Memorial Day weekend often brings extra guests, more chairs on the patio, and a need for crowd-pleasing dishes that are easy to prepare. This collection of 23 recipes includes grilled mains, burgers and sliders, fresh slaws, vegetable sides, and make-ahead dishes that work well together. Some recipes go straight on the grill, while others can be prepared in advance and served as guests arrive. Together they make feeding a hungry group all weekend much simpler.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Marinated with chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices, Chipotle Grilled Chicken delivers smoky heat with minimal prep. Boneless chicken cooks until lightly charred outside and juicy inside, making it a reliable main that pairs well with coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled vegetables. Slice for sandwiches or serve whole alongside your favorite picnic sides.
Charred Grilled Potatoes
Tossed with oil and seasonings, these Charred Grilled Potatoes develop crisp edges and tender centers right on the grill. They’re an inexpensive, satisfying side that frees oven space during a busy holiday. Serve hot with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a simple, substantial accompaniment to burgers, chicken, salmon, or ribs.
Flaky Grilled Salmon
Flaky Grilled Salmon brings a lighter main to the Memorial Day menu. The grill adds a smoky finish while keeping the center moist and delicate. It broadens the options beyond burgers and hot dogs and pairs well with grilled asparagus, pasta salad, or a crisp slaw for a balanced outdoor meal.
Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce
Beef Kabobs threaded on skewers and finished with chimichurri are easy to portion and serve. Quick-cooking beef paired with a bright parsley, garlic, and vinegar sauce offers big flavor without complicated prep. Serve with grilled potatoes or a hearty pasta salad for a satisfying dish that’s simple to share.
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Seasoned with Thai-inspired flavors, these Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers add bold variety to a backyard spread. They cook quickly on skewers, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Pair with an Asian slaw for a crisp, colorful plate that complements other grilled mains.
Grilled Tri Tip
A well-seasoned Grilled Tri Tip yields generous slices of beef that feed a crowd. The grill creates a savory crust while the interior stays tender. Slice thin and serve with chimichurri, grilled vegetables, and coleslaw for a centerpiece that satisfies hungry guests.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Shredded red cabbage tossed in a tangy dressing makes a colorful, crunchy coleslaw that balances rich grilled meats. It brightens the buffet and improves after chilling, so it’s perfect to make ahead. Serve as a side or pile it onto sliders and sandwiches for added texture and flavor.
Asian Slaw
Packed with shredded vegetables and a zesty dressing, Asian Slaw brings crisp freshness to the meal lineup. It holds up well in the fridge and can be prepared ahead, making it a convenient side or a crunchy topping for pulled pork sandwiches and skewers.
Cheeseburger
A seasoned beef patty with melted cheese and classic toppings remains a beloved Memorial Day main. Cheeseburgers cook quickly and allow guests to customize with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. No backyard cookout feels complete without at least one burger option—serve with grilled potatoes, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Oven Baked Ribs
When grill space is tight, Oven Baked Ribs deliver tender, saucy results from the oven. Slow baking makes the meat easy to pull from the bone, creating a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that can be prepared indoors. Serve with coleslaw and Hawaiian baked beans for a classic holiday plate.
Cheeseburger Sliders
Cheeseburger Sliders baked together in a single pan are perfect for serving a crowd. Their smaller size lets guests sample multiple dishes without committing to a full sandwich. Serve warm with pickles, chips, and a big bowl of coleslaw for a party-friendly option.
Beetroot and Halloumi Salad
Roasted beets and grilled halloumi create a substantial salad that stands up to burgers and ribs. The earthy sweetness of beets contrasts with salty cheese and fresh greens, and the dish can be made ahead and served chilled or at room temperature—handy for a long holiday weekend.
Coleslaw
Classic Coleslaw—shredded cabbage in a creamy, tangy dressing—is a dependable side that balances smoky ribs, juicy burgers, and pulled pork. Make it ahead and chill until guests arrive; it’s perfect beside grilled mains or spooned onto sandwiches and sliders.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Colorful Grilled Veggie Kabobs add smoky flavor and vibrant color to the spread. Vegetables develop tender, charred edges that pair well with meats and fish, and they cook right alongside the mains for a convenient vegetable side served hot from the grill.
Tandoori Gobi Tikka
Tandoori Gobi Tikka coats cauliflower in yogurt, garlic, and warm spices, transforming it into charred, flavorful bites. It adds a bold, meat-free option to a menu of burgers and barbecue and works well with slaw or chutney for a colorful addition to the holiday table.
Charred Grilled Asparagus
Charred Grilled Asparagus cooks quickly and brings a smoky, slightly crisp vegetable side to the table. With minimal ingredients and bright lemon wedges, it pairs well with salmon, chicken, steak, and burgers and helps round out the Memorial Day menu.
Charred Grilled Peppers
Sweet bell peppers take on a smoky, tender character when grilled. Charred Grilled Peppers offer color and natural sweetness that complements hearty meats and barbecue sauces. Serve warm or at room temperature—add them to buns, sandwiches, or a platter of grilled meats.
Hamburger Soup
When the weather turns cool, Hamburger Soup—made with ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and vegetables—offers a hearty, comforting option. It simmers indoors while the grill is busy and stretches to feed a crowd. Serve with cornbread or rolls for unexpected chilly evenings.
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Hawaiian Baked Beans combine sweet pineapple with hearty beans for a side that pairs naturally with ribs, burgers, and pulled pork. Make ahead and reheat before serving to add a touch of tropical sweetness to a classic cookout plate.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Crispy chicken breast and spicy sauce create a Homemade KFC Zinger Burger that’s a flavorful alternative to beef. The crunchy coating and soft bun offer another handheld option for guests, pairing well with coleslaw, chips, and cold drinks for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Instant Pot Pulled Pork becomes tender and easy to shred with minimal active work. It’s ideal for piling onto buns with slaw and toppings, and can be prepared ahead and kept warm until serving. Set out rolls and condiments so guests can build their own sandwiches.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders
Sweet rolls and tender pulled pork make Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders a simple, crowd-friendly choice. Their smaller size encourages tasting multiple dishes and the make-ahead convenience keeps things low-stress. Serve warm with coleslaw and baked beans as part of the holiday spread.
Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is loaded with pasta and smoky vegetables, making a make-ahead side that stays good throughout the day. It adds substance and pairs with every grilled main, served chilled or at room temperature for a dependable, crowd-pleasing option.