Memorial Day Recipes

Enjoy the beginning of summer by trying these dishes with friends and family.

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and appreciation of freedom. It’s also a time to gather for cookouts with friends and family. Whether it's grilling, baking, or mixing refreshing drinks, here are some crowd-pleasing ideas to use over the holiday weekend.

Appetizers

Snack mixes are an easy way for the kids to get involved. Mix cereal, dried fruit, and candy in a bowl for a delicious snack. For a more savory appetizer, try pinwheels. Wrap your favorite sandwich ingredients in a tortilla and slice to create colorful bite-sized snacks. 

Drinks

Kick the summer off with refreshing slushies. Blend up frozen fruit with spiked seltzers or non-alcoholic sparkling water to make a quick and easy sunshine slushie. For even less cleanup, try the classic alternative of lemonade. If you're feeling adventurous, add a bit of mint, blueberry, or lime to the mix. 

Entrees

Fire up your grills! The three-day weekend wouldn't be complete without hamburgers, hotdogs, or ribs. But have you tried grilling lamb or flatbreads? Consider spicing it up this Memorial Day with these new meats and marinades. Create your marinade using two parts acid, one part oil, and a third part seasoning. Try Marianne's tofu chicken nuggets or Anita's healthy burrito bowls for plant-based alternatives. These delicious vegetarian takes on classic recipes are good for gatherings large and small.

Sides

Mac and cheese is a versatile and affordable side. Throw in bacon, chives, barbecue sauce, or other exciting flavors to spice it up. Or try Karen's vegan mac and cheese. Another downright delicious side that walks the dessert line is a chocolate dip. Mix up some cream cheese, cocoa, sugar, and whipping cream and impress friends with a surprising Memorial Day dish. Try dipping crackers, fruit, nuts, cheese, bread, or whatever else you can find in your pantry!

Dessert

Finally, the best part of every meal: dessert. Memorial day desserts are the refreshing treats we've been waiting for all year long. Get festive with American flag popsicles! Layer strawberry puree, plain yogurt, and blueberry puree to create red, white, and blue stripes. Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and blueberries also incorporates traditional colors. If you feel creative, color and shape Terri and Linda's cinnamon and chickpea blondies into the American flag.

Enjoy these favorite Memorial Day dishes with family and friends. If your own recipes are tried and true consider submitting them to the Cookbook Project!

Learn more about the Cookbook Project
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