Memorial Day gatherings are known for good company and great food, but often we’re left with more leftovers than we know what to do with. This year, we’ve compiled 14 recipes that are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers, leaving your serving platters clean by the end of the day. These dishes are not only easy to make but are also perfect for a festive outdoor barbecue. Say goodbye to the post-party fridge crammed with containers and hello to a no-leftover celebration.
Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
A smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini is a creamy eggplant dip, perfect for a light appetizer that takes 45 minutes to make. Roasted eggplant, garlic, and lemon juice blend into a smoky spread that has a rich, savory taste without the nuttiness of tahini. It pairs well with pita or fresh vegetables. This dish is a hit for its simplicity and deep flavor, ensuring none is left behind.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks feature a blend of citrus and spices, creating a tangy and savory flavor profile. The main ingredients include chicken, lime juice, garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices, requiring a total of 4 hours for marination and cooking. These drumsticks offer a juicy and tender bite that’s hard to resist. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to vanish quickly at your Memorial Day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are a meat-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, taking about 40 minutes to prepare. Made with a base of mashed potatoes, carrots, and peas, these kebabs are seasoned with traditional spices and grilled to perfection. They offer a satisfying texture and a burst of spices that will delight even the most discerning palates. These kebabs prove that vegetarian options can be just as popular at a barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema
Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema combine sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors in a dish that takes 30 minutes to make. Fresh salmon and ripe peaches are the stars of this recipe, complemented by a zesty crema made with jalapenos. The result is a skewer that’s bursting with a balance of flavors, ensuring it disappears as soon as it hits the table. This unique combination is a refreshing take on traditional barbecue fare.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema
Grilled chicken kofta kebab
Grilled chicken kofta kebab is a mix of ground chicken, onions, and a medley of Middle Eastern spices, requiring about 30 minutes to cook. These kebabs boast a juicy interior with a slightly crispy exterior, offering a mouthwatering savory taste. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, making them a fast-disappearing item at any outdoor celebration. Their universal appeal makes them a safe bet for a no-leftover event.
Get the Recipe: Grilled chicken kofta kebab
Zaalouk roasted eggplant dip
Zaalouk roasted eggplant dip is a Moroccan-inspired dish that takes about 1 hour to prepare. It combines roasted eggplant with tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices for a rich, smoky dip. The taste is robust with a hint of spice, perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or crackers. This flavorful dip is often the first to go, leaving no trace behind.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk roasted eggplant dip
Salmon Salad with Bagel
Salmon Salad with Bagel transforms the classic bagel and lox into a fresh, flavorful salad that takes 20 minutes to assemble. It features chunks of smoked salmon, crisp vegetables, and capers, all tossed with a tangy dressing. The taste is a blend of smokiness from the salmon and a bright, acidic finish from the dressing. This dish offers a lighter option that will disappear quickly from the Memorial Day spread.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad with Bagel
Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick, 20-minute recipe that’s perfect for a last-minute addition to any barbecue. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a simple blend of garlic, lemon, and herbs. They have a light, refreshing taste with a hint of char from the grill. These skewers are always a favorite, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Lamb Kofta Kebabs take about 30 minutes to make and are a flavorful mix of ground lamb, onions, and a robust blend of Middle Eastern spices. The kebabs have a rich, savory taste with a hint of spice and a tender texture. They’re a substantial offering that satisfies meat lovers and are often one of the first dishes to be finished. Their popularity is a testament to their deliciousness and no-leftover guarantee.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Kefta Kebabs
Kefta Kebabs are a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with ground beef or lamb, onions, parsley, and spices, requiring 20 minutes of grilling. They have a savory, herby taste with a touch of warmth from the spices. These kebabs are a hands-down favorite for their flavor-packed profile and ease of eating. Expect them to be devoured quickly at any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs require about 35 minutes and are made with chicken marinated in a blend of shawarma spices, then grilled to perfection. The chicken is juicy, with a heady mix of spices that’s both exotic and comforting. These kebabs are a surefire hit, offering a taste of the Middle East that will leave no leftovers at your event. They’re a flavorful twist on the classic kebab that guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a healthy, low-carb option that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Plump shrimp are seasoned and grilled, offering a smoky and slightly spicy taste. They’re a light yet satisfying choice that will be snapped up in no time. These skewers are proof that simple ingredients can lead to a standout dish at any barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a sweet and savory option for a Memorial Day cookout, taking about 20 minutes to cook. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which caramelizes beautifully on the grill. They have a sticky, sweet glaze with a hint of garlic and ginger. These skewers are a delightful mix of flavors that will be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl is a hearty and healthy option that takes 30 minutes to make. It combines grilled shrimp with a mix of grains, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. The dish has a fresh, vibrant taste with a satisfying crunch. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to be a fast favorite, leaving not a single grain behind.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl