Summer’s here, and it’s almost Memorial Day weekend! Get ready to entertain with these 21 easy and delicious recipes perfect for grilling or serving as a side. From juicy grilled chicken to refreshing salads, you’ll find everything you need to make your Memorial Day cookout a hit.
![Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Summer-Pasta-Salad-1024x576.jpg)
Bacon Deviled Eggs
![Image shows bacon deviled eggs in a red tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bacon-deviled-eggs-in-a-red-platter.jpg)
Create a craveworthy appetizer spread with these Bacon Deviled Eggs. They’re surprisingly easy to make and packed with more flavor than traditional deviled eggs. The smooth and creamy filling combined with the savory bacon makes them a perfect crowd-pleasing bite for your Memorial Day BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
![Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Italian-ratatouille-in-a-glass-casserole-dish.jpg)
Bring some color to your cookout with this Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. This baked vegetable dish features yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, creating a flavorful and healthy side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Frosted Banana Bars
![Image shows a Frosted Banana Bar with a bite taken from it on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Frosted-Banana-Bars.jpg)
Treat your guests to these Frosted Banana Bars, a moist and fluffy dessert topped with creamy frosting. Made with ripe bananas, they’re a delicious way to use up overripe fruit and will become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Classic Brownies
![Image shows a stack of Classic Brownies on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Classic-Brownies.jpg)
No cookout is complete without decadent desserts. Sink your teeth into the fudgy goodness of Classic Brownies, a timeless favorite that promises pure chocolate bliss in every bite. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey aroma and the irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture of these beloved treats.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Beer Boiled Brats
![Image shows a beer boiled brat on a bun with sweet potato fries on a plate and more brats in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beer-boiled-brat-on-a-white-plate-with-fries.jpg)
Beer brats are a must-have at any cookout. Simple to make and bursting with juicy flavor, they’re a crowd-pleasing classic. Boiling them in beer adds a delicious extra layer of taste that makes them stand out.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
![Kefir Marinated chicken on a blue plate with sides.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefir-Marinated-chicken-on-a-blue-plate-with-sides.jpg)
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken. Succulent chicken pieces are bathed in a tangy and refreshing marinade featuring the zingy flavors of lemon and the creamy tang of kefir, resulting in tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful chicken that’s perfect for grilling.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
![Image shows a skewer of lemon marinated chicken held diagonally with green grass in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lemon-marinated-chicken-kebabs-on-a-skewer-with-green-background.jpg)
Chicken kebabs are a delicious and easy grilling option for your Memorial Day cookout. Marinating the chicken in a simple lemon juice mixture adds extra flavor and keeps it juicy on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Kefta Kebabs
![Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefta-kebabs-on-skewers-on-a-white-platter.jpg)
Switch things up from burgers with these easy-to-make and flavorful Kefta Kebabs. Ground lamb kebabs are perfect for grilling and sure to be a hit at your Memorial Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Veggie Pasta Salad
![Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Summer-Pasta-Salad.jpg)
Ditch the mayo and try this Veggie Pasta Salad for a refreshing and light side dish. Combining al dente pasta with fresh summer veggies like corn and tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
![Bacon cheddar stuffed burger cut in half and on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bacon-cheddar-stuffed-burger-cut-in-half-and-on-a-white-plate.jpg)
Take your burgers to the next level with this Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger. Juicy beef patties are stuffed with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for an unforgettable bite that will have everyone raving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
![Image shows a white tray filled with chipotle grilled corn on the cob sitting on green grass.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chipotle-grilled-corn-cobs-on-a-white-tray.jpg)
Add a smoky twist to your corn on the cob with this Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe. Each juicy ear is coated in a chipotle-infused butter and grilled to perfection for a flavorful side dish that will be a hit at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
![Image shows a glass with ice cream and grilled fruit having caramel drizzled into it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Grilled-fruit-with-ice-cream-in-a-dish.jpg)
Don’t limit yourself to just meat on the grill! These Grilled Fruit Kebabs are a fun and delicious way to end your cookout on a sweet note. Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers and grill them to perfection. For an extra treat, drizzle them with a homemade brown sugar caramel sauce for a delightful and flavorful dessert.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
![Image shows a white casserole dish filled with homemade baked beans on wooden table with a silver spoon sticking out from it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pot-of-homemade-baked-beans-on-a-wooden-table.jpg)
Skip the canned beans and make your own Homemade Smoky Baked Beans for your cookout. They’re surprisingly easy to make and packed with so much more flavor than store-bought options.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
![Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lime-marinated-grilled-chicken-sliced-on-a-red-plate-over-rice.jpg)
This Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful option for your cookout. The tangy lime marinade infuses the chicken with delicious citrus flavor, making it a perfect summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
![Image shows a Chipotle burger with grilled corn in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chipotle-burger-with-grilled-corn-in-the-background.jpg)
Fire up your grill for these chipotle burgers with jalapeno mayo. Smoky chipotle seasoning and a spicy kick from the mayo make them a fun and flavorful twist on a classic cookout staple.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Hearts of Palm Salad
![Silver bowl with a veggie filled hearts of palm salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Silver-bowl-with-a-veggie-filled-hearts-of-palm-salad.jpg)
This Hearts of Palm Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for a hot summer day. Made with fresh hearts of palm, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing, it’s a healthy and flavorful option that will please everyone at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Baked Kale Chips
![Image shows a hand holding a baked kale chip over a bowl filled with more kale chips.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Baked-Kale-Chip-Image-1.jpg)
Looking for a healthy and satisfying snack for your cookout? Look no further than Baked Kale Chips. Fresh kale leaves are seasoned and baked to perfection, resulting in a guilt-free snack that’s both nutritious and irresistibly crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Banana Boats
![Image shows A ripe banana sliced open and filled with chocolate and caramel and marshmallow, served on a blue plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Banana-Boats.jpg)
These fun and easy Banana Boats are the perfect way to end your cookout on a sweet note. Fill bananas with caramels, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, then grill them for a decadent treat that takes just minutes to prepare..
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Chewy S’mores Bars
![Image show a closeup of a Chewy Smores bar on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chewy-Smores-bar-on-a-white-plate.jpg)
Craving s’mores but don’t have a fire? These Chewy S’mores Bars are the perfect solution. A buttery graham cracker crust is topped with a layer of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and more graham cracker crumble for a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic campfire treat. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or whenever you have a s’mores craving.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Grilled S’mores Pizza
![Image shows a grilled s'mores pizza on the grill.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Grilled-smores-pizza-on-the-grill.jpg)
This fun twist on s’mores combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Imagine a grilled
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Avocado Tomato Salad
![Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Avocado-tomato-salad-in-a-wooden-bowl.jpg)
Salads don’t have to be boring. This Avocado Tomato Salad proves that point with a plethora of fresh veggies tossed with romaine lettuce and a delicious homemade dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish bursting with summer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad