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Memorial Day, while not the official start of summer, feels like the beginning of the season. To make the most of the holiday, we’ve gathered 25 recipes that are perfect for enjoy outdoors. These top-rated recipes will help make your meal a success, even if you’re just picnicking in your own backyard.
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Best Caprese Skewers
You can make colorful and simple-to-serve caprese skewers ahead of time and store them in a baking dish so they stay coated in olive oil to keep the basil green.
Super Easy Hummus
Hummus and other popular dips and spreads are easy to transport and play nicely with all the vegetable sticks, chips, and crackers that are sure to show up to the picnic.
Ex-Girlfriend’s Mom’s Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)
naples34102
Fresh salsa tastes extra delicious on a balmy day. “Only addition was two cloves of garlic finely minced, added in with the onion, jalapeño, and lime juice. The marinating makes it amazing. It allows the flavors to blend,” says reviewer Lisa Cornley.
Classic Savory Deviled Eggs
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Deviled eggs are always a crowd favorite. “Love, love, love. Tangy, pretty, and easy,” says reviewer Wondermom. “It’s fun to experiment with other versions, but this one is the one that reminds me of the version I grew up with. It’s pure comfort food.”
Simply Guacamole
Homemade guacamole is another people pleaser. “This is so easy and so good. It’s always the hit of the party, and it’s gone before anything else on the table,” says Allrecipes member Paulina.
Triple-Dipped Fried Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
If you love fried chicken with a kick of spice, then you can’t go wrong with this crispy picnic favorite. You might even want to make a double batch. Tip: When packing up the chicken, make sure to cool the pieces cool completely (so the skin doesn’t get soggy).
BBQ Pork for Sandwiches
Try this delicious, saucy pork piled high on buns. “My husband said it was the best barbecue pulled pork he’d ever had,” says Allrecipes member CookingMama.
Real N’awlins Muffuletta
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
A giant slice-and-serve muffuletta sandwich is perfect for enjoying outside. Wrap it in deli paper or wax to transport it.
California Club Chicken Wraps
Also worth considering: a heaping platter of rolls and wraps stuffed with whatever pleases your crowd. This is a good choice if you have guests with many different dietary restrictions.
Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
It’s an unwritten law that everyone must celebrate the unofficial first day of summer by firing up the grill. You can’t have a Memorial Day barbecue without a little fire and smoke.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
An all-American holiday calls for an all-American cookout favorite: the hot dog. While we have lots of hot dog recipes for you to choose from, this Chicago-Style version is a favorite.
Tex-Mex Burger with Cajun Mayo
This anything-but-boring burger will get everyone’s attention, starting with the smell of the patties sizzling on the grill.
Grilled Herbed Corn on the Cob
The grill isn’t just for charring meaty mains. It enhances the flavor of veggies, such as corn on the cob, too.
Quick Savory Grilled Peaches
Here’s another side to add to the grill. “Truly amazing. The salty herb taste complements the sweet juicy peaches so well,” says reviewer Jennifer Baker.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Every Memorial Day cookout menu needs a variety of classic sides. The Antipasto Pasta Salad “serves a crowd and is great for picnics,” says reviewer Dayna.
Sweet Restaurant Slaw
“This sweet coleslaw recipe tastes like the slaw served at popular fried chicken or fish restaurants,” says Allrecipes member Sandi Gregory Johnson. “It’s excellent with burgers or on top of BBQ pork sandwiches, too!”
Boston Baked Beans
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
If beans are your side of choice, you can’t go wrong with old-fashioned Boston Baked Beans. “This easy recipe has been served by my family for over 29 years and originally came from my mother-in-law,” says Allrecipes member AJRHODES3. “It tastes great served with fresh cornbread or biscuits and honey.”
Authentic German Potato Salad
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Steamed potatoes are tossed in a sweet-tart dressing of sugar and vinegar, and mixed with a generous helping of bacon. Tip: For extra flavor, double the dressing ingredients and save half to toss with the salad right before serving.
Classic Macaroni Salad
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This creamy macaroni salad always gets lots of compliments,” says Allrecipes member Graden. “It’s an easy recipe to make with macaroni pasta, celery, onion, bell pepper, carrot, and pimentos and has a pleasing tangy dressing that everyone seems to love!”
Good Ol’ Alabama Sweet Tea
Whether the weather is hot or not, you’ll want to have a few refreshing beverages on hand. One of our most popular summer thirst-quenchers, this sweet tea delights kids and grown-ups alike.
Watermelon Margaritas
“This fresh watermelon margarita tastes amazing and is so refreshing on hot summer days,” says Allrecipes member RainbowJewels. “You can serve this fruity margarita on the rocks or frozen. This recipe includes a simple syrup which you can make ahead and store in the refrigerator.”
Vintage Lemonade
Melissa Goff
If you’re still thirsty, whip up a batch of sweet and tangy lemonade. Tip: Save a few used plastic soda (carefully washed out) and reuse them to transport your lemonade to your destination.
No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake
This easy Memorial Day dessert won’t heat up your kitchen and feeds a crowd. You can use strawberries or raspberries to create the red stripes, if you wish. Tip: To make sure your flag is picture perfect (and the berry juices don’t stain the frosting), slice and pack the fruit in separate containers, then top the cake after you get to your picnic spot.
Red, White and Blueberry Fruit Salad
Looking for an even lighter treat? “This is an easy, refreshing strawberry and blueberry salad recipe that’s been in our family for years,” says Allrecipes member JoAnn Cambareri.
American Flag Cake
If you’re feeling ambitious, this amazing American Flag Cake makes an impressive Memorial Day dessert. “Assemble and frost the pretty cake and wait for the oohs and ahhs,” says one Allrecipes member.
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