Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing with it the seasonal foods many people wait for all year. From juicy watermelon and smoky grilled mains to fresh salads, frozen desserts, and margaritas, the holiday weekend calls for a menu that feels festive and flavorful.
A collection of recipes has been gathered to cover everything needed for the occasion, from appetizers to drinks. These dishes are designed to work not just for the holiday weekend but throughout the warm-weather months. They are simple enough for a casual family dinner and special enough for a backyard barbecue, picnic, or poolside gathering.
Appetizers
The appetizer lineup includes a rainbow beet salad that brings instant color to the table with heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a crunchy dukkah finish. A roasted red pepper caprese pasta salad is described as easy to transport and full of flavor, working well at room temperature. Hummus toast with tomatoes, feta, and za’atar offers a simple and customizable option for entertaining before the main meal.
Charred cabbage with cashew cream provides a smoky, textured vegetable side. A crispy torn halloumi salad is bright and salty, with golden halloumi adding texture. Grilled romaine salad with cherries and feta turns greens into a charred, crisp dish. Ricotta and plum bruschetta offers a fancy-looking appetizer that requires little effort, with whipped ricotta and ripe plums on toasted bread.
Mains
For the main course, sheet pan chicken fajitas bring a hands-on energy to the table with spiced chicken and sweet peppers. Spice-rubbed chicken thighs are described as rich, tender, and forgiving on the grill. Grilled shrimp tacos with grapefruit-avocado salsa are easy to serve and customize. Burst tomato pasta uses blistered tomatoes to create a light, flavor-packed sauce. Cedar plank halibut with salsa verde offers a lighter alternative to heavier cookout recipes. Grilled salmon with stone fruit salsa combines classic grilled salmon with a sweet peach salsa.
Desserts
Dessert options include a strawberry cream cheese galette, described as rustic and elegant, with peak-season berries in a flaky crust. A peach crumble icebox cake is a make-ahead dessert that sets in the fridge. Strawberries and cream pavlova combines airy meringue with fresh fruit. A summer fruit salad with crushed meringue celebrates seasonal produce. No-churn fruit sorbet is a refreshing, easy-to-serve option. Cherry berry ice cream pie is a cool, creamy frozen treat. Grilled peaches with honey can be added to ice cream sundaes. Gluten-free and vegan carrot cake cupcakes offer a classic flavor in a casual format.
Drinks
The drink selection features a honeydew melon slushie, described as bright and refreshing. A non-alcoholic summer spritz bar offers crisp, colorful options for all guests. A spicy mezcal paloma swaps tequila for mezcal to create a bold, earthy cocktail. A spicy margarita is bold and bright. A Lillet rosé spritz adds floral, honeyed notes to a crisp drink. A limoncello spritz cocktail brings fizz to the gathering.
