Home Holidays Memorial Day
Emily Racette ParulskiUpdated: Feb. 18, 2024
Step up your game with these delicious Memorial Day BBQ recipes. We have mains, sides and desserts that will take your cookout to another level.
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Sweet Macaroni Salad
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don’t like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
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Start off your meal with these Memorial Day appetizers!
2/49
Cola Burgers
A friend who’s an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. —Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
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3/49
Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats
Not only do these watermelon Rice Krispies Treats look like your favorite summery fruit, they taste like ’em, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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4/49
My Favorite Avocado Salad
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
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5/49
Rhubarb Lemonade Slush
My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It’s nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people that aren’t crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon
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6/49
Sloppy Joe Dogs
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all. ‐Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
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7/49
Quick Taco Dip
This quick taco dip is a definite family favorite. In fact, this recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a table, and it never lasts long. —Rhonda Biancardi, Blaine, Minnesota
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8/49
Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies
Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They’re a treat that never lasts very long with me and my two brothers around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
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9/49
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you’re really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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10/49
Barbecue Macaroni Salad
My family loves a touch of tang, so I created this barbecue macaroni salad. Not too much—just a hint of both barbecue sauce and ranch dressing makes this everyday salad something special. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
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11/49
Lip-Smackin' BBQ Chicken
The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South Carolina
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12/49
Margarita Tres Leches Cake
The first time I ever had Tres Leches cake I felt like I was in Heaven. I have made it at home using several techniques and flavors and this Margarita twist on the classic is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
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13/49
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
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14/49
Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this dish. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington
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15/49
Confetti Snack Mix
I’ve made this party mix for many years and I usually double the recipe. It makes a wonderful gift, and everyone always wants the recipe. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida
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16/49
Summer Squash Salad
This is a colorful and tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is inexpensive to prepare and a great way to put this fresh produce to use. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
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17/49
Chocolate Scotcheroos
This scotcheroos recipe was give to me by one of my students at school. It has become one of my family’s favorites and are so easy to make.—Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania
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18/49
Peach-Chipotle Baby Back Ribs
My son and I collaborated in the kitchen one day to put our own unique twist on classic baby back ribs. We added a sweet peachy glaze and a little heat with chipotle peppers. It was a great bonding experience, and now we have a keeper recipe for fall-off-the-bone ribs. —Rebecca Suaso, Weaverville, North Carolina
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19/49
Summertime Tea
You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
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20/49
Strawberry-Lime Bars
Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
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21/49
Colorful Cornbread Salad
When my garden comes in, I harvest the veggies for potluck dishes. I live in the South, and we think bacon and cornbread make everything better, even salad! —Rebecca Clark, Warrior, Alabama
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22/49
Cherry Plum Slab Pie with Walnut Streusel
I love to make desserts with fruit all summer, and this cherry slab pie is wonderful because you can quickly make it for a crowd. The crumbly, nutty streusel is perfect with fruit. You can make your own pastry or use store-bought pie crust. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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23/49
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lt. William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
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24/49
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
For a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California
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25/49
Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert
When I’m planning Memorial Day menu, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
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26/49
Sweet-Tart Cucumber Salad
A dear friend showed me how to use up cucumbers in a tangy salad. The longer it chills, the deeper the flavor. Look for lemon or pickling cucumbers. —Dian Jorgensen, Santa Rosa, California
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27/49
Shrimp Pasta Salad
I adore shrimp, so discovering it in this pasta salad recipe was a real treat for me. The lemon-dill sauce is light and bright. It's one of our favorite cold pasta salad recipes! —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
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28/49
Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes
These frosty cupcakes are practically a fireworks display on their own. The little treats feature red velvet cake, blue moon ice cream, a creamy white topping and star-spangled sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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29/49
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Both my husband and I were raised on farms, and we prefer home cooking to eating out. That works out fine since I love trying new recipes! I've served this apple salsa as an appetizer and a snack. Plus, it's sweet enough to be a dessert. It's easy to transport besides. —Carolyn Brinkmeyer, Golden, Colorado
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30/49
Southwestern Star Dip
I enjoyed this sensational dip at a holiday party and begged for the recipe. No others are the ones begging me! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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31/49
Strawberry Jam Cake
When I need a cake for a special occasion, this strawberry jam cake is my go-to recipe. Every year I make it for a cake raffle we have at work for Relay for Life. It has raised a lot of money for a very good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
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32/49
Barbecued Burgers
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
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33/49
S'mores on a Stick
My kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
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34/49
Green Chile Ribs
I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado
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35/49
Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd
I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon “bowl” with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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36/49
Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken
Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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37/49
Mango and Jicama Salad
This pretty salad has become part of my regular summertime rotation because of its freshness and versatility—it's delightful with everything from grilled chicken to seafood! Try it with coconut-flavored vinegar for a fun tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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38/49
Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad
I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
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39/49
Fudgy S'mores Brownies
I combined the perfect summer snack with my favorite brownie recipe to get these s'mores brownies. They're sure to wow at your next big party. —Judy Cunningham, Max, North Dakota
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40/49
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
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41/49
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
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42/49
Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip
Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
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43/49
Pineapple Coleslaw
When I was a child, my mother often served this salad with multicolored marshmallows sprinkled on top, much to my delight. The marshmallows added a touch of sweetness that really complemented this salad's tangy flavor. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
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44/49
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Creamy Grilled Potato Salad
To avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just about everything—including this creamy grilled potato salad. My friends have dubbed this ‘The Best Potato Salad You’ll Ever Put in Your Mouth!—and I love that! —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia
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46/49
Triple Fruit Freeze
These pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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47/49
Summer Orzo Salad
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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48/49
Frozen Banana Split Pie
This dessert is special enough to make hamburgers and fries a meal to remember! It's so tall and pretty and just like eating a frozen banana split. Make it ahead to save time. —Joy Collins, Birmingham, Alabama
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49/49
Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
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Originally Published: April 16, 2018
Emily Racette Parulski
Emily has spent the last decade writing and editing food and lifestyle content. As a senior editor at Taste of Home, she leads the newsletter team sharing delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips to more than 2 million loyal email subscribers. Since joining TMB seven years ago as an associate editor, she has worked on special interest publications, launched TMB’s first cross-branded newsletter, supported the launch of the brand's affiliate strategy, orchestrated holiday countdowns, participated in taste tests and was selected for a task force to enhance the Taste of Home community. Emily was first mentioned by name in Taste of Home magazine in 1994, when her mother won a contest.When she’s not editing, Emily can be found in her kitchen baking something sweet, taking a wine class with her husband, or making lasagnas for neighbors through Lasagna Love.
