Get ready to kick off the summer in style with the ultimate Memorial Day recipes that will elevate your grilling game to new heights! As the sizzling season approaches, it’s time to fire up the grill and delight your guests with a sensational, colorful menu with both Latin and Mediterranean twists!
From mouthwatering appetizers to delectable sides, irresistible mains, mojitos, margaritas, desserts, and everything in between, I got you covered this Memorial Day Weekend.
Memorial Day Drinks
Raise a glass and toast to the start of summer with my delicious Memorial Day drinks! Get ready to quench your thirst and ignite your taste buds with a selection of refreshing libations perfect for the occasion.
I’m always into mojitos, so I’m presenting you with three of my favorites. The first one is this festive red raspberry mojito.
The second one is this blueberry-lavender mojito, perfect for celebrating the unofficial start of summer! Cheers!
I love seasonal fresh fruit for my summer cocktails. Another favorite is this so refreshing strawberry-basil mojito. Make it on a pitcher and enjoy your party.
Watermelons are not in full swing yet, but if you find a good one, try this delicious watermelon mojito.
Nothing says summer better than juicy ripe Georgia peaches. This drink’s name is Georgia Summer, a concoction made of grilled peaches, lemon juice, white rum, brown sugar, and purple basil. As you can see, I adore mixing and shaking with fresh herbs.
Are you more into tequila than rum? Then, this delicious grilled pineapple and jalapeño margarita is for you! The beauty of a cocktail is to make it individually, but pitchers are okay when you have to entertain a crowd.
Memorial Day Appetizers
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering Memorial Day appetizers! As the sun shines brighter and summer flavors burst into full bloom, I’ve curated a collection of irresistible bites to kickstart your festivities.
Now that strawberries are in season, indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with my crostini topped with fresh strawberries, creamy chévre, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction. Pro tip: let your guests assemble their crostini so they don’t get mushy.
Make a trip to flavor paradise with my grilled peach and chèvre bruschettas, where juicy Georgia peaches meet smoky grill marks for an unforgettable combination.
For a taste of elegance, savor my exquisite grilled peach and burrata salad, featuring the finest prosciutto di Parma, peppery arugula, and a delicate balsamic glaze. Pro tip: add the balsamic glaze at the very moment of serving your salad. A better way is to let people do it.
Now that we’re in Italy, don’t forget this easy recipe: melon and prosciutto salad. This is one of those summer recipes that are perfect for a Memorial Day picnic.
For those craving classic Italian flavors, my tomato and basil bruschettas are a must-try, best assembled by your guests to ensure maximum freshness.
Are you more into Latin or Mexican-inspired flavors? Try this delicious guacamole with my secret ingredient: sour cream. Serve it with tortilla chips and Viva Mexico!
Memorial Day Side Dishes
Elevate your BBQ with my selection of easy Memorial Day recipes. These colorful side dishes will perfectly complement your grilled delights! As you gather with friends and family, these vibrant and flavorful accompaniments will take your backyard BBQ to the next level.
Not-to-be-missed: an American classic, grilled corn on the cob. No backyard bbq is complete without delicious grilled juicy and sweet corn ears.
Take corn on the cob to the next level with these grilled Mexican-style elotes callejeros. They are seasoned with fresh lime juice, mayo, cotija cheese, chili peppers, and cilantro. You will love them, and they will be the talk of this Memorial Day celebration.
Are you craving more Mexican-inspired delights? Then, this esquites corn salad may be the solution. The best part: this can be one of your make-ahead recipes.
Instead of a potato salad, try this colorful quinoa salad. It’s fresh and crispy, and it pairs perfectly with anything grilled. Pro tip: Add lemon zest and fresh lime juice besides extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. You can make this salad 2-3 days in advance.
Another flavorful dish is grilled corn, black beans, and cilantro salad. You can make it in advance too.
Grilled ratatouille anyone? This is my American interpretation of the French cuisine classic. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled beef, poultry, or fish and is made with fresh summer vegetables. Trust me: you will love this ratatouille.
An elegant note on your menu, these grilled asparagus are as easy and delicious as possible. They are seasoned with black truffle oil and Tuscan herbs. The best part: they are easy to make, and they are rustic and elegant at the same time.
Skip the regular pasta salad and make this Mediterranean orzo salad with chevre or feta cheese.
Texas caviar anyone? Try my version of the Texas salad-salsa, with a tropical Latin twist!
Memorial Day Condiments
Enhance your feast with these flavorful condiments. They will take your main dishes from good to amazing!
First up is the irresistible guasacaca sauce. A true gem, guasacaca is one of the most delicious recipes from Venezuelan cuisine, and it compliments your grilled delights. Trust us, this game-changing sauce, made with avocado, offers a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional guacamole.
Next on the list is the classic Mexican pico de gallo, featuring the perfect blend of raw tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. A must-have for any outdoor cookout, and the best part is you can make it in advance.
And for those who appreciate the tangy flavors of pickled goodness, our easy-to-make pickled onions (made with red onion) will surely be a hit.
Memorial Day main dishes
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with these irresistible main dishes. They will leave you yearning for more! I’ve carefully selected a collection of delectable recipes that cover a wide range of cuisines and flavors, guaranteeing a satisfying experience for every palate.
Pork and pineapple are a match made in heaven, and these rainbow skewers with chimichurri sauce are no exception.
Indulge in the bold and tantalizing flavors of our grilled Asian-style St. Louis pork ribs, featuring a delightful combination of hoisin and tamari sauces, rice vinegar, and fresh ginger.
Grilled salmon, anyone? This is one of my favorite way to enjoy salmon: grilled with a spicy thyme rub.
Take your grilling to the next level with these finger-licking grilled pork ribs with a homemade mango BBQ. Hint: I made the BBQ sauce with only two ingredients, my mango chutney and brown sugar.
This churrasco with chimichurri sauce is the way to go for red meat lovers.
Craving a Latin twist? Try my tamarind-chipotle BBQ pork ribs, where the glaze boasts a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and smoky notes.
These grilled pork loin hamburgers with an apricot-chipotle mayo need no other condiment. Give them a try, and you will agree these are the most delicious burgers ever!
For seafood lovers, there is nothing like grilled lobster tails! And this goes to the healthy recipes category too!
I always bring something from my home country, Venezuela, to my American recipes. I added Ron de Venezuela to my rum and mustard BBQ pork ribs this time.
Are you looking for grilled chicken recipes? The next best thing is these grilled chicken thighs with a sticky and easy-to-make BBQ sauce.
What can be better than a rack of pork spareribs: juicy, tender, and meaty? Teriyaki BBQ pork spareribs!
Memorial Day desserts
My best Memorial Day recipes couldn’t be complete without dessert. For backyard parties, I love a good fruit salad or fruit kabobs. But if you want to make a statement, I give you a couple of options with seasonal fruit that you can make ahead.
A beautiful berry pavlova is all you need to make an impact. Pro tip: Make and bake the meringue and whip the heavy cream the day before. A few minutes before serving, cover the meringue with the cream and the fruit.
Not in the mood for baking? These strawberry parfaits with a goat cheese mousse are the perfect treat.
This silky pana cotta can be made in advance and instead of serving it on martini glasses, you can use small Mason jars, save them in the refrigerator, and add fresh fruit at serving time.
You don’t need to bake desserts. Instead, let’s make this passion fruit delight ready in only 15 minutes and can be made ahead. You can also make this dessert with lime juice instead of passion fruit.
Have a good Memorial Day cookout!
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