25 Memorial Day sides that deserve a spot on your plate

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Step aside, burgers and hot dogs—these Memorial Day sides are here to steal the show. From fresh and zesty to rich and comforting, each dish brings something unforgettable to your holiday table. Get ready to load up your plate with the real stars of the cookout.

A slow cooker filled with Boston baked beans ready to be served.
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad topped with sliced boiled eggs, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of paprika, placed on a wooden surface.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

If you’re into deviled eggs, this creamy pasta salad is right up your alley. It’s got all the good stuff—eggs, relish, mustard, and a little paprika to tie it all together. Tangy, savory, and totally satisfying. Whip it up for your Memorial Day cookout and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These loaded baked potatoes are pure cozy vibes! Creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and you can throw them together in no time. They go with pretty much anything, but honestly, they’re good enough to just eat straight from the pan. Grab a fork, get comfy, and don’t plan on sharing.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot raisin salad is super easy and seriously fresh! It’s got shredded carrots, crunchy cabbage, sweet raisins, and a creamy lemon-mayo dressing that pulls it all together. It goes with just about anything and always disappears fast. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something crunchy and sweet!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Citrus lovers, you’re gonna want to make this! This easy oven-baked orange rice is crazy tender, loaded with zesty flavor, and perfect for Memorial Day. It goes with just about anything, and trust me—everyone’s gonna be asking for the recipe. It’s so easy too, you might as well make a double batch!
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Whip up some Cowboy Caviar and it’ll be gone before you know it! This mix of beans and veggies is awesome with chips, tossed in a salad, or just eaten by the spoonful. It’s fresh, easy to throw together, and always a hit. Everyone ends up going back for seconds. You might wanna make a double batch just to be safe!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving something new? Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes are the way to go! They’re cheesy, creamy, and seriously hard to stop eating—expect everyone to go for seconds. They’re super easy to throw together and vanish in no time, making them perfect for any meal or get-together. Trust me, these won’t last long once you serve them!
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a quick side for Memorial Day that still feels a little fancy? This Green Beans Almondine has crispy bacon, buttery almonds, and fresh green beans—all the good stuff without a ton of work. It’s super easy to throw together and tastes like you did way more than you actually did. Everyone’s gonna be asking for the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

You’ve gotta try these Sweet Potato Puffs for Memorial Day! They’ve got that crispy outside and soft, sweet center that makes ‘em totally addictive. Whether you serve them as a side or a snack, they’ll disappear fast. They’re super easy to whip up, so you might wanna make extra—trust me, everyone will want seconds! Plus, they’re the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

A slow cooker filled with Boston baked beans ready to be served.
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Get ready to dig into some classic Boston Baked Beans, cooked slow and low for that perfect mix of savory and a little bit of sweet. It’s the kind of cozy, comforting dish that feels right at home on any family dinner table or weekend hangout. Plus, it’s super easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Who needs fancy dishes when you’ve got this creamy grape salad? It’s super easy, super tasty, and perfect for just about any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll be making it all the time—and people will be begging you for the recipe! Seriously, don’t be surprised when everyone asks for more. You’ll definitely want to make extra!
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Ditch the fancy salads this Memorial Day and whip up this Cabbage Apple Salad instead! It’s got crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing that’s way better than your usual sides. Super easy to throw together and you can even make it ahead. Perfect for your BBQ or just a chill dinner. Simple, tasty, and you’ll keep coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This super creamy mac and cheese is loaded with cheddar and Gruyere, then topped with a buttery panko-Parmesan crunch. It’s cheesy, cozy, and totally addictive—don’t be surprised if people start begging you to make it again. Whip it up for any get-together or just because you’re in the mood for something awesome.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This layered salad is gonna be a total hit for Memorial Day! It’s got crunchy lettuce, fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing — seriously tasty. Super easy to make and filling enough to count as a meal. Trust me, it’ll be the first thing gone, so grab a plate before it’s all eaten! Perfect for any get-together and everyone’s favorite!
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Tired of the same old salads? Whip up Grandma’s Mexican Macaroni Salad for MemorialDay! It’s super creamy, packed with flavor, and seriously easy to make. Everyone’s gonna be asking for the recipe once they get a taste. Bring it to a cookout, potluck, or just throw it together for dinner—it goes with everything and disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Orange Glazed Carrots

A plate of glazed carrot slices topped with chopped herbs, served with a light sauce.
Orange Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Orange Glazed Carrots are super tasty — sweet, buttery, and loaded with fresh citrus flavor. They’re tossed in a yummy orange sauce that’s just the right mix of sweet and savory. Way easier and way more fun than plain steamed carrots, your friends will totally be asking you to make them again. Perfect for any dinner when you want to impress without spending forever in the kitchen. Plus, they go with pretty much anything!
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Diced Potatoes

Golden diced potatoes in a white bowl with a sprinkle of herbs and seasoning.
Air Fryer Diced Potatoes. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

These Air Fryer Diced Potatoes are crispy, full of flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for Memorial Day! They’re great with breakfast, dinner, or whenever you’re craving something salty and satisfying. Way healthier and easier than deep-fried fries. Once you try them, you’ll be making them all the time!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Diced Potatoes

Cheesy Rice

A bowl of cheesy grits on a table, with a striped napkin beside it and chopped cheese in the background.
Cheesy Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cheesy rice is super quick to whip up and makes a really tasty side. You can use whatever cheese and seasonings you’ve got lying around to make it your own. It’s one of those easy dishes you’ll keep coming back to because it just hits the spot. Seriously, it’s perfect for nights when you want something simple but still really good. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Amish macaroni salad is the one everyone will keep asking you to make! It’s super creamy, sweet, and easy to whip up—perfect for any get-together. Honestly, it’ll be gone before you even get a chance to grab a second helping! Plus, it’s a total win with both kids and adults. Just be prepared for the compliments!
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen broccoli’s great when you need a quick side, but let’s be real—nobody wants it all soggy! This air fryer recipe makes crispy, tasty broccoli that everyone will actually eat. It’s fast, easy, and perfect for Memorial Day BBQs when you want something simple but yummy. You’ll definitely be making this a lot!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated brussels sprouts are shown on a white plate with a spoon and a dark red linen in the background.
Marinated Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Marinated Brussels Sprouts are tossed in a shallot, rosemary, and honey vinaigrette, giving them a savory, earthy, and just a touch sweet flavor. They’re great as an appetizer, an easy side for dinner, or even a light salad on their own—plus, they’d make a tasty addition to your Memorial Day spread!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Spring Onion Potato Salad

A bowl of spring onion potato salad.
Spring Onion Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Spring Onion Potato Salad is a tasty, healthy side that mixes crunchy spring onions with soft, creamy potatoes. It’s super easy to whip up and goes with just about anything. Perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner — and honestly, it’s so good you might want to make it all the time!
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto

Red bowl of risotto topped with sliced jalapeños.
Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto is super easy and tasty, whether you’re serving it as a main or a side. With a splash of extra virgin olive oil, it’s got that extra something special. Perfect for a laid-back Memorial Day meal!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto

Vegan Couscous salad

Image shows a closeup of an enameled cast iron pan filled with a vegan couscous salad.
Vegan Couscous salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Couscous tends to get overlooked, yet it’s an amazing canvas for a variety of flavors. This version is packed with colorful veggies and hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with anything fresh off the grill. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is loaded with leftover rotisserie chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that everyone can’t get enough of! It’s super easy to throw together and tastes great anytime. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or bringing it to a get-together, it’s always gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

A bowl of Longhorn steakhouse rice with copper forks on a table.
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Whip up this Longhorn Steakhouse rice for Memorial Day — it’s a super easy side with onions, bell peppers, and rice cooked in chicken broth. It’s got that perfect combo of savory and a little sweet, with fluffy rice and a bit of crunch from the veggies. Quick to make but full of flavor, it’s great for your cookout or just a chill dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

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