Looking for homemade Memorial Day recipes? Look no further! We’ve put together the tastiest side dishes to serve at your family get-together this Memorial Day!

24 Homemade Memorial Day Recipes

Don’t buy BBQ sauce this year! Make your own with this amazing kit from our friends at Grow and Make! 

 

These dishes will be more than just sides, but the feature itself! Bring the family together this holiday with some delicious home cooking.

1. Lemony Kale Quinoa Salad

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What can we say; we love our veggies! This delicious and nutritious Kale Quinoa Salad is packed with lots of good for you ingredients, making this the perfect starter dish for that decadent BBQ you have planned.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kale, leaves removed from rib, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped finely
• 1 can of small white beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup of quinoa, cooked according to package directions
• handful of parsley, chopped

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
• liberal grinding of sea salt
• 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• ground black pepper

Get the recipe here

2. Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Garlic Butter

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Ah, the Brussel sprout. So underrated, yet so darn tasty! These little guys are an excellent source of Vitamin C, K, and other nutrients and vitamins. But enough about that, let’s get back to how delicious these vegetables are! When cooked properly, brussels sprouts produce a texture and taste similar to that of teriyaki chicken or grilled meat. This side is perfect for vegans (sans the Parmesan) and carnivores alike!

Ingredients

• 24 Brussels Sprouts halved lengthwise
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 4 Garlic cloves, crushed
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Get the recipe here

3. Roasted Asparagus

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C’mon, asparagus is the perfect side! It’s crunchy, salty, and complements most, if not all, meat dishes. Plus, when it comes to BBQing, vegetables give the body a nice little break, thus allowing you to eat more of that BBQ and grilled meat (in moderation, right?).

Ingredients

• 1 bundle/bunch of asparagus
• 1 lemon
• handful of rosemary sprigs
• 2-tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Get the recipe here

4. Brown Sugar Roasted Pineapple

This homemade brown sugar pineapple recipe is so versatile! You can serve this for breakfast with sausages, at BBQ’s with pulled pork sammies or hamburgers, or topped with French vanilla ice cream for dessert. (We prefer dulce de leche ice cream, but to each their own!)

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. cinnamon

Get the recipe here

5. Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice

Hey, good looking! Sure, this isn’t a classic Memorial Day dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change the status quo and serve this at your family get-together! This recipe is packed with flavor, protein, and good vibes. Make a plate of this, sit down, and enjoy that Summer breeze.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups wild rice blend + chicken broth to cook it in
• 1 Tablespoons butter
• 1-1/2 cups 1/2″ cubed sweet potato (about 1 medium-sized sweet potato)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 4 cups packed chopped curly kale (about 1/2 bunch)
• 1/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas

For the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette:

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, microplaned or finely minced
• salt and pepper

Get the recipe here

6. Pink Ambrosia Salad

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Now this is more like it! Maraschino cherries, pineapples, whipped topping, and marshmallows?! Be still, my beating heart, for this is what true love is… Ah, yes, back to the recipe. This dish is kid-approved and Memorial Day-tested.

Ingredients

• 8 ounce pineapple chunks ( drained )
• 8 1/4 ounce canned tangerines, mandarin oranges ( drained )
• 10 ounce maraschino cherries ( sliced )
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup whipped topping, light

Get the recipe here

7. Mexican Three Bean Salad

Whoa, there’s a lot going on in this homemade recipe and all of it is wonderful, appetizing and downright indulgent. Enjoy this side dish with your favorite chicken or fish tacos and light amber beer.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 TB fresh lime juice
• 1/2 TB lemon juice
• 1 TB granulated sugar
• 1/2 TB salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• avocado, diced

Get the recipe here

8. Raspberry Pretzel Salad

The salty pretzel crust is topped with an amazingly creamy layer made out of cream cheese and cool whip (I repeat, cream cheese and cool whip). This is both the perfect side dish and dessert all in one and will be an absolute hit at your family get-together. (Note: when making this, be sure to make two: one for you and one for the party!)

Ingredients

• 1¾ cup crushed pretzels
• ¾ cup butter, melted
• 3 Tbls sugar
• 8 oz light cream cheese
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 8 oz containers Cool Whip (I used lite)
• 1 5.9 oz package Raspberry Jello
• 2 cups water
• 16 oz frozen raspberries
• additional pretzels to crush for topping

Get the recipe here

9. Buffalo Cheese Fries

Yeah, fries are great – they’re awesome! But buffalo fries, well, buffalo fries are just beautiful. What better recipe is there for a Memorial Day BBQ than this one?

Ingredients

• 1½ bags frozen french fries (crinkle cut or steak)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola oil would work)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
• ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Get the recipe here

10. Summer Fruit Salad

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Sometimes, the perfect side dish is just a really good fruit salad. This homemade recipe uses fresh fruit and dry vanilla pudding mix for added flavor and texture. Start your picnic off right with this amazingly light and tasty side dish!

Ingredients

• 5 cups fresh fruit, diced or chopped
• 2 Tbsp dry Vanilla Pudding Mix

Get the recipe here

11. Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

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This is definitely a homemade recipe that will transcend the boundaries of get-togethers and holidays! Roasted parmesan potatoes are a dish you can make any day that goes well with any entree. Not only is this super easy to make, it’s super tasty as well!

Ingredients

• 6 potatoes ( red or russet, skins on, scrubbed and diced )
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Get the recipe here

12. Antipasto Salad Kabobs

Am I dreaming or is this kabob really happening? This kabob is absolutely beautiful and has a little bit of everything for even the pickiest of relatives.

Ingredients

• (2) 7 oz containers fresh mozzarella balls (bocconchini)
• (2) 4 oz. packages prosciutto
• 1/2 lb. genoa salami, sliced thin
• (1) 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers
• (1) 6 oz can of black olives, or use the fresh cured olives from the olive bar at your grocery store
• 1 bag of leaf lettuce, any kind you like

Get the recipe here

13. Crispy Blackberry Honey Jalapeno Chicken Wings

HOLY [expletive]! We admit, we were a little intimidated by this recipe when we first came across it. Then we tried it and whoever thought to flavor chicken wings with blackberries and honey is a genius indeed. The color of these wings is beautiful and the taste is beyond gourmet.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs chicken wings (with tips)
• Oil for frying
• 2 cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• ½ yellow onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 2 cups frozen blackberries
• ¼ cup honey

Get the recipe here

14. Garlic and Chili Mushrooms

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I love mushrooms! But this recipe made me fall IN love with mushrooms. Garlic and chili come together perfectly to create a dish with a bold flavor and meat-like texture. This dish is vegan-vegetarian-carnivore-friendly.

Ingredients

• 9 oz cleaned button mushrooms – stems removed (optional)
• 5 cloves garlic – chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 dried chili – finely chopped
• 3 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 Tablespoon dry sherry
• ¼ teaspoon Spanish paprika
• Ground black pepper and salt to taste

Get the recipe here

15. Cuban Slaw

This oil- and mayo-free recipe is one you’re sure to love. This homemade Cuban Slaw recipe is light, healthy, tangy, spicy, and sexy. Oops, did that just come out?

Ingredients

• 1 large head red cabbage, shredded
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1/4 cup finely minced cilantro
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

Get the recipe here

16. Tortellini Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Basil, & Fresh Corn

This delicious summer side dish is packed with bright, juicy tomatoes, fresh sweet corn, and ribbons of basil. A delectable pasta salad that is perfect for Memorial Day!

Ingredients

• 22-ounce package frozen (or fresh) cheese tortellini
• 3 cups (about 16 ounces) sliced cherry or grape tomatoes (halved or quartered, depending on size)
• 2 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, cooked and sliced from the cob
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced in a chiffonade
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Get the recipe here

17. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

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Pineapples and grilling are in season and we couldn’t be happier! This recipe consists of 3 ingredients and requires little to no time to put together. That said, what are you waiting for? Make this recipe today. If only to try it out.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pineapple

Get the recipe here

18. Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts and Apple

Brown butter, apples and sprouts come together perfectly in this sweet and savory Memorial Day side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 small Braeburn or other cooking apples, thinly sliced and seeded
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Get the recipe here

19. Harvest Slaw

Harvest Slaw reminds of our favorite Neil Young song, Harvest Moon, and that’s what initially attracted us to this recipe. It’s a good thing this slaw is as every bit as delicious as it is nostalgic.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here

20. Glazed Carrots with Pistachios

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For ladies out there who didn’t know this, carrots (and butter) are great at balancing your hormones! This recipe brings both ingredients together creating a dish that is rich, flavorful, and balancing!

Ingredients

Get the recipe here

21. Rainbow Jello Cups

Oh hey, rainbow jello cups! This is the perfect afternoon cap to your picnic/BBQ. Kids and adults alike are sure to love this recipe. One thing to note: make extras because you’ll definitely be needing them.

Ingredients

• 6 (3-oz) pkg. Jello (rainbow colors)
• 3 cups light sour cream or yogurt
• whipped cream, for serving if desired

Get the recipe here

22. Baked Zucchini Fries

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For those looking for a lighter alternative to fries, why not try zucchini fries?! This delicious homemade recipe is one you’ll make time and time again. Or maybe that’s just us.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini fries:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into skinny sticks
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Get the recipe here

23. Lebanese Spiced French Fries

These fries may be skinny in size, but they are not skinny in flavor! The seasoning on these fries is perfect for breezy Summer days and will be a recipe you’ll be asked to make over and over again.

Ingredients

• 1 recipe Crispy Skinny French Fries
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chipped
• 1 large red Fresno chili, thinly sliced
• 1/4 of a fresh lime
• 1 tablespoon za’atar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Get the recipe here

24. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites

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We saved the best for last: crispy buffalo chicken bites! Think of these little bites of glory as better, healthier, WAY better popcorn bites from KFC. Did we mention they were way better though?

Ingredients

• 1 lb. organic chicken
• 1/4 cup avocado oil, or oil of choice

For the Batter:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1/2 tsp pink salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp hot sauce

For the Sauce:

• 1/3-1/2 cup hot sauce
• 2 tbsp grass-fed butter

Get the recipe here

Kick it up this Memorial Day with some extra flavor and color. These 24 homemade Memorial Day recipes will be guaranteed hits and instant favorites!

Need some more Memorial Day recipes and ideas? Check out these Easy Finger Food Recipes and 13 DIY Projects and Accompanying Recipes for your Backyard BBQ from our sister site, DIY Ready. 

 

That’s all, folks! If you enjoyed this week’s must-have item, let us know in the Comments section below. We love hearing your feedback and comments; we also love sharing, so if you have a better brand processor, we’d love to read about it and add it to our own collection! HomemadeRecipes.com was founded to create an online community where foodies and chefs can share recipes and learn new ones! We need your help, however, in creating this community where you can come, share and learn. If you love to cook, love food or have some great recipes and ideas you’d like to share with us, shoot us an email and make sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! We’re always looking for contributors and would want to hear from you.

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