27 Memorial Day Dishes That Deserved a Salute

Memorial Day calls for food that shows up strong and feeds a crowd without slowing things down. These 27 Memorial Day dishes earn their place at the table with bold flavor, quick prep, and grill power where it counts. Every recipe on this list is built to match the energy of the day—easy to make, hard to forget, and ready when the heat is on. If you’re cooking for the weekend, these dishes deserve a spot on your grill or your plate.

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled steak with peaches and onions on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions earns its place on the Memorial Day grill with bold char and fruit that caramelizes just enough. This dish brings sweet and savory to the same plate without adding extra steps. It’s a practical steak recipe that looks impressive without much effort. Memorial Day meals don’t need speeches—but this dish might deserve one.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken locks in flavor fast, making it a go-to dish when the grill’s in full swing on Memorial Day. The sauce sears quickly, helping the chicken crisp while staying juicy inside. This dish cooks fast, feeds many, and leaves no leftovers behind. When it comes to chicken, this one answers the call.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices.
Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado makes a strong Memorial Day showing without slowing down the schedule. It cooks fast and lands big on color and texture thanks to the toppings. This dish proves that bold doesn’t have to mean complicated. Some dishes just look like they tried harder—and this is one of them.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl keeps things moving with a dish that balances freshness and fire for Memorial Day. It’s a lighter pick that still brings the grill into every bite. Easy to portion and quick to serve, this is a dish that holds up next to heavier mains. It’s the bowl that works while everyone else is talking about the meat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce shows up ready to lead the Memorial Day spread with balance and style. The fruit sauce cools the heat while the steak holds the char. This is the kind of dish that turns heads without adding stress to the grill. When it hits the plate, everything else takes a step back.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of three lemon bars on a plate with more lemon bars in the background.
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust finish the Memorial Day meal with clean cuts and sharp flavor that doesn’t linger too long. The base stays sturdy while the lemon layer brings enough punch to earn its spot. They’re easy to stack, pack, and pass around without mess. These bars end the day the way it should—bright, clean, and done.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops bring speed, sear, and serious flavor to the Memorial Day grill. The glaze hits quick and sticks just long enough to matter. They’re easy to manage in bulk and still stand out next to the usual picks. This is pork that doesn’t ask for attention—it just gets it.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa brings heat and balance to the Memorial Day cookout without slowing the grill. The meat holds a good char, while the salsa gives it a chilled contrast. It’s an easy dish that shows what a few solid ingredients can do. When this hits the cutting board, everyone suddenly shows up.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burgers come together fast, making them a clear choice when Memorial Day crowds start lining up. The toppings bring crunch and cream, while the beef does the heavy lifting. This burger keeps the prep low and the satisfaction high. Every cookout has a burger worth remembering—this is that one.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf puts both land and sea on one Memorial Day plate without dragging out the prep. The pork stays juicy, the shrimp hits fast, and both pick up enough char to show they belong. It’s a solid pick when you want the grill doing the heavy lifting. If there’s a dish made to show off without slowing down, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Strawberry shortcake with brown sugar biscuits and whipped cream.
Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits. Photo credit: Ruthybelle Recipes.

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits makes Memorial Day dessert worth sticking around for. The biscuits hold their shape, the berries soak through just enough, and the cream ties it all together. It’s fast to layer and easy to serve straight from the tray. This is the kind of dessert that clears out before the grill even cools.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp lightens the load on Memorial Day with skewers that hit quick and don’t need babysitting. The seasoning packs enough punch to stand on its own, and the shrimp stay firm off the grill. It’s a clean, fast dish that keeps the table balanced. These are the kind of shrimp that vanish before you even set them down.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings stick, sear, and shine with a glaze that balances bite and sweetness for Memorial Day flavor that holds up. They cook fast, stay hot, and grab attention from the first flip. These wings make a strong case for finger food as the main event. They’re the ones you remember by the sauce on your sleeve.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs keep the Memorial Day grill efficient and flavorful without overcomplicating the meal. The meat holds shape and takes flame fast, perfect for a quick flip and serve. These kebabs bring big flavor in compact form. They show up straight from the grill looking like they’ve been ready all day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Sliced Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri on a white plate.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri answer the Memorial Day call with sear, sauce, and no delays. The meat cooks fast and the herb blend hits hard, making this dish feel like a centerpiece even without extras. It feeds a crowd and still feels fresh off the flame. This is what steak looks like when it’s done right and on time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Basil Peach Cobbler

Overhead of peach cobbler on baking sheet.
Basil Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Basil Peach Cobbler pulls double duty on Memorial Day—fruit forward and herb-checked with a crust that stands up to heat. It bakes up fast and can be scooped warm or cooled without falling apart. The basil keeps it from getting too sweet, making every spoonful matter. This is what dessert looks like when it leads, not follows.
Get the Recipe: Basil Peach Cobbler

Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley.
Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts hold their own at any Memorial Day spread, sealing in flavor while staying crisp around the edges. The bacon keeps the moisture in while adding crunch to every bite. This dish needs no extras—just a grill and a good turn. It’s one of those mains that disappears without fanfare.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter hit the Memorial Day table strong with bold flavor and an easy melt that finishes the job. The butter gets right into every crevice, and the steaks hold the heat without drying. These are quick to cook and even quicker to claim. This is the kind of steak people ask about halfway through chewing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham, pineapple and Jarlsberg cheese garnished with green onion.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken brings sweet and char together just right, making it a standout dish for Memorial Day grilling. The pineapple caramelizes on cue and gives the sauce that final push. This is a chicken recipe that keeps the prep short and the grill hot. It’s the one that makes your yard feel a little closer to the beach.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Beef Finger Meat takes a no-nonsense approach to Memorial Day grilling with cuts that sear quick and tear easy. No marinade, no fuss—just flame and timing. It’s fast to grill and easy to pile high on a plate. When beef shows up like this, nothing else needs dressing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

closeup shot of deviled eggs without mustard topped with snipped chives and paprika on a white plate.
Deviled Eggs Without Mustard. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard stay mellow and clean, giving Memorial Day trays a quiet kind of power. They’re easy to prep ahead and gone by the time the meat hits the flame. No sharp flavor here—just smooth, simple bites that keep the tray moving. These are the eggs that earn a spot every year without changing a thing.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs with herbs and lemon slices.
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs bring punchy citrus and fast cook times that make them perfect for the Memorial Day grill. They sear clean, hold their shape, and don’t need dressing up to shine. The herbs stick where they should and the meat finishes without drying. These skewers pull their weight with every turn.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers stack heat and sweetness in a way that lands strong on Memorial Day plates. They cook fast and finish glossy, giving the grill something to brag about. You don’t need sauce on the side—these handle the job solo. These are the skewers that make napkins non-negotiable.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers cook fast, hold heat, and bring enough char to feel like more than just seafood on a stick. They hit the Memorial Day menu with speed and flavor that lands fast. Easy to pass, easier to finish, they’re made for crowd feeding without the wait. These are the skewers that never make it to the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema

Side view of salmon skewers with more in background.
Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema throw heat and cool down in the same bite, earning their spot on the Memorial Day grill. The salmon stays firm and the crema smooths out the spice. They look great off the grill and land better on the plate. These are the kind of skewers that make people stop mid-sentence.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema

Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks

A grilled t-bone steak on a black platter.
Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks go big on flame and flavor, making them a centerpiece for Memorial Day without needing much more. They sear fast, hold juice, and taste like a restaurant dish served in the backyard. Just salt, heat, and timing make these stand out. These are the steaks that call the table to order.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa hit the grill hard and plate fast, making Memorial Day meals easier and more memorable. The salsa chills while the pork cooks, keeping the whole plate in balance. It’s easy to make extra without doubling the effort. This is what happens when summer fruit finds the right cut of meat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

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