Step up your game with these delicious Memorial Day barbecue recipes. These grilled mains, delicious salads, make-ahead sides and refreshing drinks will take your cookout to the next level.
45 Memorial Day Barbecue Recipes for an Unforgettable Cookout
Updated on May 24, 2024
1/45
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
2/45
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
3/45
Barbecue Burger
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 626 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
4/45
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 221 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
5/45
Veggie Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling is a delightful way to prepare the season's freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
6/45
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bratwurst: 533 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 825mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 20g protein.
7/45
Smoked Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The gorgeous crisp bark and trademark pink smoke ring on these ribs will wow your friends and family. A generous splash of tangy apple cider added during the smoking process helps to make them super tender. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked pork: 639 calories, 42g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 2037mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
8/45
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/45
Summer Harvest Grilled Panzanella Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful and healthy grilled panzanella salad is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish that makes the most of simple, seasonal ingredients. It combines the smoky flavors of grilled summer vegetables- with juicy tomatoes, crusty bread and a zesty vinaigrette. Panzanella salad is best enjoyed after the bread has soaked up all the flavors and juices from the veggies and dressing. —Olga Kouloufakos, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 263 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
10/45
Corn Ribs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
The weather is warming up, and that means it's time to pull out the grills! This corn ribs recipe contains notes of garlic, onion, mild heat from cayenne pepper and a zesty spritz of lime—the perfect addition to your upcoming summer BBQ. —Bill Roberts, Geneva, Illinois
11/45
Grilled Chicken Wings
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
These simple grilled chicken wings are like a blank canvas ready to dress with your favorite sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchens
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 80 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
12/45
Creamy Coleslaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
13/45
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can't get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor in this recipe. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 142 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/45
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 144 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
15/45
Grilled Steak
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 373 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 48g protein.
16/45
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
17/45
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
18/45
Frozen Rhubarb Slush
Total Time
40 min
Servings
22 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and refreshing, this pretty pink rhubarb slush stores well in the freezer, so it's great to have on hand for summer guests. Just thaw and add ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Aahhh! —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 179 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/45
Sloppy Joe Dogs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all. ‐Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog: 422 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
20/45
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you’re really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 339 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
21/45
Macaroni Egg Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"This tasty dish proves you don't have to feed a crowd to enjoy that delicious picnic salad flavor," says Ruth Wimmer of Bland, Virginia. "Hard-cooked egg makes it nice and hearty."
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 246 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
22/45
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with White Barbecue Sauce
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite summer recipe to make for a barbecue. You can set it and forget it, until it's time to shred it! My son hates traditional barbecue sauce, so I've made this white sauce with mayonnaise for many years. —Linsey Bruce-Lefkowitz, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 418 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
23/45
Summer Squash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a colorful and tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is inexpensive to prepare and a great way to put this fresh produce to use. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
24/45
Grilled Cabbage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
25/45
Summertime Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without tequila): 102 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
26/45
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 647 calories, 41g fat (13g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 2345mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
27/45
Cornbread Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
28/45
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Many times, I must come up with recipes requiring only ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of them. It's my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 522 calories, 35g fat (71g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
29/45
Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
30/45
Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lt. William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
31/45
Juicy Lucy Burger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends in Minnesota introduced me to the Juicy Lucy burger, a local favorite. Instead of putting the cheese on top, it gets stuffed inside, keeping the meat around the cheese nice and juicy. We love the meltiness of American cheese, but it works with any cheese you'd like. —Brigette Kutschma, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 376 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
32/45
Southern Deviled Eggs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There is nothing more simple, or delicious, than these southern deviled eggs. I make them for every BBQ, tailgate or picnic, and they're always a hit. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
33/45
Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has been making this recipe for years. Every time I make it for company they rave and can't believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 310 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
34/45
Honey-Barbecue Wings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These wings get loads of flavor from the slightly sweet honey-barbecue sauce they’re tossed in. They’re just the tiniest bit sticky—exactly the way they should be. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 133 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
35/45
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
36/45
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I'm always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 238 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
37/45
Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon “bowl” with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
38/45
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
39/45
Jicama Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This jicama slaw is a nice change of pace from traditional cabbage coleslaw. The jicama adds a sweet, nutty flavor and lots of extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 109 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
40/45
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped my mother's potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin's, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 315 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
41/45
Kofta Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy these deeply spiced, herb-flecked lamb kabobs with a dazzling array of fresh accompaniments. They're fabulous served over rice and topped with olives, artichokes, feta and tomatoes plus a squeeze of lemon for brightness. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 493 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1403mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
42/45
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
43/45
Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 279 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
44/45
Lemon Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 259 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
45/45
Bacon Cheeseburger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Where can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
