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44 Memorial Day BBQ Recipes to Kick Off Your Summer

Kick off your summer with the best Memorial Day recipes—everything from juicy stuffed burgers and grilled chicken to refreshing cocktails and no-bake desserts. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, picnic, or casual get-together, these crowd-pleasing dishes and drinks will make the holiday memorable. Below are 44 inspired recipes, each offering simple preparation and bold flavor to help you celebrate with ease.

1. Strawberry Paloma

Two glasses of strawberry cocktail with lemon slice.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

The Strawberry Paloma is a bright twist on the classic Paloma, blending fresh strawberries, honey, ginger beer, grapefruit soda, and tequila for a fruity, refreshing cocktail ideal for warm afternoons.

See the Recipe: Strawberry Paloma.

2. Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Large white bowl filled with slow cooker baked beans.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

These Crock Pot baked beans are simmered with bacon, onion, and pepper and finished in a sweet-tangy sauce—an easy, hands-off side that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.

See the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans.

3. Pesto Pasta Salad

Top down view of pasta salad in a large serving dish with serving spoon.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Pesto pasta salad combines rotini, mozzarella pearls, olives, and cherry tomatoes tossed in fresh basil pesto. It’s a simple, flavorful side for picnics and potlucks.

See the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad.

4. Strawberry Cobbler

Top down view of strawberry cobbler with ice cream.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

A simple fresh strawberry cobbler features sweet berries baked beneath a soft, buttery dough—perfect topped with ice cream for a warm-weather dessert.

See the Recipe: Strawberry Cobbler.

5. Sirloin Steak

Sliced sirloin steak with a baked potato with butter.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Marinated in red wine vinegar and garlic, then seared in butter, this sirloin steak delivers a garlicky, tender result every time—great for a hearty holiday main.

See the Recipe: Sirloin Steak.

6. Fizzy Bubbly Orange Drink

Fizzy orange drinks next to fresh oranges.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This two-ingredient fizzy orange drink is an easy, kid-friendly soda that’s bubbly, bright, and perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

See the Recipe: Fizzy Bubbly Orange Drink.

7. Dill Pickle Dip

Dill pickle dip in a purple bowl.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

A creamy, crunchy dill pickle dip made with just four ingredients and ready in minutes. Serve with pretzels, veggies, or chips for an addictive appetizer.

See the Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip.

8. Frozen Peanut Butter Pie

Frozen pie on a white plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This no-bake frozen peanut butter pie comes together in about 10 minutes using simple ingredients—an ideal, make-ahead dessert for peanut butter lovers.

See the Recipe: Frozen Peanut Butter Pie.

9. Juicy Lucy Burgers

Juicy lucy burgers in a stack.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Juicy Lucy burgers hide melted cheese inside the patty for an oozy center and packed flavor—an instant hit at any grill-out.

See the Recipe: Juicy Lucy Burgers.

10. Baseball Snack Board

Baseball snack platter with popcorn.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Celebrate baseball season or a themed party with a fun snack board featuring popcorn, crackers, and other ballpark favorites—easy to assemble and crowd-pleasing.

See the Recipe: Baseball Snack Board.

11. Fried Okra

Fried okra piled on a plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This breaded fried okra uses fresh pods dipped in buttermilk with savory spices, coated lightly and fried until crisp—an iconic Southern side dish.

See the Recipe: Fried Okra.

12. Raspberry Italian Soda

Two glasses of raspberry italian soda with pink straws.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

A crisp raspberry Italian soda delivers bright, bubbly refreshment—perfect for those who crave a fizzy, fruity drink.

See the Recipe: Raspberry Italian Soda.

13. Alabama Fire Crackers

Seasoned fire crackers in a square dish.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Alabama fire crackers turn simple saltines into a bold snack with ranch seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes—an addictive option for parties.

See the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers.

14. Grilled Shrimp

An aerial photo of the finished grilled shrimp on skewers, served over rice, on a rectangular white plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Quick and flavorful, grilled shrimp seasoned with savory spices and served with a tangy key lime aioli makes a light appetizer or main for any BBQ.

See the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp.

15. Instant Pot Potato Salad

Potato salad in a stack of white bowls.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Prepared faster in the Instant Pot, this potato salad still includes classic ingredients—potatoes, eggs, onions, and a savory mayo dressing—making it perfect for potlucks.

See the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Salad.

16. Fresh Strawberry Pie

The strawberry pie topped with whipped cream on a plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

A fresh strawberry pie showcases plump, lightly sweetened berries topped with whipped cream—an elegant, seasonal dessert.

See the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie.

17. Cherry Limeade Recipe

Cherry limeade in glass mugs.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This cherry limeade is sweet, tart, and bubbly—a refreshing beverage to beat the heat.

See the Recipe: Cherry Limeade Recipe.

18. Hot Crab Dip

Cheesy crab dip in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This creamy hot crab dip features jumbo lump crab and a blend of seasonings inspired by Southwest Florida—perfectly cheesy and indulgent.

See the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip.

19. Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Top down view of crockpot country style ribs in a dish.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

These boneless country-style ribs are rubbed with spices and cooked low and slow in the crock pot until incredibly tender—an effortless, flavorful main.

See the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs.

20. Green Pea Salad

The pea salad served in a large bowl with a wooden spoon.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

A simple green pea salad with bacon and a mayonnaise-vinegar dressing—bright, savory, and ideal for summer grilling gatherings.

See the Recipe: Green Pea Salad.

21. Blackberry Cobbler

Top down view of blackberry cobbler in a pan.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Juicy blackberries baked under a golden crust—this blackberry cobbler is a classic, seasonal dessert with bright flavor.

See the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler.

22. Margarita on the Rocks

Margarita on the rocks with lime.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

A classic margarita on the rocks is balanced, easy to make in under five minutes, and perfect when you want a straightforward, refreshing cocktail.

See the Recipe: Margarita on the Rocks.

23. Serrano Salsa

Top down view of serrano salsa next to chips.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Fresh tomatoes, cumin, garlic, cilantro, and onion combine in this serrano salsa for a restaurant-quality flavor that complements chips and grilled meats.

See the Recipe: Serrano Salsa.

24. Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Italian sausage sandwiches with cheese.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Hearty Italian sausage sandwiches with melted cheese are a backyard grill favorite—easy to assemble and deeply satisfying.

See the Recipe: Italian Sausage Sandwiches.

25. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Bowl of pasta salad with chicken.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This Chicken Caesar pasta salad combines two classics into a quick, flavorful dish that comes together in about 20 minutes.

See the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

26. Mississippi Mud Cake

Bite taken out of a chocolate cake with marshmallows.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Rich chocolate cake layered with gooey marshmallows and homemade fudge icing—this Mississippi Mud Cake is pure decadence for dessert lovers.

See the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake.

27. Malibu Sunset

Two glasses of malibu sunset with cherries.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

The Malibu Sunset mixes orange and pineapple juices with coconut rum and a touch of grenadine for a tropical, easy-to-make cocktail.

See the Recipe: Malibu Sunset.

28. Classic Bruschetta

Classic bruschetta on toasted baguette.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Simple tomato bruschetta with garlic, basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan—fresh, bright, and perfect as an appetizer.

See the Recipe: Classic Bruschetta.

29. Grilled Mahi Mahi

Pieces of grilled mahi mahi on a plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Grilled mahi-mahi is versatile—cook it on a griddle or outdoor grill and serve in tacos, burritos, or as a main alongside summer sides.

See the Recipe: Grilled Mahi Mahi.

30. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Top down view Mexican street corn pasta salad in a serving bowl.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Inspired by elote, this salad mixes roasted corn, jalapeños, red onion, lime juice, and queso fresco with elbow macaroni in a creamy sauce—bold and perfect for summer gatherings.

See the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

31. Meatball Sandwich

Meatball sub cut in half next to potato chips.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Buttery sub rolls filled with tender meatballs, marinara, and melted mozzarella make classic meatball subs that are easy and comforting for weeknight meals.

See the Recipe: Meatball Sandwiches.

32. Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese

Bowl of spicy mac and cheese.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Jalapeño bacon mac and cheese combines spicy jalapeños, smoky bacon, and crunchy breadcrumbs with creamy cheese for a decadent, flavor-packed side.

See the Recipe: Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese.

33. Sausage Foil Packets

Sausage, potato, and carrots foil packet on a plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Sausage foil packets are convenient for weeknights or camping—customizable, easy to prep, and simple to scale from one plate to many.

See the Recipe: Sausage Foil Packets.

34. Corn on the Cob

Four pieces of grilled corn on the cob on a plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Seasoned grilled corn on the cob wrapped in foil and brushed with butter and spices is an easy, classic side that pairs with any summer main.

See the Recipe: Corn on the Cob.

35. Strawberry Mojito

Side view of a strawberry mojito on a wooden board.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

The strawberry mojito mixes fresh strawberries, mint, lime, and rum for a zesty, minty, fruity cocktail that screams summer refreshment.

See the Recipe: Strawberry Mojito.

36. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

White bowl filled with dill pickle salad.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Zingy and creamy, dill pickle pasta salad highlights bold pickle flavor and is a quirky, crowd-pleasing potluck side.

See the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.

37. Corn and Black Bean Salsa

A bowl filled with corn and black bean salsa garnished with limes.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Fresh corn, black beans, cilantro, jalapeños, red onion, and tomatoes combine in a vibrant salsa that’s great with chips or as a topping for grilled proteins.

See the Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salsa.

38. Grilled Chicken Breasts

Grilled chicken with bbq sauce next to cauliflower.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Quick and simple, grilled BBQ chicken breasts use just four ingredients and your favorite barbecue sauce for a tasty, family-friendly main.

See the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Breasts.

39. Vodka Party Punch

Glass mugs of vodka punch.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This tropical vodka punch mixes vodka, rum, and fruit flavors into a five-ingredient crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties.

See the Recipe: Vodka Party Punch.

40. Ham Hock and Beans

Side view of a bowl of beans.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Hearty ham hock and beans combine smoked ham, pinto beans, bay leaves, onion, and garlic for a comforting dish that works as a main or side.

See the Recipe: Ham Hock and Beans.

41. Stuffed Burgers

Stuffed burger topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Stuffed burgers feature seasoned patties with melted cheese sealed inside for a juicy, flavorful center—an elevated take on the classic cheeseburger.

See the Recipe: Stuffed Burgers.

42. Pink Lemonade Pie

Slice of frozen pie on a plate.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

This frozen pink lemonade pie is a sweet, no-bake dessert with minimal prep—perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

See the Recipe: Pink Lemonade Pie.

43. Southern Cornbread

Three pieces piled on a stack of plates.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

Made in one bowl and baked to golden perfection, this Southern cornbread is buttery and tender—a timeless side for BBQs and comfort meals.

See the Recipe: Southern Cornbread.

44. Blue Hawaiian

Blue cocktail with pineapple and cherries.
Image Credit: Berly’s Kitchen.

The Blue Hawaiian blends pineapple juice, coconut rum, and Blue Curaçao for a tropical, beach-inspired cocktail you can make in minutes.

See the Recipe: Blue Hawaiian.