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The Passport Kitchen

15 Recipes That Are Perfect for Memorial Day

May 27, 2024 by Sara Lehman Leave a Comment

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Originally created in 1868 to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, Memorial Day has since expanded to honor all U.S. military personnel who have died in service.

Many people celebrate by getting together with family to remember their loved ones or pay tribute to those who served. While Memorial Day isn’t about food- it has become a day when people get together and have BBQs or eat meals together.

Food has a way of bringing people together (in happiness or sadness).

So, however you celebrate or commemorate Memorial Day, here are some recipes to share with your loved ones today.

Smoked Pork Loin

Photo Credit: Aubrey’s Kitchen.

A smoked pork loin makes a juicy and flavorful option for your Memorial day party. This recipe is budget friendly, easy to follow and pairs perfectly with baked beans, coleslaw and assorted pasta salads.

Get the recipe: Smoked pork loin.

Layered Cornbread Salad

Cornbread salad layered in a trifle bowl.
Photo Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle.

A layered cornbread salad makes a great side dish for summer parties and potlucks. This flavorful salad has layers of corn, cornbread, cheese and salsa for a zesty dish that everyone will want the recipe for.

Get the recipe: Layered cornbread salad.

Classic Pasta Salad

pasta salad with tomatoes, black beans and cheese.
Photo Credit: The Toasty Kitchen.

Memorial day is the perfect time to make a classic pasta salad. This salad pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. It has a zesty dressing and plenty of onions, olives and cheese for a variety of textures and flavors.

Get the recipe: Classic pasta salad.

Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Hot dogs with pickles, peppers and tomato.
Photo Credit: Carolyn’s Cooking.

Hot dogs and memorial day go together like ketchup and mustard. Make this dressed up Chicago style dogs to share with your friends and family. They will love the fresh toppings like tomatoes and onions paired with pickles and peppers.

Get the recipe: Chicago style hot dogs.

Smoked Mac and Cheese

smoked mac and cheese on a spoon.
Photo Credit: Burrata and Bubbles.

Mac and cheese is always a welcome sight at a Memorial day party, but this recipe is so good that no one can resist it. With so much melty cheese and an irresistible smokey flavor, you are guaranteed to have an empty dish after everyone has grabbed a plate.

Get the recipe: Smoked mac and cheese.

Cowboy Caviar

Beans, corn and tomatoes mixed into a bowl.
Photo Credit: Homemade Interest.

Cowboy caviar makes a great dish to serve at a BBQ. This is so easy to prepare, and it is absolutely loaded with fresh flavors like tomato, onion, black beans and corn. Everyone will want to grab a scoop or two of this easy side.

Get the recipe:  Cowboy caviar.

Easy Veggie Skewers

veggies stacked on skewers.
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

Offer a colorful side of grilled veggie skewers at your memorial day party. This recipe is so easy to assemble and cook, and veggie skewers pair well with everything from steak to hot dogs.

Get the recipe: Easy veggie skewers.

Garlic Butter Seafood Boil

seafood boil on a platter.
Photo Credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

A seafood boil is just the thing to make for memorial day. With crab legs, succulent shrimp, lobster tails, corn and potatoes and sausage, there is literally something for everyone in this fun to eat dish.

Get the recipe: Garlic butter seafood boil.

Broccoli Salad

A salad made of broccoli with bacon and nuts.
Photo Credit: Cinnamon and Sage Co.

A colorful broccoli salad makes a great memorial day side dish to share. This fresh an flavorful side is complementary to a variety of grilled proteins, from chicken legs to salmon, and everything in between!

Get the recipe: Broccoli salad.

Smoky Chipotle Baked Beans

A bowl of smoky chipotle baked beans.
Photo Credit: Blackberry Babe.

Baked beans get a tasty upgrade with smoky chipotle flavors mixed in. You are going to agree this classic side slaps when paired with burgers, ribs or chicken legs!

Get the recipe: Smoky chipotle baked beans.

Watermelon Salad

A salad of feta, watermelon and lettuce.
Photo Credit: DIY and Fun.

Adding watermelon to a salad is a recipe for capturing the essence of summer in a simple side. This dish is tart and sweet and has the best balsamic dressing to tie it together.

Get the recipe: Watermelon salad.

Grilled Mushroom Kabobs

Mushrooms on a stick, grilled.
Photo Credit: Food Wine and Love.

If steaks are on the menu for memorial day, then you will want to try this recipe for grilled mushroom kabobs for a side. These are easy to prepare and have the perfect flavor to match with grilled beef. They are also sure to be loved by your vegan guests as well.

Get the recipe: Grilled mushroom kabobs.

Grilled Carrot Dogs

Hot dogs made of carrots.
Photo Credit: Ooh La La It’s Vegan.

If you need a vegan dish to serve at your memorial day party, why not make hot dogs from carrots? This unique idea tastes authentic! Your guests will love them.

Get the recipe: Grilled carrot dogs.

Veggie Pinwheels

Pinwheels made with cream cheese and veggie.
Photo Credit: On My Kids Plate.

Veggie pinwheels make such an easy option for parties. They taste amazing and can be customized to your preferences. Plus, this recipe makes enough to share with all of your favorite people.

Get the recipe: Veggie pinwheels.

Traeger Brisket

Thin slices of smoked brisket.
Photo Credit: A Grill for All Seasons.

Toss a brisket on the Traeger for a mouth-watering Memorial Day meal. Serve with classic potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob and baked beans for a spread worthy of a celebration.

Get the recipe: Traeger brisket.

23 BEST HEALTHY AND EASY SALAD RECIPES

Mature man with healthy food, Portrait Asian Senior man eating a salad in house, Old elderly male health care eat vegetables and useful foods.
Image Credit: HappyTime19/Shutterstock.

Looking for nutritious and simple meal ideas? Check out our list of the 22 best healthy and easy salad recipes! These delicious salads are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Give them a try today and enjoy fresh, wholesome meals!

23 Best Healthy and Easy Salad Recipes

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