Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend — it’s a celebration of life, togetherness, and the unofficial kickoff to summer. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, heading to the beach, or hosting a cozy picnic, this all-in-one holiday menu has you covered.

From easy starters to grill-friendly mains, summery sides, no-fuss desserts, and refreshing drinks, these recipes are designed to be flavorful, affordable, and FUN. They’re great for sharing and even better for making memories.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an Aldi gift card.

🧀 APPETIZERS

Grilled Peach & Burrata Crostini

Sweet, creamy, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
  
• 2 peaches, sliced
  
• 8 oz burrata cheese
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• Balsamic glaze
  
• Fresh basil, chopped
  

Instructions:

1. Brush bread slices with olive oil and grill or toast until golden.
   
2. Grill peaches until charred, about 2–3 minutes per side.
   
3. Top each toast with burrata, grilled peach, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Spicy Watermelon Feta Skewers

Cool and spicy with a salty punch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  
• 1 cup feta cheese, cubed
  
• 1 jalapeño, sliced thin
  
• Fresh mint leaves
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• Chili flakes or Tajín
  

Instructions:

1. Thread watermelon, feta, mint, and jalapeño onto skewers.
   
2. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with chili flakes or Tajín.

Cowboy Caviar

The perfect chip-dipping, spoon-eating, salad-adjacent snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained
  
• 1 can corn, drained
  
• 1 bell pepper, diced
  
• 1 avocado, diced
  
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  
• Juice of 2 limes
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• Salt, pepper, cumin to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl. Let chill for 30 minutes before serving with tortilla chips.

Jalapeño Popper Dip

Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  
• 1/2 cup sour cream
  
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
  
• 1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
  
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  

Instructions:

1. Mix everything (except breadcrumbs) in a bowl.
   
2. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Shrimp Cocktail Shooters

Elegant, no cutlery required.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
  
• 1 cup cocktail sauce
  
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Spoon cocktail sauce into small cups or shot glasses.
   
2. Hang 1–2 shrimp on the rim and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Sweet meets heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced
  
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  
• 1 jalapeño, minced
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  

Instructions:

1. Grill pineapple slices for 3–4 minutes per side and chop.
   
2. Combine with remaining ingredients and chill.

Caprese Skewers

A classic with a party twist.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
  
• Mini mozzarella balls
  
• Fresh basil leaves
  
• Balsamic glaze
  
• Skewers or toothpicks
  

Instructions:

1. Thread tomato, basil, and mozzarella onto picks.
   
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
   

🍔 MAIN DISHES

Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
  
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  
• 2 tsp garlic powder
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Olive oil
  

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Preheat grill to medium-high; oil the grates.
   
3. Grill thighs 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce at the end.
   
4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients:

• 4 portobello caps
  
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp soy sauce
  
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  
• Burger buns + toppings
  

Instructions:

1. Marinate mushrooms in vinegar, oil, soy sauce, and seasonings for 15+ minutes.
   
2. Grill 4–5 minutes per side.
   
3. Serve on toasted buns with toppings like avocado and tomato.

Chili-Lime Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• Zest + juice of 2 limes
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp chili powder
  
• 1 garlic clove, grated
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Instructions:

1. Marinate shrimp in lime, oil, and seasonings for 20 minutes.
   
2. Thread onto skewers.
   
3. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until pink and charred.

Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw

Ingredients:

• 2–3 cups pulled pork (homemade or store-bought)
  
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  
• Slider buns
  
• Coleslaw mix + dressing
  

Instructions:

1. Warm pulled pork with BBQ sauce.
   
2. Pile onto slider buns, top with coleslaw, and serve warm.

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes
  
• 3 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  

Instructions:

1. Chop veggies and toss with oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
   
2. Thread onto skewers.
   
3. Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches (Vegan)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
  
• Burger buns
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse, drain, and shred jackfruit.
   
2. Sauté in oil until edges are crisp.
   
3. Stir in BBQ sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
   
4. Serve on buns with optional slaw.

Cedar-Planked Maple Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
  
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
  
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
  
• Cedar plank, soaked
  

Instructions:

1. Mix syrup, mustard, and soy sauce; marinate salmon for 20 minutes.
   
2. Place fish on plank, grill over indirect heat for 15–20 minutes.
   
3. Serve with lemon wedges.

Grilled Sausage & Pepper Hoagies

Ingredients:

• 4–6 Italian sausages
  
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
  
• 1 red onion, sliced
  
• Hoagie rolls
  
• Olive oil, salt, pepper
  

Instructions:

1. Grill sausages until cooked through.
   
2. Sauté peppers and onions until soft.
   
3. Serve sausage and veg in rolls with mustard or aioli.

🥗 SIDE DISHES

Elote-Style Corn Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn, grilled and kernels removed
  
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  
• 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• 1 tsp chili powder
  
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
   
2. Stir to coat evenly and chill until ready to serve.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• 5 oz baby spinach
  
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  
• 1/3 cup candied pecans
  
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
  
• Balsamic vinaigrette
  

Instructions:

1. Toss everything gently in a large bowl.
   
2. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
  
• 3/4 cup mayo
  
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
  
• 1/4 cup red onion, minced
  
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  
• Salt, pepper, paprika
  

Instructions:

1. Stir together all ingredients until creamy and well combined.
   
2. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Zest of 1 lemon
  

Instructions:

1. Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
   
3. Finish with lemon zest.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
  
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  
• 1/4 cup sour cream
  
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
  
• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  

Instructions:

1. Cook and cool pasta.
   
2. Mix with dressing, bacon, cheese, and onions.
   
3. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

Tomato & Mozzarella Orzo Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
• 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  
• Fresh basil, chopped
  

Instructions:

1. Cook and drain orzo.
   
2. Toss with tomatoes, cheese, oil, vinegar, and basil.
   
3. Serve cold or at room temp.

Baked Beans with Brown Sugar & Bacon

Ingredients:

• 2 cans baked beans
  
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
  
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  
• 1 tsp mustard
  
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
  

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
   
2. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling.

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 cups watermelon, cubed
  
• 1 cucumber, sliced thin
  
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• Fresh mint leaves
  

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
   
2. Serve cold for ultimate refreshment.

🍓 DESSERTS

Berry Shortcake Skewers

 Ingredients:

• 1 pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
  
• 1 cup strawberries, halved
  
• 1 cup blueberries
  
• Whipped cream or chocolate sauce (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Thread cake cubes and berries onto skewers.
   
2. Serve with whipped cream for dipping or a chocolate drizzle on top.
   
3. Chill until ready to serve.

Red, White & Blue Fruit Pizza 

Ingredients:

• 1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
  
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  
• Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
  

Instructions:

1. Press cookie dough into a 12″ pizza pan and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes. Cool completely.
   
2. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread on crust.
   
3. Arrange fruit in a flag or spiral pattern.

No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie 

Ingredients:

• 1 graham cracker crust
  
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
  
• 1 tsp lemon zest
  
• 1 tub whipped topping
  

Instructions:

1. Mix condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest until thickened.
   
2. Fold in whipped topping.
   
3. Pour into crust and chill at least 4 hours.

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings
  
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  

Instructions:

1. Mix sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over pineapple.
   
2. Grill slices for 2–3 minutes per side. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Mini Berry Trifles

Ingredients:

• Cubed pound cake
  
• Whipped cream or pudding
  
• Mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
  

Instructions:

1. Layer cake, cream, and berries in small jars or cups.
   
2. Repeat layers and chill until ready to serve.

Firecracker Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp butter
  
• 1 package marshmallows
  
• 6 cups puffed rice cereal
  
• Red, white & blue sprinkles
  
• Optional: Pop Rocks for surprise “fireworks”
  

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and marshmallows, stir in cereal.
   
2. Press into pan, add sprinkles (and Pop Rocks just before serving).

Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
  
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
  
• 1/4 cup granola
  

Instructions:

1. Spread yogurt on parchment-lined sheet. Drizzle with honey, top with berries and granola.
   
2. Freeze 3–4 hours, then break into pieces.

Banana Pudding Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding
  
• 2 cups milk
  
• 1/2 tub whipped topping
  
• Nilla wafers
  
• 2 bananas, sliced
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare pudding with milk, fold in whipped topping.
   
2. Layer wafers, pudding, and banana slices in cups or a trifle dish.
   
3. Chill before serving.

🍹 COCKTAILS & MOCKTAILS

Sparkling Cucumber Lime Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
  
• Juice of 2 limes
  
• 1 tbsp honey or agave
  
• 1 cup sparkling water
  
• Optional: 2 oz gin or vodka
  
• Mint for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Muddle cucumber, lime juice, and honey.
   
2. Strain into a glass with ice.
   
3. Add sparkling water and gin/vodka if using. Garnish with mint.

Watermelon Mint Mojitos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon chunks
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• 6 fresh mint leaves
  
• 1 tbsp sugar
  
• 1/2 cup club soda
  
• Optional: 1.5 oz white rum
  

Instructions:

1. Muddle watermelon, mint, sugar, and lime juice.
   
2. Strain over ice, add rum (if using) and club soda. Stir and serve,

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
  
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
  
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  
• 3 cups water or sparkling water
  

Instructions:

1. Muddle strawberries and basil with lemon juice and honey.
   
2. Strain and combine with water.
   
3. Serve over ice with basil garnish.

Peach Bourbon Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brewed black tea, chilled
  
• 1/2 cup peach nectar
  
• 1–2 oz bourbon (optional)
  
• Lemon wedges
  

Instructions:

1. Stir tea and nectar together.
   
2. Add bourbon if using, pour over ice.
   
3. Garnish with lemon.

Frozen Piña Colada Mocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (frozen)
  
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
  
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  
• 1–2 tsp agave (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
   
2. Pour into glasses and garnish with a cherry and pineapple wedge.

Ginger Beer Arnold Palmer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lemonade
  
• 1/2 cup unsweetened iced tea
  
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
  
• Lemon slices
  

Instructions:

1. Stir lemonade and tea together.
   
2. Add ginger beer just before serving.
   
3. Serve over ice with lemon garnish.

Cherry Limeade Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cherry juice or grenadine
  
• Juice of 2 limes
  
• 1 cup sparkling water
  
• Optional: 1 oz vodka or tequila
  

Instructions:

1. Stir juice and lime together.
   
2. Add ice and sparkling water (plus booze if using).
   
3. Garnish with lime wheels and cherries.

Blueberry Thyme Fizz

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup blueberries
  
• 1 tsp sugar
  
• 1 sprig thyme
  
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  
• 1 cup club soda
  

Instructions:

1. Muddle blueberries, sugar, and thyme.
   
2. Strain and mix with lemon juice and club soda.
   
3. Serve over ice with a thyme sprig.

Sangria Blanca (White Wine Sangria)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
  
• 1/2 cup peach schnapps or triple sec
  
• 1 orange, sliced
  
• 1 lemon, sliced
  
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
  
• Club soda
  

Instructions:

1. Combine wine, schnapps, and fruit in a pitcher. Chill for 2+ hours.
   
2. Top with club soda before serving.

Cran-Rose Mocktail

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  
• 1/2 cup sparkling rose lemonade or pink lemonade
  
• Ice + frozen raspberries for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice and berries.
   
2. Pour cranberry juice and sparkling lemonade over.
   
3. Stir and serve with a paper straw.

---

Whether you’re planning a potluck with neighbors, grilling for a crowd, or just hanging out under the stars, this menu was built to help you celebrate the season with warmth, flavor, and ease. 

Related Links