. Finally, this is a crowd-pleasing fresh corn salad that always disappears fast!
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with a Twist
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a go-to staple for any gathering. These Jalapeño poppers have an added layer of richness by adding Duck Breast inside each Jalapeño making these an irresistible, savory treat perfect for Memorial Day!
Wicked Baked Beans
One Pot Wicked Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for your cookout. Smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños are contrasted with sweet brown sugar and crushed pineapple. Finally, one pot will easily feed a crowd, but it can be cut in half to feed smaller gatherings.
Air-Fried Okra
The BEST Air Fryer Okra! Okra is a Southern staple for any meal or gathering, and this Air-Fried Okra will leave you wanting more! Serve this alongside freshly smoked BBQ and enjoy!
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
If you’re looking for the BEST fruit salad, you’ve come to the right place! Furthermore, this is an incredibly refreshing, must-have-side dish with a beautiful blend of colors, flavors, and a simple dressing to compliment it. Serve this for any summer backyard BBQ, Memorial Day, or gathering in general – it is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ranch Slaw
Ranch Slaw is a twist on the classic Cabbage Coleslaw. Furthermore, Persian cucumbers and Sugar Snap Peas are sprinkled with ranch dressing making this crunchy, zesty slaw the perfect partner for any party!
Instant Loss Homemade BBQ Sauce
Smoky, tangy, with a hint of spice this homemade barbecue sauce is great for grilling or dipping! Bottle this sauce up and serve it on top of a slab of smoky BBQ!
The Best Cowboy Caviar (Texas Caviar)
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a cold salad recipe consisting of black-eyed peas, a light vinaigrette dressing, and colorful vegetables! Furthermore, this recipe makes a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or summer BBQ!
Main Courses
AIP Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
This AIP Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a true delight. Along with the Instant Pot, it can also be made in a Crockpot for the most tender, flavorful, and delicious Pulled Pork that’s completely gluten-free, nightshade-free, and refined sugar-free.
Louisiana Crawfish Boil
Are you looking for a good ole time to celebrate Memorial Day? Then, check out this Louisiana Crawfish Boil how-to including the recipe for the most flavorful boil you’ll ever enjoy!
Texas-Styled Smoked Brisket
Beef Brisket and a backyard smoker: It doesn’t get any more “Texas” than that. Serve this Texas-style Brisket as a main course for your Memorial Day BBQ!
Quick and Easy Turkey Burgers
Quick and Easy Turkey Burgers are the perfect dish for a Memorial Day BBQ to honor our fallen soldiers. Furthermore, these burgers can be served in lettuce wraps or on Sourdough Hamburger Buns.
Shrimp Boil
Hello Shrimp Boil! A Southern favorite that includes tender shrimp, hearty potatoes, flavorful sausage, and sweet corn all boiled together in one big pot. Finally, this is an easy, and delicious recipe to serve at any outdoor party.
Strawberry-Cabernet BBQ Chicken Legs
Who loves tart, sweet, and fresh flavors? If you love this combination, try out this Strawberry Cabernet BBQ Sauce. Furthermore, it is made with fresh strawberries, red wine, and maple syrup. Finally, this sauce is good for slathering across practically any protein you want to barbecue, from chicken to pork, to ribs!
Venison Burger Salad
Venison Burger Salad is lean, flavorful, and simple. In addition, this is the delicious main course for any backyard BBQ and is low-carb!
Beer Can Chicken
Beer Can Chicken is incredibly delicious, juicy, and moist. In addition, this chicken is perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices and baked to crispy perfection. Finally, the steam from the beer creates an unbelievably moist chicken, you’ll love it from the very first bite.
Not-Your-Everyday Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
Smoked Spare Ribs are a family AND friend favorite! Furthermore, these are slightly sweet and spicy – the perfect combination!
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco
Smoky, Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with a Spicy Chipotle Romesco Sauce is the ultimate vegetarian-friendly meal for any Memorial Day party. Finally, this is an easy and flavorful plant-based meal that’s versatile, healthy, and so satisfying!
Bread and Buns
Sourdough Hamburger Buns
Sourdough Hamburger Buns are easy to make with your Sourdough starter and a few simple ingredients. In addition, you can mix the dough in the morning and bake them fresh for dinner the same day! Finally, these are delicious for any juicy burger you’ll make throughout the year and on Memorial Day!
Sourdough Pizza Dough
Sourdough Pizza Dough is crispy, chewy, and the perfect vessel for delicious flavors. In addition, this Sourdough Pizza Dough can be used as a traditional pizza crust or rolled into other shapes for various recipes.
Sourdough Rolls
Sourdough Rolls are pillowy soft, buttery, and a perfect side dish! Furthermore, these easy homemade dinner rolls get their flavor from a Sourdough starter. Finally, serve these alongside BBQ to mop up BBQ sauce or serve them as sliders for any party.
Sourdough Rye Sandwich Bread
Sourdough Rye Sandwich Bread is hearty, rustic, and delicious! In addition, Sourdough Rye Bread is made in a large loaf pan and intended to be a vessel for making BBQ chopped sandwiches. Finally, Sourdough Rye Sandwich Bread is a twist on the classic Rye bread and has the gluten-reduced qualities of an active Sourdough Starter.
Sourdough Hot Dog Buns
Sourdough Hot Dog Buns are light, fluffy, and packed full of flavor. Furthermore, they are super easy to make and will take your next family barbecue up a notch. Finally, you can serve these at room temperature or toasted over a fire for some extra flavor.
Desserts
No-Bake Mix-Berry Icebox Cake
No-Bake Mix Berry Icebox Cake is easy to make with just four ingredients and a colorful way to celebrate Memorial Day. Furthermore, it is made with layers of grain-free cookies or graham crackers, coconut whipped cream, and seasonal mixed berries. What more could you want in a Summer icebox cake?
Sorrel Cheesecake Bars
Tart, sweet, rich, and festive are words that describe these Sorrel Cheesecake Bars. Sorrel Jam is swirled into an eggless cheesecake filling for a vibrant and beautiful topping on these dessert bars. Finally, these cheesecake bars are the perfect treat for Memorial Day and will be a show-stopper in taste and sight on any table.
Decadent Chocolate Sourdough Cupcakes
Decadent Chocolate Sourdough Cupcakes are tender, rich, and pure perfection. In addition, this dessert is the perfect kid-friendly, sweet treat for Memorial Day.
Easy Banana Pudding
Banana Pudding is a Southern staple for any gathering! In addition, this homemade dessert is made with rich and creamy banana pudding between layers of vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. Best of all, this pudding is a no-bake and loved by all at potlucks and parties.
Mason Jar Mud Pies
Gooey, chocolatey, caramel, Oreo, and whipped cream layered within a Mason Jar – HELLO heaven! Mason Jar Mud Pies are a kid (and adult) dream come true! Make these for Family Movie Nights, family gatherings, or for a weeknight dessert, and enjoy!