Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off Summer!

Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off Summer – Memorial Day is almost here, and we’re sharing some of our most-loved recipes to help you celebrate. This collection includes everything from easy grilling favorites to fresh, vibrant salads, berry-filled desserts, and my go-to summer cocktails and mocktails.

The long days, warm nights, and easy summer vibes are just around the corner—I can already feel the excitement through the screen! I’m right there with you, dreaming up what I hope will be our best summer yet. Planning trips, throwing surprise parties, building out summer menus, and picturing dinners outside in that sweet, humid summer air.

After a much-needed (but far too short!) trip to Florida, I’ve officially caught the summertime bug. I want an Ina Garten-style summer—laid-back dinner parties, backyard cookouts, lots of baking, and fun drinks to sip on all season long.

Thankfully, I’ve pulled together a list of recipes that will help get us started—and hopefully inspire your own Memorial Day and summer cooking too!

In this round-up, you’ll find longtime reader favorites, newer dishes we shared last summer, and—after pulling this post together—a fresh list of ideas I can’t wait to create in the months ahead.

What recipes are you hoping to see this summer? And of course, I’d love to hear what you’re cooking for Memorial Day!

drinks

Peach Thyme Smash

Frozen Watermelon Spritz

Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Strawberry Lemonade Aperol Margarita

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Frozen Peach Rosé Slushy

Blackberry Champagne Mule

Watermelon Rosè Paloma

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

Pink Vodka Watermelon Lemonade

appetizers

Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cheeseburger Sliders

Granny’s 7 Layer Dip

Effortless Marinated Burrata

Strawberry Jam with Honey Whipped Goat Cheese

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Avocado Shrimp Salsa

Pull Apart Italian Sub Sliders

Caprese Garlic Bread with Crispy Prosciutto

Easy White Chicken Chili Corn Dip

Pull Apart Street Corn Dip Sliders

Roasted Garlic Caprese Dip

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

Easy Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Peach Burrata Parmesan Crostini with Hot Honey

Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip

Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese

Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter

dinners and side

The Italian Salad Sandwich

Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad

Watermelon Peach Salad

Strawberry Feta Salad with Candied Pecans

Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders

BLT Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Tzatziki Skewers with Feta Fries

Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad with Tomatoes and Burrata

Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad

Grilled Caprese Pesto Chicken Skewers

Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Italian Chop Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders

Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch

Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Chopped Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad

Greek Chicken Chopped Salad with Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette

Roasted Tomato Basil and Feta Orzo

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce

Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes

Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps

Picnic Style Pesto Turkey and Avocado Bacon Sandwich

sweets

No Churn Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Pecan Bread

Caramel Peach Dump Cake

Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Easy Blueberry Cherry Galette

4 Ingredient Creamy Fruit Popsicles

Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler

Easy Ginger Blackberry Peach Cobbler

No Churn Chocolate Malt Oreo Ice Cream

Frozen Chocolate Banana Yogurt Clusters

Cinnamon Maple Brown Butter Blackberry Peach Crisp

Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream

Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

No Fuss Lemon Tart

Simple Blueberry Basque Cheesecake

Toasted S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches

5 ingredient Raspberry Peach Sherbet

Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Blueberry Chamomile Galette

Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches

Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake

Lastly, if you make these Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off Summer, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!