
11. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side that’s both easy and delightful. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the sweetness of the corn, making it a favorite among guests.
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Parmesan cheese, chili powder, lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Place the wrapped corn on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Once cooked, remove from the grill, unwrap, and add any optional toppings before serving.
12. BBQ Chicken Skewers
These BBQ chicken skewers are not only mobile but also packed with flavor. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they can be customized with your favorite veggies.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 red onion, cut into squares
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers.
- Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently, until chicken is cooked through.
13. Classic Coleslaw
No BBQ is complete without a side of coleslaw. This tangy and crunchy dish complements grilled meats perfectly.
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, mixing until well combined.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
14. Watermelon Feta Salad
This refreshing watermelon feta salad is a perfect way to cool down on a hot Memorial Day. The sweet and salty combination is irresistible!
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta, and mint.
- Drizzle with lime juice and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing side dish.
15. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time. Serve them with coleslaw for the ultimate experience.
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
- Slow cook the pork shoulder with BBQ sauce for 8 hours or until tender.
- Shred the pork using two forks and mix with additional BBQ sauce.
- Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw if desired.
16. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These grilled shrimp tacos are light, zesty, and packed with flavor. They’re great for those looking for a seafood option at the BBQ.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 8 small tortillas
- Shredded cabbage and lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, and cumin.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Serve in tortillas topped with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.
17. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that never goes out of style. They’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions:
- Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks.
- In a bowl, mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika before serving.
18. Caprese Skewers
These caprese skewers are a fresh and tasty appetizer that showcases summer flavors. They are easy to assemble and perfect for sharing.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball.
- Repeat until the skewer is filled.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
19. Grilled Veggie Platter
A grilled veggie platter is a fantastic vegetarian option that adds color and flavor to your BBQ spread. You can use any combination of vegetables you like!
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the veggies for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a filling for wraps.
20. Lemonade Slushies
Cool off with these refreshing lemonade slushies! They are a fun drink option that everyone will love.
- 2 cups lemonade
- 4 cups ice
- Slices of lemon for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine lemonade and ice until slushy.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing treat.
21. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple adds a sweet and smoky touch to your BBQ menu. It can be served as a side dish or dessert!
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the pineapple rings.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until caramelized.
22. Classic Potato Salad
This classic potato salad is a must-have for any BBQ. Creamy, tangy, and filled with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit!
- 2 pounds potatoes, boiled and cubed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed potatoes and mix until well coated.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
23. S’mores Dip
This s’mores dip is a fun and easy dessert that brings the classic campfire treat right to your BBQ. It’s perfect for sharing!
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a cast-iron skillet, layer chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top.
- Place on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, until marshmallows are golden.
- Serve warm with graham crackers for dipping.
24. BBQ Meatballs
These BBQ meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. They’re easy to make and always a crowd favorite!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and half of the BBQ sauce.
- Form into meatballs and place on skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, brushing with remaining BBQ sauce.
25. Herbed Quinoa Salad
This herbed quinoa salad is a wholesome and nutritious addition to your BBQ spread. It’s packed with flavor and can be made ahead of time.
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
26. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple yet elegant dessert. They add a touch of sweetness to your BBQ!
- 1 pound strawberries, washed and dried
- 8 ounces chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to cool.
- Let them set for about 30 minutes before serving.
27. Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
Spicy grilled chicken wings are a must-have for any BBQ. They’re flavorful, crispy, and perfect for munching on while mingling.
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, toss wings with hot sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill wings for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.
28. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
This fresh tomato basil bruschetta is a light appetizer that showcases summer flavors. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit!
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill and toast baguette slices for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
- Top each toasted baguette slice with the tomato mixture before serving.
29. Classic Cheeseburgers
Cheeseburgers are the ultimate BBQ staple! Customize them with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or your choice)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking.
- Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve.
30. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a hearty side that pairs well with grilled meats. They can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 onion, chopped
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine baked beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and onion.
- Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
31. Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are a colorful and healthy dessert option. They’re easy to assemble and perfect for a warm day!
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 cup melon, cubed
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- On each skewer, thread a combination of strawberries, pineapple, grapes, and melon.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Conclusion
With these 31 Memorial Day recipes, your BBQ will be the highlight of the holiday. From savory grilled meats to refreshing salads and delicious desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember to have fun, enjoy the company of friends and family, and celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with delicious food. Happy grilling!