Looking for homemade Memorial Day recipes? Look no further! We’ve put together the tastiest side dishes to serve at your family get-together this Memorial Day!
Don’t buy BBQ sauce this year! Make your own with this amazing kit from our friends at Grow and Make!
These dishes will be more than just sides, but the feature itself! Bring the family together this holiday with some delicious home cooking.
1. Lemony Kale Quinoa Salad
What can we say; we love our veggies! This delicious and nutritious Kale Quinoa Salad is packed with lots of good for you ingredients, making this the perfect starter dish for that decadent BBQ you have planned.
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale, leaves removed from rib, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped finely
- 1 can of small white beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup of quinoa, cooked according to package directions
- handful of parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- liberal grinding of sea salt
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- ground black pepper
2.Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Garlic Butter
Ah, the Brussel sprout. So underrated, yet so darn tasty! These little guys are an excellent source of Vitamin C, K, and other nutrients and vitamins. But enough about that, let’s get back to how delicious these vegetables are! When cooked properly, brussels sprouts produce a texture and taste similar to that of teriyaki chicken or grilled meat. This side is perfect for vegans (sans the Parmesan) and carnivores alike!
Ingredients
- 24 Brussels Sprouts halved lengthwise
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 Garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
3. Roasted Asparagus
C’mon, asparagus is the perfect side! It’s crunchy, salty, and complements most, if not all, meat dishes. Plus, when it comes to BBQing, vegetables give the body a nice little break, thus allowing you to eat more of that BBQ and grilled meat (in moderation, right?).
Ingredients
- 1 bundle/bunch of asparagus
- 1 lemon
- handful of rosemary sprigs
- 2-tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
4. Brown Sugar Roasted Pineapple
This homemade brown sugar pineapple recipe is so versatile! You can serve this for breakfast with sausages, at BBQ’s with pulled pork sammies or hamburgers, or topped with French vanilla ice cream for dessert. (We prefer dulce de leche ice cream, but to each their own!)
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
5. Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice
Hey, good looking! Sure, this isn’t a classic Memorial Day dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change the status quo and serve this at your family get-together! This recipe is packed with flavor, protein, and good vibes. Make a plate of this, sit down, and enjoy that Summer breeze.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups wild rice blend + chicken broth to cook it in
- 1 Tablespoons butter
- 1-1/2 cups 1/2″ cubed sweet potato (about 1 medium-sized sweet potato)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 4 cups packed chopped curly kale (about 1/2 bunch)
- 1/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas
For the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, microplaned or finely minced
- salt and pepper
6. Pink Ambrosia Salad
Now this is more like it! Maraschino cherries, pineapples, whipped topping, and marshmallows?! Be still, my beating heart, for this is what true love is… Ah, yes, back to the recipe. This dish is kid-approved and Memorial Day-tested.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce pineapple chunks ( drained )
- 8 1/4 ounce canned tangerines, mandarin oranges ( drained )
- 10 ounce maraschino cherries ( sliced )
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped topping, light
7. Mexican Three Bean Salad
Whoa, there’s a lot going on in this homemade recipe and all of it is wonderful, appetizing and downright indulgent. Enjoy this side dish with your favorite chicken or fish tacos and light amber beer.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 TB fresh lime juice
- 1/2 TB lemon juice
- 1 TB granulated sugar
- 1/2 TB salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- avocado, diced
8. Raspberry Pretzel Salad
The salty pretzel crust is topped with an amazingly creamy layer made out of cream cheese and cool whip (I repeat, cream cheese and cool whip). This is both the perfect side dish and dessert all in one and will be an absolute hit at your family get-together. (Note: when making this, be sure to make two: one for you and one for the party!)
Ingredients
- 1¾ cup crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 3 Tbls sugar
- 8 oz light cream cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 8 oz containers Cool Whip (I used lite)
- 1 5.9 oz package Raspberry Jello
- 2 cups water
- 16 oz frozen raspberries
- additional pretzels to crush for topping
9. Buffalo Cheese Fries
Yeah, fries are great – they’re awesome! But buffalo fries, well, buffalo fries are just beautiful. What better recipe is there for a Memorial Day BBQ than this one?
Ingredients
- 1½ bags frozen french fries (crinkle cut or steak)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola oil would work)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
10. Summer Fruit Salad
Sometimes, the perfect side dish is just a really good fruit salad. This homemade recipe uses fresh fruit and dry vanilla pudding mix for added flavor and texture. Start your picnic off right with this amazingly light and tasty side dish!
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh fruit, diced or chopped
- 2 Tbsp dry Vanilla Pudding Mix
11. Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
This is definitely a homemade recipe that will transcend the boundaries of get-togethers and holidays! Roasted parmesan potatoes are a dish you can make any day that goes well with any entree. Not only is this super easy to make, it’s super tasty as well!
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes ( red or russet, skins on, scrubbed and diced )
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12. Antipasto Salad Kabobs
Am I dreaming or is this kabob really happening? This kabob is absolutely beautiful and has a little bit of everything for even the pickiest of relatives.
Ingredients
- (2) 7 oz containers fresh mozzarella balls (bocconchini)
- (2) 4 oz. packages prosciutto
- 1/2 lb. genoa salami, sliced thin
- (1) 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers
- (1) 6 oz can of black olives, or use the fresh cured olives from the olive bar at your grocery store
- 1 bag of leaf lettuce, any kind you like
13. Crispy Blackberry Honey Jalapeno Chicken Wings
HOLY [expletive]! We admit, we were a little intimidated by this recipe when we first came across it. Then we tried it and whoever thought to flavor chicken wings with blackberries and honey is a genius indeed. The color of these wings is beautiful and the taste is beyond gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings (with tips)
- Oil for frying
- 2 cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, chopped
- 2 cups frozen blackberries
- ¼ cup honey
14. Garlic and Chili Mushrooms
I love mushrooms!But this recipe made me fall IN love with mushrooms. Garlic and chili come together perfectly to create a dish with a bold flavor and meat-like texture. This dish is vegan-vegetarian-carnivore-friendly.
Ingredients
- 9 oz cleaned button mushrooms – stems removed (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic – chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 dried chili – finely chopped
- 3 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 Tablespoon dry sherry
- ¼ teaspoon Spanish paprika
- Ground black pepper and salt to taste
15. Cuban Slaw
This oil- and mayo-free recipe is one you’re sure to love. This homemade Cuban Slaw recipe is light, healthy, tangy, spicy, and sexy. Oops, did that just come out?
Ingredients
- 1 large head red cabbage, shredded
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely minced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/4 cup finely minced cilantro
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
16.Tortellini Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Basil, & Fresh Corn
This delicious summer side dish is packed with bright, juicy tomatoes, fresh sweet corn, and ribbons of basil. Adelectable pasta salad that is perfect for Memorial Day!
Ingredients
- 22-ounce package frozen (or fresh) cheese tortellini
- 3 cups (about 16 ounces) sliced cherry or grape tomatoes (halved or quartered, depending on size)
- 2 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, cooked and sliced from the cob
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced in a chiffonade
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
17. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Pineapples and grilling are in season and we couldn’t be happier! This recipe consists of 3 ingredients and requires little to no time to put together. That said, what are you waiting for? Make this recipe today. If only to try it out.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pineapple
18.Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts and Apple
Brown butter, apples and sprouts come together perfectly in this sweet and savory Memorial Day side dish.
Ingredients
2pounds Brussels sprouts
1/4cup butter
1/2teaspoon salt
2small Braeburn or other cooking apples, thinly sliced and seeded
2tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1/4cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/4teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
19. Harvest Slaw
Harvest Slaw reminds of our favorite Neil Young song, Harvest Moon, and that’s what initially attracted us to this recipe. It’s a good thing this slaw is as every bit as delicious as it is nostalgic.
Ingredients
- 3tablespoons olive oil
- 2garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 2teaspoons caraway seeds, lightly crushed
- 1/4cup cider vinegar
- 1tablespoon honey
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 4cups finely shredded red cabbage (or mix red and green)
- 2red apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2cup dried cranberries
- 1/2cup pecan halves, toasted
- 2tablespoons cilantro or parsley leaves
20.Glazed Carrots with Pistachios
For ladies out there who didn’t know this, carrots (and butter) are great at balancing your hormones! This recipe brings both ingredients together creating a dish that is rich, flavorful, and balancing!
Ingredients
- 3pounds small carrots with tops
- 3cups water
- 1/4teaspoon salt
- 1/2cup shelled unsalted pistachios
- 1/2cup butter (no substitutes)
- 1/3cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2teaspoons snipped fresh thyme
21. Rainbow Jello Cups
Oh hey, rainbow jello cups! This is the perfect afternoon cap to your picnic/BBQ. Kids and adults alike are sure to love this recipe. One thing to note: make extras because you’ll definitely be needing them.
Ingredients
- 6 (3-oz) pkg. Jello (rainbow colors)
- 3 cups light sour cream or yogurt
- whipped cream, for serving if desired
22. Baked Zucchini Fries
For those looking for a lighter alternative to fries, why not try zucchini fries?! This delicious homemade recipe is one you’ll make time and time again. Or maybe that’s just us.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini fries:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into skinny sticks
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons horseradish sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
23. Lebanese Spiced French Fries
These fries may be skinny in size, but they are not skinny in flavor! The seasoning on these fries is perfect for breezy Summer days and will be a recipe you’ll be asked to make over and over again.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Crispy Skinny French Fries
- 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chipped
- 1 large red Fresno chili, thinly sliced
- 1/4 of a fresh lime
- 1 tablespoon za’atar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
24. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites
We saved the best for last: crispy buffalo chicken bites! Think of these little bites of glory as better, healthier, WAY better popcorn bites from KFC. Did we mention they were way better though?
Ingredients
- 1 lb. organic chicken
- 1/4 cup avocado oil, or oil of choice
For the Batter:
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 1/2 tsp pink salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp hot sauce
For the Sauce:
- 1/3-1/2 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter
Kick it up this Memorial Day with some extra flavor and color. These 24 homemade Memorial Day recipes will be guaranteed hits and instant favorites!
Need some more Memorial Day recipes and ideas? Check out theseEasy Finger Food Recipesand13 DIY Projects and Accompanying Recipes for your Backyard BBQfrom our sister site,DIY Ready.
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