Memorial Day Side Dish Ideas: Top Recipes to Complete Your Cookout
Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the start of barbecue season. It’s a time for honoring veterans, enjoying the warm weather, and gathering with loved ones. What truly elevates a Memorial Day barbecue? It’s the carefully curated selection of side dishes.
The supporting cast of Memorial Day side dish ideas can often make or break the meal. From refreshing salads to savory baked beans, the possibilities are endless. Healthy side dish options can complement the rich flavors of typical Memorial Day fare.
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What Makes a Great Memorial Day Side Dish?
A side dish complements the main course, enhancing the overall dining experience. It’s not an appetizer intended to be a light starter before the main meal. Instead, it provides variety and balance to the plate.
When searching for Memorial Day side dish ideas, remember that a truly great one is crowd-pleasing, full of flavor, and easy to prepare. Make-ahead convenience is a major plus, especially when hosting a large gathering. Using seasonal ingredients adds a touch of freshness.
These side dishes should also complement classic BBQ flavors. This could be something tangy, creamy, or even spicy. This article provides a range of options, ensuring something for everyone at your cookout.
Side Dish Recipe Categories
Let’s explore some fantastic Memorial Day side dish ideas categorized for easy browsing. Each category offers a variety of flavors and textures to complete your cookout menu. From creamy potato salads to refreshing fruit salads, there’s something for everyone.
Potato Salads
Classic Potato Salad is a timeless favorite, a staple at any Memorial Day gathering. It’s creamy, comforting, and always a hit with all ages. Variations like German Potato Salad offer a tangy twist.
Other popular choices include Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad for a zesty flavor. Dad’s Potato Salad, often made with pickle juice, adds a unique tanginess. Mustard Potato Salad brings a bold and spicy kick.
When compiling your list of Memorial Day side dish ideas, consider a Loaded Baked Potato Salad for a heartier option, or Amish Country Style Potato Salad for a simpler, classic taste. Southwestern Potato Salad adds a touch of spice and vibrancy. The Instant Pot can make quick work of many potato salad preparations, too. BLT Potato Salad and Instant Pot Dill Pickle Potato Salad each offer a unique spin.
Southern Dill Potato Salad and All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad celebrate classic regional flavors. The unique Beaumont Ranch Potato Salad rounds out the list. These potato salads showcase the diversity of this popular side.
Pasta Salads
Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a light and herby option. Tortellini Salad adds a cheesy and filling element to the meal. Pasta and Bean Picnic Salad is a hearty and protein-rich choice.
Pasta Salad with Corn, Bacon, and Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is a crowd-pleaser with familiar flavors. Pesto Pasta Salad provides a vibrant and flavorful option. Classic Macaroni Salad is another staple at many gatherings.
Further expanding your Memorial Day side dish ideas, other delightful choices include Sarah’s Famous Pasta Salad and Awesome Pasta Salad. All American Macaroni Salad offers another traditional take. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad brings a bright and tangy profile.
BLT Pasta Salad provides a creative twist on a classic sandwich. American-Italian Pasta Salad offers a fusion of flavors. Peppercorn Ranch Pasta is creamy and flavorful. Summertime Tuna Pasta Salad and Summer Pasta Salad I offer lighter options.
Salami Lover’s Italian Pasta Salad is a satisfying and savory choice. Shrimp Pasta Salad with Fresh Dill brings a touch of elegance. Greek Pasta Salad with Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing option.
Bean Salads
Continuing our showcase of Memorial Day side dish ideas, Black Bean Salad is a healthy and flavorful option. Three Bean Salad is a classic and colorful choice. White Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad is light and refreshing.
Black Bean and Corn Salad is a Southwestern-inspired option. Sweet Pepper Balsamic Bean Salad offers a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Summer Bean Salad II provides a fresh and summery flavor.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a nutritious and flavorful choice. Cannellini Bean Salad with Pesto adds a vibrant and herbal element. Sweet and Sour Kidney Bean Salad is a unique and tangy option.
Cannellini Bean Salad with Feta is a simple and flavorful salad. Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is a healthy and refreshing choice. Black Bean and Couscous Salad adds a hearty grain to the mix.
Completing our exploration of bean salad Memorial Day side dish ideas, No-Sugar Three Bean Salad is a healthier alternative to the classic. Best Bean Salad rounds out this diverse category.
Corn-Based Side Dishes
Grilled Corn Salad is a flavorful and smoky side dish. Grilled Corn on the Cob is a classic summer favorite. The Air Fryer offers a quick and easy way to cook corn on the cob.
Instant Pot Sweet Corn is another convenient and effortless option. Skillet Corn Salad is a warm and savory side dish. Creamy Confetti Corn adds a colorful and flavorful touch.
Southern Fried Corn is a rich and decadent option. Corn with Bacon Butter elevates the flavor of the corn. Corn with Jalapenos adds a touch of heat.
Coleslaw Recipes
As examples of delightful Memorial Day side dish ideas, Sweet Restaurant Slaw offers a classic and creamy taste. Easy Apple Slaw adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. Picnic Marinated Summer Slaw provides a tangy and refreshing option.
12-Second Coleslaw is a quick and easy option for busy hosts. Sassy Freezer Slaw can be made ahead of time for convenience. Bayou’s Mardi Gras Slaw adds a touch of Cajun flavor.
Superior Shores Slaw offers a unique regional twist. Southern Coleslaw with Mayo is a classic and creamy option. Southern Hot Dog Coleslaw is a tangy and flavorful topping. Sweet Coleslaw and Light and Creamy Coleslaw round out this refreshing category.
Other Vegetable-Focused Salads
Further illustrating the diverse range of Memorial Day side dish ideas, Stone Fruit, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and colorful option. Easy Cucumber, Peach, and Basil Salad adds a touch of sweetness and herbal flavor. Easy Cucumber Salad is a simple and classic side dish.
Classic Carrot Salad is a sweet and tangy option. Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad is a refreshing and simple salad. Creamy Cucumber & Onion Salad adds a rich and creamy element.
Summer Veggie Salad is a colorful and flavorful mix of seasonal vegetables. Crunchy Cauliflower and Tomato Salad offers a satisfying crunch. Easy Cajun Grilled Veggies are full of spicy flavor.
In closing our look at vegetable-focused Memorial Day side dish ideas, Marinated Green Beans with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta is a Mediterranean-inspired option. Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad, along with Creamy Cucumber Salad, are light and refreshing. Broccoli Cauliflower Salad and Cucumber Radish Macaroni Salad provide additional texture and flavor.
Baked Beans
Slow Cooker Baked Beans are perfect for a hands-off cooking experience. Homemade Baked Beans offer a more traditional approach. Instant Pot Baked Beans provide a quick and easy option.
Boston Baked Beans are a classic and flavorful choice. Chef John’s Boston Baked Beans offer a unique twist on the classic. Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a hearty and savory option.
To truly celebrate, Memorial Day side dish ideas should include options like Memorial Day Baked Beans, specifically designed for this occasion. Cola Beans add a unique sweetness and flavor. Barbecue Baked Beans are a flavorful complement to grilled meats.
Fruit Salads
All American Fruit Salad is a colorful and patriotic option. Fruit Salad Recipe With Honey Vanilla Glaze adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. Red, White & Blue Fruit Salsa is a festive and flavorful side dish.
Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and hydrating option. Strawberry Fields offers a simple and sweet option. Red, White, and Blueberry Fruit Salad is a patriotic and flavorful choice.
Other Unique Side Dishes
Grilled Fennel offers a unique and savory flavor. Nutty Brown Rice Salad is a healthy and flavorful option. Warm Sweet Potato Salad is a comforting and slightly sweet choice.
Shifting to some more unique Memorial Day side dish ideas, Pea and Cauliflower Salad is a light and refreshing side dish. Shaved Asparagus and White Bean Salad adds a touch of elegance. Cannellini Bean Caprese Salad is a flavorful and Mediterranean-inspired option.
Wild Rice Salad is a hearty and nutritious choice. Easy Caprese Salad is a simple and flavorful side dish. Cold Ramen Noodle Salad adds a unique Asian-inspired twist.
Classic Seven Layer Salad is a layered and visually appealing option. Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and crowd-pleasing side dish. Keto Cauliflower Casserole caters to low-carb diets.
Creamy Broccoli Salad and Broccoli Bacon Salad offer different variations of this popular salad. No-Roux Mac & Cheese provides a lighter alternative to classic mac and cheese. Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a savory and flavorful salad.
Grilled Shrimp Louie and Fab Summer Blackened Chicken Salad offer heartier salad options that can also serve as main courses for lighter eaters. Hungarian Peppers with rondelé® by Président® Garlic & Herbs Stuffing are a unique and flavorful stuffed pepper option. Potato Chip Mac N’ Cheese, an unusual and sure-to-be-talked-about creation, completes the list.
Healthier Options and Dietary Considerations
Many Memorial Day side dish ideas can be adapted to meet specific dietary needs. Look for recipes that are naturally low-carb or keto-friendly. Vegan options are also readily available.
Tips for lightening up classic side dishes include reducing mayonnaise in salads. Using fresh herbs and vinaigrettes can enhance flavor without adding excess calories. Increasing the vegetable content is another simple way to make side dishes healthier. Healthier fruit options, like berries and melons, offer natural sweetness and nutrients.
Tips for Preparing Memorial Day Side Dishes
Successful side dish preparation often involves planning ahead. Make-ahead strategies can save time and stress on Memorial Day. Knowing that you have a large catalog of side dishes ready to go, you can focus on getting all of the ingredients and enjoying the day!
For a streamlined approach to planning and preparing your Memorial Day feast, consider exploring services like Prep Dish. Prep Dish offers weekly meal plans designed by a chef and dietitian, helping you prepare meals for the entire week in just a few hours.
While primarily focused on complete meals, their recipe archives and bonus content may contain hidden gems – side dish recipes perfect for a Memorial Day gathering. If you are struggling with meal preparation, especially on a larger scale, check Prep Dish’s website for an efficient alternative! Don’t forget to take advantage of these Prep Dish coupons!
Proper storage is essential for maintaining freshness and preventing foodborne illness. Transporting tips can help ensure that your side dishes arrive in perfect condition. Always emphasize food safety, especially for mayonnaise-based salads. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to prevent bacterial growth.
Conclusion
The sheer variety of Memorial Day side dish ideas ensures a delicious and memorable cookout. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes and customize them to your liking.
Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature side dishes. From classic salads to unique creations, the possibilities are endless. Here’s to a happy, safe, and delicious Memorial Day celebration!
