Memorial Day is a time for reflection and celebration, honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. In the spirit of this holiday, side dishes play a crucial role in bringing people together around the table. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a quiet family gathering, the right side dishes can complement the main fare and add to the festive atmosphere.
Choosing the perfect Memorial Day side dishes involves a blend of traditional flavors and summer-inspired freshness. From creamy potato salads to vibrant grilled vegetables, these dishes are not only a treat for the palate but also embody the spirit of American culinary diversity. Ideal for sharing and easy to prepare, these sides ensure that every guest finds something to enjoy.
1. Smoky Bacon Baked Beans
Image and recipe by delish
Get ready to wow your guests with these Smoky Bacon Baked Beans, a Memorial Day must-have! This recipe combines crispy applewood smoked bacon with a medley of spices, tangy Dijon mustard, and rich molasses for an unforgettable flavor. Baked to perfection and brimming with tender navy beans, it’s a savory side dish that’s sure to steal the show at your holiday cookout.
2. Roasted Tomato and Olive Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Image and recipe by thepioneerwoman
Looking for a crowd-pleaser this Memorial Day? Try this vibrant pasta salad! Juicy roasted tomatoes, briny olives, and capers mingle with smoky mozzarella and crunchy chickpeas for a medley of flavors and textures. Tossed in a flavorful dressing made with roasted red peppers and almonds, it’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish that’s sure to be a hit!
3. Crisp Corn and Summer Fruit Pita Salad
Image and recipe by bhg
This vibrant side dish is perfect for your Memorial Day spread! Toasted pita pieces add a satisfying crunch to a mix of fresh corn, juicy nectarines, and sweet onions. Tossed with a zesty cider vinegar and olive oil dressing, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh mint and parsley, it’s a refreshing and flavorful addition to any picnic table. Enjoy the taste of summer with every bite!
4. Zesty Garlic Scape Panzanella
Image and recipe by food52
Transform your Memorial Day spread with this vibrant Garlic Scape Panzanella. This delightful side dish combines the smoky goodness of grilled bell peppers and bread with the fresh crunch of carrots, cucumbers, and heirloom tomatoes. Tossed in a zesty garlic scape pesto, it’s a refreshing, flavorful medley perfect for your holiday gathering. Enjoy a burst of summer in every bite!
5. Zesty Corn and Black Bean Salad
Image and recipe by onceuponachef
Brighten up your Memorial Day spread with this zesty Corn and Black Bean Salad! Fresh corn, crunchy red bell pepper, and creamy avocado are tossed with a tangy chipotle-lime dressing that packs a flavorful punch. Perfectly chilled and bursting with vibrant colors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. Serve it up cold and watch it disappear!
6. Crispy Bacon and Broccoli Delight
Image and recipe by washingtonpost
This vibrant Memorial Day side dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Crisp bacon, fresh broccoli, tangy white cheddar, and crunchy walnuts come together in a creamy dressing with a hint of honey and apple cider vinegar. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious addition to your festive spread!
7. Strawberry Basil Arugula Salad
Image and recipe by purewow
Sweet and tangy strawberries meet peppery arugula and fragrant basil in this refreshing Memorial Day side dish. Tossed with a hint of honey and rice vinegar, and topped with a drizzle of olive oil, this salad is a burst of flavor in every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and flaky salt, it’s the perfect complement to your holiday spread. Celebrate the season with this vibrant, easy-to-make salad!
“Did you know that using seasonal produce for your Memorial Day side dishes not only supports local farmers but also ensures the freshest flavors? Ingredients like asparagus, strawberries, and peas are in peak season, making them perfect for your holiday table.”
8. Grilled Flank Steak and Strawberry Spring Mix Salad
Image and recipe by today
Elevate your Memorial Day side dish game with this Grilled Flank Steak and Strawberry Spring Mix Salad. Marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce, the juicy steak pairs perfectly with fresh spring mix, sweet strawberries, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans. This vibrant and hearty salad is sure to impress and delight your guests!
9. Grilled Elote – Mexican Street Corn
Image and recipe by delish
Fire up your grill or air fryer for this irresistible Mexican Street Corn! Charred to perfection and slathered in a creamy, tangy mayo-crema blend, each bite bursts with flavors of cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm with lime wedges for that perfect zesty finish. This vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish is a must-have for your Memorial Day feast!
10. Grilled Veggie Skewers with Zesty Balsamic Glaze
Image and recipe by thepioneerwoman
Looking for a vibrant, healthy side dish to impress at your Memorial Day gathering? These grilled veggie skewers are packed with colorful cremini mushrooms, juicy tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers, all marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and lemon juice. Perfectly charred on the grill, they’re finished with a fresh parsley-infused sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
“Did you know that adding fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro to your Memorial Day sides can instantly elevate their flavor? Herbs bring a burst of freshness and complexity, making dishes like pasta salad or watermelon feta salad even more refreshing.”
11. Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Tangy Dressing
Image and recipe by goodhousekeeping
Loving these smoky, charred cabbage wedges drizzled with a zesty lemon-mayo dressing. The hint of caraway and celery seeds adds an unexpected twist, while parsley, scallions, and crispy bacon bring a delightful crunch. It’s a fresh, flavorful side that’s perfect for your Memorial Day spread!
12. Herb-Infused Ricotta Spread with Toasted Baguette
Image and recipe by bhg
Elevate your Memorial Day with this herb-infused ricotta spread! Creamy ricotta whipped with Parmesan and fresh herbs creates a delectable dip, perfect for toasted baguette slices or crisp vegetable dippers. It’s an effortless, elegant addition that will delight your guests and leave them craving more.
13. Nectarine Berry Bliss
Image and recipe by tasteofhome
This Nectarine Berry Bliss is a refreshing and vibrant side dish perfect for your Memorial Day spread. Juicy nectarines are tossed with sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of ginger, then chilled to perfection. Paired with fresh raspberries and blueberries, and served with a luscious cream cheese mixture, this colorful and delightful dish is sure to be a hit with your guests!
14. Refreshing Watermelon and Prosciutto Salad with Spicy Lime Yogurt
Image and recipe by food52
Elevate your Memorial Day spread with this vibrant Watermelon and Prosciutto Salad. Juicy watermelon, cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers are tossed with a zesty lime and olive oil dressing. Served atop a bed of salted-lime yogurt and sprinkled with fresh basil or mint, black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of spicy chile crisp, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite!
15. Golden Cornbread Muffins
Image and recipe by onceuponachef
Kick off your Memorial Day feast with these irresistible Golden Cornbread Muffins. Lightly sweetened with honey and sugar, these muffins boast a perfect blend of crisp edges and tender, moist centers. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re the perfect side dish to complement your holiday spread. Enjoy them warm and fresh out of the oven, or save some for later with handy freezer-friendly instructions!
16. Creamy Herb Potato Salad
Image and recipe by purewow
Kick your Memorial Day spread up a notch with this creamy herb potato salad! Featuring tender baby Yukon gold potatoes tossed in a tangy dressing made with mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk, this dish is a flavor bomb. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives, and cilantro add a burst of brightness, while crunchy celery brings the perfect texture. It’s the ideal side to complement all your holiday favorites!
“Did you know that potato salad, a staple Memorial Day side dish, has its roots in European cuisine and was brought to America by European immigrants? Over time, it has evolved into the creamy, mayonnaise-based version we love today.”
17. Tropical Jalapeño Coleslaw
Image and recipe by today
Brighten up your Memorial Day spread with this Tropical Jalapeño Coleslaw! Packed with vibrant purple cabbage, sweet pineapple, and a zesty kick from jalapeños, this dish is a burst of color and flavor. The creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together, while a touch of sugar and apple cider vinegar balances the taste perfectly. Just mix all the ingredients, let it sit for an hour, and enjoy a refreshing side that’s sure to be a hit at your gathering!
“Did you know that coleslaw can be made healthier and more vibrant by using a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise? This lighter version is perfect for hot summer days and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.”
18. Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons
Image and recipe by delish
Elevate your Memorial Day sides with this irresistible Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad. Charred sourdough croutons and perfectly grilled romaine hearts are drizzled with a tangy, homemade dressing featuring Parmesan, lemon juice, and a hint of Dijon mustard. This smoky twist on a classic Caesar salad is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering!
19. Zesty Bulgur Tabbouleh
Image and recipe by thepioneerwoman
Add a fresh twist to your Memorial Day spread with this vibrant Bulgur Tabbouleh! Packed with finely chopped parsley, mint, and veggies, it’s tossed in a zesty lemon and cumin dressing. Perfectly refreshing, it’s a side dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, and it’s sure to impress your guests!
20. Zesty Old Bay Cheddar Biscuits
Image and recipe by goodhousekeeping
These Zesty Old Bay Cheddar Biscuits are a perfect Memorial Day side dish! Combining the savory flavors of Old Bay seasoning and extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, these biscuits are delightfully buttery and flaky. They come together quickly and bake to golden perfection in just under 20 minutes. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
21. Grilled Potato Medley with Crème Fraîche Delight
Image and recipe by bhg
Fire up the grill this Memorial Day with a delectable medley of russet, red-skin, and sweet potatoes. These tender, golden-brown slices are perfectly seasoned and topped with tangy dried tomatoes and capers. Serve them with a dollop of homemade crème fraîche, sprinkled with fresh chives, for a side dish that’s as elegant as it is delicious. This vibrant potato platter is sure to impress your guests and add a gourmet touch to your holiday feast.
22. Herb-Feta Dip Delight
Image and recipe by tasteofhome
Elevate your Memorial Day spread with this vibrant Herb-Feta Dip! Fresh parsley and mint blend seamlessly with creamy feta, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of garlic, creating a refreshing dip that pairs perfectly with an assortment of fresh veggies. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish is sure to be a hit at your celebration!
23. Grilled Romaine with Pickled Hot Dog Vinaigrette
Image and recipe by food52
Dive into this unique Memorial Day side dish! Grilled romaine hearts get a smoky char, perfectly paired with diced hot dogs and a tangy pickle-mustard vinaigrette. It’s a creative twist on classic BBQ flavors, bringing a savory crunch to your holiday spread.
24. Beer-Boiled Shrimp with Zesty Cocktail Sauce
Image and recipe by onceuponachef
Elevate your Memorial Day feast with this easy yet impressive Beer-Boiled Shrimp. Infused with Old Bay seasoning and cooked to perfection in a savory blend of beer and butter, these shrimp are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them hot or cold with a tangy homemade cocktail sauce that perfectly complements their rich flavor. A surefire hit for your holiday gathering!
25. Zesty Sweet Potato & Avocado Fiesta Salad
Image and recipe by thewashingtonpost
Celebrate Memorial Day with this vibrant Sweet Potato & Avocado Fiesta Salad! Roasted sweet potatoes and garlic mix with fresh avocado, zesty lime, and a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and red bell peppers. Topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro, this side dish is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser perfect for any outdoor gathering.
FAQS
1. What are some classic side dishes for Memorial Day?
Classic side dishes for Memorial Day include potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and grilled vegetables. These dishes are popular for their ease of preparation and ability to complement a variety of main courses like burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ ribs.
2. How can I make my side dishes more festive for Memorial Day?
You can make your side dishes more festive by incorporating red, white, and blue elements. For example, use red bell peppers, blueberries, and white cheeses in salads. Adding patriotic-themed garnishes or using festive serving dishes can also enhance the holiday spirit.
3. Are there any healthy side dish options for Memorial Day?
Yes, there are many healthy side dish options for Memorial Day, such as quinoa salad, grilled vegetable skewers, fresh fruit salad, cucumber and tomato salad, and roasted sweet potatoes. These dishes are packed with nutrients and can provide a lighter alternative to heavier, traditional sides.
4. What side dishes can be prepared in advance for a Memorial Day picnic?
Many side dishes can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for a Memorial Day picnic. These include pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw, and marinated vegetable salads. Preparing these dishes ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and reduces last-minute stress.
5. What are some unique side dishes to try for Memorial Day?
For a unique twist on traditional side dishes, try making elote (Mexican street corn), watermelon feta salad, avocado and black bean salad, caprese skewers, or zucchini fritters. These dishes offer fresh flavors and can surprise and delight your guests.
6. How do I keep my side dishes fresh and safe for outdoor events?
To keep side dishes fresh and safe for outdoor events, use coolers with ice packs to store perishable items. Serve dishes in smaller portions and replenish as needed to keep them cool. Also, consider using insulated serving bowls or placing dishes in a shaded area to maintain freshness.
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