Memorial Day: Honoring Heroes and Making Memories
Before the grills are fired up and the unofficial start to summer celebrations begin, Memorial Day is first and foremost a time to home and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As family and friends gather together for the long weekend, sharing a meal becomes more than just a tradition - it’s a chance to reflect, appreciate and spend meaningful time with the people we love. From backyard cookout to simple summer favorites, Memorial Day reminds us to pause in gratitude while welcoming the season ahead.
Whether you’re hosting a full backyard barbecue or keeping things casual with a few simple dishes, Memorial Day menus are all about easy entertaining and crowd-pleasing favorites.
Summer Salads and Sides
From crisp garden salads to hearty pasta salads and everything in between,
these summer salads bring a fresh mix of textures and seasonal flavors that perfectly
balance any Memorial Day spread.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This salad courtesy of Farm Flavor perfectly
captures the essence of summer in a single bowl,and bursts with garden-fresh flavor. It’s a
no-fuss dish that comes together easily and can be made ahead. It actually even gets better the longer it sits, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Broccoli Salad
An easy make-ahead favorite that’s a must-have at summer picnics or backyard barbecues. Enjoy it as is, or mix things up with a broccoli and cauliflower combo. Swap in raisins or halved grapes for craisins, and crunchy pecans or walnuts in
place of sunflower seeds for a fresh twist.
Want a lighter version? Swap some or all of the mayo for reduced fat mayonnaise, and cut the
sugar down to 2 tablespoons.
Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette
Switch things up with this protein-packed, vibrantly colorful salad from Farm Flavor is for you! It’s as
refreshing as it is satisfying, and is a flavorful
addition to your Memorial Day menu either on its own or alongside more traditional salads for a
modern twist.
Loaded Potato Salad
Creamy, loaded potato salad packed with
tender potatoes and lots of savory mix-ins is
an absolute must-have at every Memorial Day
celebration and the first side to disappear from the
table.That's why we can't leave this salad out of
the line-up!
Seven-Layer Salad with Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Fresh, colorful layers of crisp vegetables, cheddar cheese, sliced hard-boiled eggs and yummy
chopped bacon come together in this irresistible salad courtesy of Farm Flavor. Served with a
creamy, cool Greek yogurt dressing it is sure to quickly become a favorite.
Fire Up the Grill!
Memorial Day menus shine when the grill takes center stage.
Burgers and hot dogs are classics for a reason, but adding a few elevated favorites
makes the meal feel extra special without being overly complicated.
Double-Stacked Smash Burgers
What’s better than one burger? Two burgers! These crispy-edged double smash burgers courtesy of McCormick® are seasoned with their bold Signature Blend Seasoning, topped with melty cheese and a homemade sauce for an irresistible juicy backyard classic!
Rib Eye Steaks with Cilantro-Lime Butter
Courtesy of Farm Flavor, these juicy, fire-grilled steaks are finished with a bold cilantro lime butter that melts into every savory, mouthwatering bite.
New England Clambake
Our Memorial Day blog wouldn’t be complete without a classic New England clambake - a holiday favorite filled with lobster, clams, sausage, sweet corn and potatoes that brings everyone gathered around the table year after year.
Sweet Endings
Wrap up your Memorial Day celebration with desserts that feel like summer in every bite.
From fruit-filled treats to simple frozen novelties and classic crowd-pleasers, these easy desserts are the perfect way to finish the day on a high note.
