When it comes to Memorial Day BBQs, the spotlight isn’t just on the burgers and hot dogs—it’s also about those tasty side dishes that can really make the meal pop. From classic coleslaw to zesty corn salad, we’ve got a bunch of mouthwatering ideas to complement your main feast. Let’s whip up some crowd-pleasers that everyone will love!
Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad
This Watermelon and Feta Salad is a delightful and vibrant side dish perfect for any Memorial Day BBQ. The juicy sweetness of fresh watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty, creamy feta cheese, while fresh mint adds a refreshing kick. It’s a simple recipe that comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings.
With its colorful presentation and bold flavors, this salad is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce while keeping things light and refreshing. Serve it chilled for a delightful contrast to your grilled mains!
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, and chopped mint leaves.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring the watermelon and feta are evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra mint leaves if desired. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side dish that brings a sweet, smoky flavor to your cookout. The juicy kernels, kissed by the flames, offer a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich herb butter. This simple recipe is not only easy to make but also elevates the humble corn to a delicious highlight of your Memorial Day feast.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delightful herb butter to slather on your grilled corn. This dish is sure to impress your guests while being quick enough for you to enjoy the fun of the gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or in your backyard, grilled corn on the cob with herb butter will surely be a favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place the husked corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and has grill marks.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. Spread the herb butter generously over the warm corn.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Zesty Potato Salad with Dijon Dressing
This zesty potato salad brings a fresh twist to a classic side dish, making it perfect for any Memorial Day BBQ. With a creamy Dijon dressing that balances tanginess and flavor, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, allowing you to focus on grilling and enjoying the day.
The vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, crunchy celery, and tender potatoes create a delightful combination that pairs well with grilled meats. This dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your spread.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small red potatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cut the cooled potatoes in half and add them to the dressing. Toss in the green onions, dill, and celery. Mix gently to combine.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese skewers are a fresh and delightful addition to any BBQ. With just a few ingredients, they bring together the flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. These skewers are not only tasty but also incredibly easy to make, making them a favorite for gatherings.
The combination of sweet tomatoes and rich mozzarella, enhanced by the balsamic glaze, creates a vibrant dish that will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for Memorial Day BBQs, they add a touch of elegance and color to your spread.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Assemble the Skewers: On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving space at the ends for easy handling.
- Season: Drizzle the assembled skewers with balsamic glaze and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Arrange the skewers on a platter and enjoy them fresh. They can be made ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.
Spicy Grilled Vegetable Platter
Grilling is one of the best ways to bring out the natural flavors of vegetables, and a spicy grilled vegetable platter is perfect for adding a zesty kick to your Memorial Day BBQ. This recipe features a colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, all charred to perfection. The smoky flavor from grilling pairs beautifully with the spices, making each bite a delightful treat. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned grill masters.
The vibrant colors and textures not only make this dish appealing to the eye but also boost the flavor profile, creating a perfect side dish for any BBQ. You can customize the spice level to suit your taste, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy this delicious platter.
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, whole
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Yogurt or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggies until they are evenly coated.
- Place the vegetables on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- Once grilled, remove the vegetables from the grill and arrange them on a platter. Top with pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Serve warm with yogurt or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Savory Baked Beans with Maple and Bacon
This recipe for savory baked beans with maple and bacon is a perfect addition to your Memorial Day BBQ. It combines the rich, hearty flavor of beans with the sweetness of maple syrup and the smokiness of crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. The balance of sweet and savory makes these beans a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Making this dish is straightforward, so even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you’ll find it easy to whip up. You’ll love how the flavors meld together as it bakes, and the aroma will have everyone eagerly waiting for the first bite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked navy beans
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup onions, diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onions, maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the crispy bacon (reserve some for topping). Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the reserved bacon pieces.
- Bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory baked beans with maple and bacon alongside your BBQ favorites!
Classic Coleslaw with a Twist
This classic coleslaw with a twist brings a refreshing crunch to your BBQ spread. It’s a great side dish that pairs well with grilled meats and adds a splash of color to your plate. The combination of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a touch of sweetness makes this slaw a favorite at any gathering.
Making this coleslaw is simple and quick, perfect for those last-minute preparations before your Memorial Day BBQ. With a few added ingredients, you can take a traditional recipe and give it a delightful twist that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all the vegetables are well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.