100 Memorial Day BBQ Ideas That Will Impress All Guests

I can smell the grills firing up all over America! The kickoff to summer is almost here. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country and gather with family and friends to celebrate with some fun in the sun and, of course, some great food too.

This means we need some delicious inspiration to make sure the food is on point. From the appetizers to the dessert, every single bite needs to be worth the wait. Memorial Day is just the beginning of the summer entertaining season, so I have rounded up the 100 best Memorial Day BBQ ideas that will make this year’s holiday weekend menu a huge success.

Related: 65 Cold Appetizers For Backyard Barbecues

Best Memorial Day BBQ Ideas

This collection is bursting at the seams with everything you think of when it comes to a great Memorial Day backyard barbecue. The grill master in your house will earn kudos with the Tequila Lime Steak, Barbecue Burgers, Best Pork Ribs, Steak Kababs, Garlic Shrimp and Marinated Ribeyes. If you’re looking for some finger-licking good chicken, grab the ingredients for Tangy Grilled Chicken, Sweet Southern Barbecue Chicken or Key Lime Chicken!

No summer cookout is complete without some amazing side dishes, so check out the BBQ Macaroni Salad, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Grilled Chili Lime Corn, Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Italian Pasta Salad and Virginia Baked Beans.

Related: 65 Pasta Salads For Summer

Memorial Day Desserts

We can’t skimp on the sweets either, so I found some tasty treats like Oreo Dump Cake and Banana Pudding, plus Star Bangled Berry Pie and Patriotic Parfaits.

Related: 50 Best Grilled Shrimp Recipes For Summer

I am so ready for this Memorial Day to get outside and welcome summer with open arms. I am definitely adding a bunch of these recipes to my menu, and hope you do too!

Easy Memorial Day Recipes

Barbecue Pork Burgers

Nobody can resist a smoky barbecue burger topped with cool, creamy slaw.

Get the recipe: Barbecue Pork Burgers

Star Spangled Berry Pie

Show your patriotic side with this beautiful pie.

Get the recipe: Star Spangled Berry Pie

Red Potato Salad

Red potatoes, boiled eggs and crunchy celery mixed with a sweet and tangy dressing for the perfect bite.

Get the recipe: Red Potato Salad

Related: 70 Best Red Potato Recipes

Al Roker’s New Orleans-Style Shrimp

A Creole grilled shrimp recipe your cookout needs.

Get the recipe: Al Roker’s New Orleans-Style Shrimp

Alex Guarnaschelli’s Fiery Bacon Deviled Eggs

Bacon makes everything better!

Get the recipe: Alex Guarnaschelli’s Fiery Bacon Deviled Eggs

Related: 20 Egg-Cellent Deviled Egg Recipes

Port-a-Pit Style Chicken

This tangy grilled chicken is as close to port-a-pit as you can make at home.

Get the recipe: Port-a-Pit Style Chicken

Easy Deviled Eggs

No party is complete until the platter of deviled eggs comes out.

Get the recipe: Easy Deviled Eggs

Lemon Marinated Cucumbers

Lemon extract is the secret to these super refreshing cukes.

Get the recipe: Lemon Marinated Cucumbers

Doritos Taco Salad

There is a reason this retro salad as stayed around for so long!

Get the recipe: Doritos Taco Salad

Montreal Roasted Potatoes

Montreal steak seasoning makes the best-roasted potatoes of your life.

Get the recipe: Montreal Roasted Potatoes

Easy Banana Pudding

A classic, creamy dessert bursting will banana flavor.

Get the recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Air Fryer Burgers

When your cookout gets rained out, you can still have a juicy burger.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Burgers

Barbecue Roasted Potatoes

You know with color like that, these spuds will have some big flavor.

Get the recipe: Barbecue Roasted Potatoes

Asian Romaine Toss

Take this to a cookout and everyone will ask for the recipe.

Get the recipe: Asian Romaine Toss

Country Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad has a secret ingredient that will keep guests guessing.

Get the recipe: Country Macaroni Salad

Sweet Southern Barbecue Chicken

A can of cola is the star ingredient of this great BBQ sauce.

Get the recipe: Sweet Southern Barbecue Chicken

Cherry Limeade Fluff

All the color and flavor from the drink that you can eat with a spoon.

Get the recipe: Cherry Limeade Fluff

Related: 45 Best Cherry Dessert Recipes

Steak and Worcestershire Dip

Grab some salty chips with ridges and dig in.

Get the recipe: Steak and Worcestershire Dip

Tropical Orange Cake

This simple cake starts with a boxed mix and a can of mandarin oranges.

Get the recipe: Tropical Orange Cake

Bacon Baked Beans

These are unlike any other baked beans you’ve ever had.

Get the recipe: Bacon Baked Beans

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

Use any fruit you want, but remember the honey lime dressing is key.

Get the recipe: Honey Lime Fruit Salad

German Potato Salad

The warm bacon dressing is key to this classic potato salad.

Get the recipe: German Potato Salad

Copycat KFC Coleslaw

A beloved restaurant classic now made at home.

Get the recipe: Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Copycat Dole Whip

No need to head to Mickey’s home, you can make this Disney favorite at home.

Get the recipe: Copycat Dole Whip

Frog Eye Salad

Don’t let the name scare you, this retro fluff salad is making a comeback.

Get the recipe: Frog Eye Salad

Margherita Pasta Salad

Try this vegetarian option with an Italian flare.

Get the recipe: Margherita Pasta Salad

Restaurant Style Salsa

Give your guests a bowl of this five-minute salsa to snack on while supper grills.

Get the recipe: Restaurant Style Salsa

Heirloom Tomato and Green Bean Salad

Nothing says summer more than fresh tomatoes.

Get the recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Green Bean Salad

Related: 25 Best Tomato Recipes For Summer

Chopped Cucumber Summer Salad

So fresh and perfect for summertime veggies.

Get the recipe: Chopped Cucumber Summer Salad

Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad

If you are a fan of the classic dip, wait until you taste the flavors in pasta salad.

Get the recipe: Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This classic dish is one that people always remember after the first bite.

Get the recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Two summer classics in one bowl!

Get the recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Fiesta Corn Saute

Sweet corn with just a little kick from chili powder. This will be the recipe everyone asks for.

Get the recipe: Fiesta Corn Saute

Garlic Grilled Shrimp

A zesty marinade leads to some of the best grilled shrimp you’ve ever tasted.

Get the recipe: Garlic Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Green Beans & Red Potatoes

If you’re firing up the grill for the main course, might as well take care of a tasty side dish too.

Get the recipe: Grilled Green Beans and Red Potatoes

Cookies and Cream Fluff

A fluff salad jammed packed with Oreo cookies.

Get the recipe: Cookies and Cream Fluff

Spicy Thai Basil Slaw

A quick and easy salad filled with Asian flavors.

Get the recipe: Spicy Thai Basil Slaw

Buttermilk Potato Salad

No need to peel the potatoes for this salad filled with flavor from a buttermilk dressing and fresh herbs.

Get the recipe: Buttermilk Potato Salad

Agua de Melon

Only three ingredients in this incredibly refreshing beverage that is perfect for sipping by the pool.

Get the recipe: Agua de Melon

Asian Ramen Salad

Who knew ramen noodles could make such a delicious salad?

Get the recipe: Asian Ramen Salad

Glazed Kielbasa Bites

The perfect sweet and salty bite for snacking.

Get the recipe: Glazed Kielbasa Bites

BBQ Macaroni Salad

A staple at summer cookouts just got a major flavor upgrade.

Get the recipe: BBQ Macaroni Salad

Beer Can Chicken

Classic beer can chicken is done easily on the grill.

Get the recipe: Beer Can Chicken

Related: 70 Downright Delicious Grilled Chicken Recipes

Berry Fruit Salad

Fruit trays at the store can be so pricey! And they don’t come with this honey balsamic dressing!

Get the recipe: Berry Fruit Salad

Best Ever Potato Salad

This cookout classic side dish has a secret ingredient!

Get the recipe: Best Ever Potato Salad

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Crunchy veggies, a creamy dressing and so refreshing on a hot day.

Get the recipe: Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Best Pork Ribs

Nothing says kickoff to summer than a slab of ribs hot off the grill.

Get the recipe: Best Pork Ribs

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

If you’re serving burgers, kick them up a notch.

Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Burgers

Corn Salad

With fresh corn and tomatoes, this salad looks like summer in a bowl.

Get the recipe: Corn Salad

Florida Beach Bread

If you can’t be on a Florida beach for Memorial Day, you can still eat like you are.

Get the recipe: Florida Beach Bread

Frito Corn Salad

Chili cheese corn chips are the key to this addictive salad.

Get the recipe: Frito Corn Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Everything you love on a loaded baked potato but in a bowl.

Get the recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Related: 30 Easy Baked Potato Recipes

Cucumber Tomato Salad

The perfect no-mayo salad for an outdoor party.

Get the recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Related: 35 Best Cucumber Recipes For Summer

Grape Salad

If you’ve never had this sweet, creamy salad, the brown sugar pecan topping is the star of every bite.

Get the recipe: Grape Salad

Grilled Cheddar Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes

These baked potatoes are all dressed up for a party.

Get the recipe: Grilled Cheddar Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilling for a crowd? Save some money by using less expensive chicken thighs.

Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled Chili Lime Corn

Add a little Mexican flavor to your Memorial Day cookout.

Get the recipe: Grilled Chili Lime Corn

Grilled Fruit Pizza

The grill can take care of dessert too!

Get the recipe: Grilled Fruit Pizza

Grilled Guacamole

Grilling avocados gives them a whole new depth of flavor.

Get the recipe: Grilled Guacamole

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Pineapple, soy and barbecue sauce come together for one delicious piece of chicken.

Get the recipe: Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Grilled Italian Sausages

Hamburgers and hot dogs always get all the love, but grilled sausages are delicious in a bun too!

Get the recipe: Grilled Italian Sausages

Related: 65 Best Grilled Pork Recipes

Grilled Marinated Hot Dogs

Hands down, the best hot dogs you will ever bite into.

Get the recipe: Grilled Marinated Hot Dogs

Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Perfect on their own, or paired with steak for surf ‘n’ turf.

Get the recipe: Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Potato Salad

A grilled potato salad with a Greek flare.

Get the recipe: Grilled Potato Salad

Grilled Red Potatoes

Just what you want next to that grilled steak or pork chop.

Get the recipe: Grilled Red Potatoes

Virginia Baked Beans

A southern version of a cookout classic.

Get the recipe: Virginia Baked Beans

Homemade Hot Dog Chili

Is there anything more all-American?

Get the recipe: Homemade Hot Dog Chili

Homemade Limeade

So refreshing on a hot sunny day.

Get the recipe: Homemade Limeade

Grilled Corn

Grilling corn is so easy and gives it an amazing flavor.

Get the recipe: Grilled Corn

Homemade Southern Sweet Tea

A big pitcher of this is all you need on a hot day.

Get the recipe: Homemade Southern Sweet Tea

Key Lime Grilled Chicken

No boring chicken here with this tropical twist.

Get the recipe: Key Lime Grilled Chicken

BLT Dip

You know you love the sandwich, so this dip is going to knock your socks off.

Get the recipe: BLT Dip

Pepper Jack Whiskey Burgers

No boring burgers coming off the grill this year.

Get the recipe: Pepper Jack Whiskey Burgers

Steak Kababs

Every great summer cookout needs a tasty kabab.

Get the recipe: Steak Kababs

Smoked Queso Dip

A kicked-up version of your favorite cheese dip.

Get the recipe: Smoked Queso Dip

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A classic dip nobody can ever get enough of.

Get the recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Strawberry Cream Floats

Move over root beer, there is a new favorite float in town!

Get the recipe: Strawberry Cream Floats

Three Bean Salad

This retro salad is a great dish to make on a budget.

Get the recipe: Three Bean Salad

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

A no-bake dessert with only five ingredients.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Tequila Lime Steak

What can make a great steak better? Tequila!

Get the recipe: Tequila Lime Steak

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

How long has it been since you had this classic? Time for that to change!

Get the recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Related: 50 Best Recipes For Strawberry Season

Tomato Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad made with a variety of cherry and grape tomatoes.

Get the recipe: Tomato Salad

Vinegar Cucumber Salad

A healthy and filling salad that is also low-carb.

Get the recipe: Vinegar Cucumber Salad

Classic Cheese Ball

Your guests will love munching on this while they wait for the burgers to come off the grill.

Get the recipe: Classic Cheese Ball

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Red potatoes roasted in olive oil and tossed with bacon, ranch and green onions.

Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Grilled BBQ Chicken

You will need some extra wet wipes after this recipe.

Get the recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken

BBQ Coleslaw

A flavorful coleslaw with no mayo!

Get the recipe: BBQ Coleslaw

Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches

If you’re not grilling fruit, you’re really missing out on something delish.

Get the recipe: Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches

Classic Macaroni Salad

A great mac salad is a classic side dish for summer for a good reason.

Get the recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad

Grilled Flank Steak

This super juicy steak is so tender when cut the right way.

Get the recipe: Grilled Flank Steak

Related: 55 Recipes For Steak Night At Home

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

If you love a good “eggy” potato salad, this will be a new favorite.

Get the recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Oreo Dump Cake

Calling all chocolate fans!

Get the recipe: Oreo Dump Cake

Grilled Pineapple

This sweet dish makes a great side dish or dessert.

Get the recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad

A crazy delicious creamy corn salad with a kick.

Get the recipe: Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad

Marinated Ribeyes

A marinade with a little bit of everything gives these steaks a big flavor.

Get the recipe: Marinated Ribeyes

Pasta Caesar Salad

A classic salad gets a new twist.

Get the recipe: Pasta Caesar Salad

Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad

Summer fruits tossed in a vanilla pudding dressing.

Get the recipe: Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad

Kansas City BBQ Chicken

What makes Kansas City BBQ unique? Dry rub!

Get the recipe: Kansas City BBQ Chicken

Frozen Fruit Salad

Make ahead of time and keep frozen until ready to serve.

Get the recipe: Frozen Fruit Salad

Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn with peppers and feta cheese tossed with a honey lime dressing.

Get the recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

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