Easy Memorial Day Side Dishes: 50+ Recipes for a Stress-Free Cookout!
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. It’s a time for backyard barbecues, cookouts, and enjoying the warm weather with loved ones. Planning the perfect Memorial Day feast shouldn’t be stressful.
That’s where easy Memorial Day side dishes come in. Forget spending hours in the kitchen.
This guide provides a collection of flavorful and simple recipes. These will allow you to spend more time celebrating with family and friends. Get ready for an array of salads, grilled vegetables, and classic BBQ accompaniments.
Contents
What Makes a Side Dish “Easy”?
What exactly qualifies a side dish as “easy”? This isn’t about sacrificing flavor for convenience. It’s about smart cooking.
Quick preparation time is key. Think 20-30 minutes or less.
Minimal cooking is also important. Using convenient methods like grilling or slow cooking also adds convenience.
Easily accessible ingredients are essential. You should be able to find them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Finally, make-ahead options are a lifesaver.
Side Dish Categories
Let’s explore a variety of easy Memorial Day side dishes, perfect for any gathering. We’ll cover salads, vegetables, and classic BBQ favorites.
Red, White, and Blue Salads
Celebrate patriotism with colorful and refreshing salads. These incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients. They are also visually appealing.
Consider a showstopper red, white, and blue fruit salad. Alternatively, try a berry Caprese salad. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors are perfect for Memorial Day. Don’t forget the berries and feta salad. The red, white and blue sweet summer salad will also be a party hit. The American flag Caprese salad is visually appealing too.
Potato Salads
When planning easy Memorial Day side dishes, potato salad is a quintessential BBQ side, with endless variations to suit different tastes.
A red potato salad with bacon is always a crowd-pleaser. A tangy potato-green bean salad offers a mayo-free alternative. For an herbal twist, try herbed potato salad. Loaded baked potato salad will be a major hit. Or, consider a creamy potato salad with eggs and sour cream. Ranch potato salad will be a major crowd pleaser, and the grilled potato salad with onions, peppers and arugula is a must try.
Pasta Salads
Pasta salads are easy to make and highly customizable. They can be combined with different vegetables and dressings.
Elevate your Memorial Day cookout with easy Memorial Day side dishes that are both delicious and simple to prepare, such as a vibrant selection of pasta salads. A cilantro-lime pasta salad offers a zesty flavor.
For an Italian-inspired dish, try Italian pesto pasta salad. A BLT bow-tie pasta salad is a fun and flavorful option. There is always the easy Italian pasta salad. Sun-dried tomato pasta salad adds a burst of flavor. Try Buffalo chicken pasta salad for something different.
The best Caprese pasta salad is a guaranteed winner. Pasta salad for a crowd will be a major hit. Broccoli bacon ranch pasta salad is another great options. The Mexican street corn pasta salad is a new twist. A cilantro-lime orzo pasta salad brings a light taste. The Mediterranean tortellini pasta salad recipe will be a major delight. Easy tortellini salad is a light and fresh option too.
Corn-Based Side Dishes
For easy Memorial Day side dishes that capture the essence of summer, fresh corn is a perfect choice for any BBQ. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, grilled dishes, and casseroles.
A fresh corn salad with stone fruit and herbs is a delightful option. For a smoky flavor, try grilled corn with basil butter. A spicy grilled corn salad adds a kick of heat. Bean, corn, and tomato salad is a hearty and flavorful choice. Loaded creamed corn with tomato and bacon is an indulgent treat.
Classic grilled corn on the cob is always a hit. Golden tomato-and-corn salad brings in a fresh taste. Don’t forget Mexican street corn salad. Then there is the cheesy southwestern potato casserole.
Coleslaw Variations
Coleslaw is a classic BBQ side with endless possibilities. Explore different recipes, from creamy to tangy.
A copycat coleslaw is a great way to start. Try the best coleslaw for a guaranteed classic. Spice things up with spicy pineapple slaw. A healthy no-mayo coleslaw is a lighter option. Easy homemade coleslaw is quick and simple. Maggie’s everything slaw provides a unique twist.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers and Salads
Showcase seasonal vegetables with simple grilling or roasting techniques. These easy Memorial Day side dishes are healthy and delicious.
Grilled asparagus in dill butter is a simple yet elegant dish. Grilled marinated tomatoes add a burst of flavor. Try grilled zucchini flatbread with goat cheese and rosemary. Balsamic garlic grilled mushroom skewers are savory and satisfying. Grilled sweet potato and vegetable skewers are perfect for the grill. Roasted veggie kebabs is another option. Roasted carrots and asparagus brings in the taste.
Bean Salads and Baked Beans
When selecting easy Memorial Day side dishes that will truly satisfy, bean salads and baked beans are hearty and flavorful options. They provide a filling choice for your Memorial Day cookout.
Bean, corn, and tomato salad is a classic choice. Rum baked beans add a touch of sweetness and spice. Texas caviar is a zesty and refreshing option. Easy baked beans (in 1 pot!) is a convenient recipe. Texas-style baked beans are a hearty and flavorful choice. A healthy kidney bean salad is a lighter option. Sweet n’ spicy black bean salad adds a kick of flavor. Southern baked beans is a classic dish.
Fruit Salads
For a delicious and light addition to your Memorial Day cookout, choose easy Memorial Day side dishes like fruit salads. They’re refreshing and light, perfect for a hot day, and provide a sweet and healthy alternative to heavier options
Creamy grape salad is a delightful treat. Watermelon gazpacho is a unique and refreshing option. Cucumber-tomato-avocado salad is a light and flavorful choice. Pepper sauce watermelon wedges add a kick of spice. Easy watermelon salad is a simple and classic option. Watermelon salad with blueberries and feta combines sweet and savory flavors. Spring pea feta couscous salad is a must try as well.
Other Easy Memorial Day Side Dishes
The possibilities are endless. Let’s consider some unique and exciting options.
Ricotta and parmesan spread is an elegant appetizer. Grilled potato slices offer a simple yet satisfying side. Grilled okra with sriracha lime salt adds a spicy kick. Crispy potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. Uncle Jack’s mac-and-cheese is a classic comfort food. Old-school squash casserole is a hearty and flavorful choice. Scalloped corn casserole is another great option.
Rounding out your selection of easy Memorial Day side dishes, consider options like: Cucumber-and-Vidalia onion salad, a refreshing and simple side; Okra and rice casserole, a Southern classic; Pimiento cheese-stuffed peppers, adding a cheesy and flavorful twist; and Easy grilled shrimp, a quick and easy appetizer.
Loaded deviled eggs are always a hit. Simple cottage cheese salad is a light and healthy option. Cucumber salad with radish brings a refreshing taste. The vegetarian Olivier salad offers a unique dish. The cucumber salad with vinegar and dill delivers an amazing flavor.
There is also the cucumber tomato salad to try out. Another party pleaser is the loaded baked potato casserole. Spring vegetable casserole is the way to go as well. Roasted parmesan broccoli adds a fancy taste.
For a diverse spread of easy Memorial Day side dishes, consider these crowd-pleasers: Cheesy mashed potato broccoli casserole, bringing together the best of both worlds; Broccoli salad with bacon, which is sure to be popular; Mexican rice, a classic side; Then, there’s the traditional potato salad; Don’t forget potato and cucumber salad; and The Fritos chili cheese salad, always a party.
Finally, we must have old fashioned yeast rolls. Roasted garlic parmesan carrots are a simple option. Tomato ricotta pasta is a very popular option. Creamy garlic spinach orzo adds a delicious taste to the list. Couscous salad is an amazing dish as well. The easy quinoa salad is a wonderful choice. The alkaline raw vegan cauliflower tabouli is a must try.
Make it a Hot Dog Bar
Elevate your Memorial Day cookout with a DIY hot dog bar. Allow guests to customize their own creations.
Offer a variety of toppings, such as chili, cheese, onions, and relish. Don’t forget the mustard, ketchup, and other condiments.
Conclusion
Easy Memorial Day side dishes can make your celebration stress-free and enjoyable. Try these recipes and spend more time with loved ones. We’ve explored a range of options, from vibrant salads to grilled vegetables and classic BBQ favorites, all focused on simplicity and flavor.
And speaking of flavor, if you’re looking to add a unique and authentic touch to your Memorial Day spread, why not explore Tastesmiths? They specialize in incredible DIY curry kits, their fresh ingredients and freshly ground spices can easily be adapted to create exciting and flavorful vegetable-based side dishes. Imagine a creamy Korma Masala with seasonal vegetables, a rich Makhani with paneer, or a fragrant Persian Khoresh with legumes offering a delicious departure from the usual BBQ fare.
These kits offer a convenient way to incorporate fresh, high-quality ingredients and expertly blended spices into your cooking, all without artificial additives or preservatives, and helping to minimize food waste with their pre-portioned ingredients. For the best prices on these culinary adventures, be sure to check out the Tastesmiths website and use these Tastesmiths coupons.
Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. Honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. And enjoy a delicious, stress-free celebration with family and friends.
