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
Jennifer Davick
Nobody can resist a smoky barbecue burger topped with cool, creamy slaw.
Get the recipe: Barbecue Pork Burgers
Alison Ashton
Show your patriotic side with this beautiful pie.
Get the recipe: Star Spangled Berry Pie
Krista Marshall
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
Teresa Blackburn
A Creole grilled shrimp recipe your cookout needs.
Get the recipe: Al Roker's New Orleans-Style Shrimp
Alex Guarnaschelli
Bacon makes everything better!
Get the recipe: Alex Guarnaschelli's Fiery Bacon Deviled Eggs
Related: 20 Egg-Cellent Deviled Egg Recipes
Krista Marshall
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
Parade
No party is complete until the platter of deviled eggs comes out.
Get the recipe: Easy Deviled Eggs
Krista Marshall
Lemon extract is the secret to these super refreshing cukes.
Get the recipe: Lemon Marinated Cucumbers
Krista Marshall
There is a reason this retro salad as stayed around for so long!
Get the recipe: Doritos Taco Salad
Krista Marshall
Montreal steak seasoning makes the best-roasted potatoes of your life.
Get the recipe: Montreal Roasted Potatoes
Jon Ashton
A classic, creamy dessert bursting will banana flavor.
Get the recipe: Easy Banana Pudding
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
When your cookout gets rained out, you can still have a juicy burger.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Burgers
Krista Marshall
You know with color like that, these spuds will have some big flavor.
Get the recipe: Barbecue Roasted Potatoes
Krista Marshall
Take this to a cookout and everyone will ask for the recipe.
Get the recipe: Asian Romaine Toss
Krista Marshall
This macaroni salad has a secret ingredient that will keep guests guessing.
Get the recipe: Country Macaroni Salad
Krista Marshall
A can of cola is the star ingredient of this great BBQ sauce.
Get the recipe: Sweet Southern Barbecue Chicken
Krista Marshall
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
Krista Marshall
Grab some salty chips with ridges and dig in.
Get the recipe: Steak and Worcestershire Dip
Krista Marshall
This simple cake starts with a boxed mix and a can of mandarin oranges.
Get the recipe: Tropical Orange Cake
Krista Marshall
These are unlike any other baked beans you've ever had.
Get the recipe: Bacon Baked Beans
Krista Marshall
Use any fruit you want, but remember the honey lime dressing is key.
Get the recipe: Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Krista Marshall
The warm bacon dressing is key to this classic potato salad.
Get the recipe: German Potato Salad
Krista Marshall
A beloved restaurant classic now made at home.
Get the recipe: Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Krista Marshall
No need to head to Mickey's home, you can make this Disney favorite at home.
Get the recipe: Copycat Dole Whip
Krista Marshall
Don't let the name scare you, this retro fluff salad is making a comeback.
Get the recipe: Frog Eye Salad
Parade
Try this vegetarian option with an Italian flare.
Get the recipe: Margherita Pasta Salad
Krista Marshall
Give your guests a bowl of this five-minute salsa to snack on while supper grills.
Get the recipe: Restaurant Style Salsa
Julia's Simply Southern
Nothing says summer more than fresh tomatoes.
Get the recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Green Bean Salad
Related: 25 Best Tomato Recipes For Summer
Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
So fresh and perfect for summer time veggies.
Get the recipe: Chopped Cucumber Summer Salad
Krista Marshall
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
South Your Mouth
This classic dish is one that people always remember after the first bite.
Get the recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Everyday Mom's Meals
Two summer classics in one bowl!
Get the recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
Sweet corn with just a little kick from chili powder. This will be the recipe everyone asks for.
Get the recipe: Fiesta Corn Saute
Spend With Pennies
A zesty marinade leads to some of the best grilled shrimp you've ever tasted.
Get the recipe: Garlic Grilled Shrimp
The Country Cook
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
Krista Marshall
A fluff salad jammed packed with Oreo cookies.
Get the recipe: Cookies and Cream Fluff
Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
A quick and easy salad filled with Asian flavors.
Get the recipe: Spicy Thai Basil Slaw
South Your Mouth
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
The Country Cook
Only three ingredients in this incredibly refreshing beverage that is perfect for sipping by the pool.
Get the recipe: Agua de Melon
The Country Cook
Who knew ramen noodles could make such a delicious salad?
Get the recipe: Asian Ramen Salad
The Country Cook
The perfect sweet and salty bite for snacking.
Get the recipe: Glazed Kielbasa Bites
Plain Chicken
A staple at summer cookouts just got a major flavor upgrade.
Get the recipe: BBQ Macaroni Salad
The Black Peppercorn
Classic beer can chicken is done easily on the grill.
Get the recipe: Beer Can Chicken
Cooking Classy
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
The Country Cook
This cookout classic side dish has a secret ingredient!
Get the recipe: Best Ever Potato Salad
Cooking Classy
Crunchy veggies, a creamy dressing and so refreshing on a hot day.
Get the recipe: Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
The Country Cook
Nothing says kickoff to summer than a slab of ribs hot off the grill.
Get the recipe: Best Pork Ribs
Plain Chicken
If you're serving burgers, kick them up a notch.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Plain Chicken
With fresh corn and tomatoes, this salad looks like summer in a bowl.
Get the recipe: Corn Salad
The Country Cook
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
South Your Mouth
Chili cheese corn chips are the key to this addictive salad.
Get the recipe: Frito Corn Salad
Southern Bite
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
South Your Mouth
The perfect no-mayo salad for an outdoor party.
Get the recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad
Related: 35 Best Cucumber Recipes For Summer
South Your Mouth
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
The Black Peppercorn
These baked potatoes are all dressed up for a party.
Get the recipe: Grilled Cheddar Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes
Spend With Pennies
Grilling for a crowd? Save some money by using less expensive chicken thighs.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs
The Country Cook
Add a little Mexican flavor to your Memorial Day cookout.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chili Lime Corn
Plain Chicken
The grill can take care of dessert too!
Get the recipe: Grilled Fruit Pizza
The Black Peppercorn
Grilling avocados gives them a whole new depth of flavor.
Get the recipe: Grilled Guacamole
The Country Cook
Pineapple, soy and barbecue sauce come together for one delicious piece of chicken.
Get the recipe: Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
The Black Peppercorn
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
Plain Chicken
Hands down, the best hot dogs you will ever bite into.
Get the recipe: Grilled Marinated Hot Dogs
The Black Peppercorn
Perfect on their own, or paired with steak for surf 'n' turf.
Get the recipe: Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
Plain Chicken
A grilled potato salad with a Greek flare.
Get the recipe: Grilled Potato Salad
Spend With Pennies
Just what you want next to that grilled steak or pork chop.
Get the recipe: Grilled Red Potatoes
The Country Cook
A southern version of a cookout classic.
Get the recipe: Virginia Baked Beans
The Country Cook
Is there anything more all-American?
Get the recipe: Homemade Hot Dog Chili
Southern Bite
Grilling corn is so easy and gives it an amazing flavor.
Get the recipe: Grilled Corn
The Country Cook
A big pitcher of this is all you need on a hot day.
Get the recipe: Homemade Southern Sweet Tea
Plain Chicken
No boring chicken here with this tropical twist.
Get the recipe: Key Lime Grilled Chicken
The Country Cook
You know you love the sandwich, so this dip is going to knock your socks off.
Get the recipe: BLT Dip
Plain Chicken
No boring burgers coming off the grill this year.
Get the recipe: Pepper Jack Whiskey Burgers
Cooking Classy
Every great summer cookout needs a tasty kabab.
Get the recipe: Steak Kababs
Plain Chicken
A kicked-up version of your favorite cheese dip.
Get the recipe: Smoked Queso Dip
Spend With Pennies
A classic dip nobody can ever get enough of.
Get the recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip
The Country Cook
Move over root beer, there is a new favorite float in town!
Get the recipe: Strawberry Cream Floats
Cooking Classy
This retro salad is a great dish to make on a budget.
Get the recipe: Three Bean Salad
Southern Bite
A no-bake dessert with only five ingredients.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Pie
Served Up With Love
What can make a great steak better? Tequila!
Get the recipe: Tequila Lima Steak
The Country Cook
How long has it been since you had this classic? Time for that to change!
Get the recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Cooking Classy
A vibrant and flavorful salad made with a variety of cherry and grape tomatoes.
Get the recipe: Tomato Salad
The Country Cook
A healthy and filling salad that is also low-carb.
Get the recipe: Vinegar Cucumber Salad
Spend With Pennies
Your guests will love munching on this while they wait for the burgers to come off the grill.
Get the recipe: Classic Cheese Ball
Plain Chicken
Red potatoes roasted in olive oil and tossed with bacon, ranch and green onions.
Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Spend With Pennies
You will need some extra wet wipes after this recipe.
Get the recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken
Plain Chicken
A flavorful coleslaw with no mayo!
Get the recipe: BBQ Coleslaw
Spend With Pennies
If you're not grilling fruit, you're really missing out on something delish.
Get the recipe: Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches
Spend With Pennies
A great mac salad is a classic side dish for summer for a good reason.
Get the recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad
The Black Peppercorn
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
Spend With Pennies
If you love a good "eggy" potato salad, this will be a new favorite.
Get the recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad
The Country Cook
Calling all chocolate fans!
Get the recipe: Oreo Dump Cake
Spend With Pennies
This sweet dish makes a great side dish or dessert.
Get the recipe: Grilled Pineapple
Plain Chicken
A crazy delicious creamy corn salad with a kick.
Get the recipe: Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
Plain Chicken
A marinade with a little bit of everything gives these steaks a big flavor.
Get the recipe: Marinated Ribeyes
Southern Bite
A classic salad gets a new twist.
Get the recipe: Pasta Caesar Salad
Plain Chicken
Summer fruits tossed in a vanilla pudding dressing.
Get the recipe: Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad
Plain Chicken
What makes Kansas City BBQ unique? Dry rub!
Get the recipe: Kansas City BBQ Chicken
Plain Chicken
Make ahead of time and keep frozen until ready to serve.
Get the recipe: Frozen Fruit Salad
Plain Chicken
Grilled corn with peppers and feta cheese tossed with a honey lime dressing.
Get the recipe: Grilled Corn Salad
Related: 100 Best Corn Recipes
Up next: 60 Easy Summer Salad Recipes
