27 Memorial Day Favorites That Keep People Coming Back

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If you’ve ever wondered what to make when you want things to feel special but not over the top, these 27 Memorial Day picks make it easy. They’re packed with great options to choose from and are made for days when you’re hanging out or celebrating with friends, not just for once-a-year events. Finding a go-to recipe should never feel complicated, and with this collection, there’s something for everyone.

You can try one for a family meal or switch it up for casual get-togethers and gatherings. There are plenty of choices here, so you can find whatever matches the mood, whether relaxed or just trying something new.

Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers

Some nights, I just want something easy that packs flavor and feels fulfilling after a long day. These Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers make for a meal that’s simple to share, but I also toss them together for a quick dinner. Even alone, these skewers fit perfectly, giving me a small plate for lunch with leftover sides, or piled high for dinner.

You can serve these skewers with rice or bread, making them fit nicely into your usual routine. Perfect for weeknight meals, it’s also a go-to recipe for little family celebrations or relaxed backyard moments. If you’re short on time, these skewers are fast to grill and are easy to reheat for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

When I want something crispy but not too heavy, these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes come together quickly. I often make them as a side for weekday dinners, and they’re great for those days when you want something tasty without much fuss. They can be served on a large plate, individually, or even cooled and eaten later. This recipe fits my weekday routine, especially when leftovers are welcome.

You might serve these potatoes with scrambled eggs in the morning or slot them in next to chicken or fish for dinner. They work as a snack for movie nights and quiet evenings at home. No special event is needed; this recipe is just as good for solo meals or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

On days when I crave something classic with a twist, I make this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Combining two favorites in one bowl, it hits the spot for a midday meal or when I’m after something to prep ahead. It’s easy to spoon into a bowl for a quick bite or bring to the table for a relaxed dinner. No need for extra sides, but it pairs nicely with grilled foods.

Bring this salad out for picnics, work lunches, or anytime you want a filling dish that feels like something special. You can serve it cold, straight from the fridge, or pile it onto a plate and enjoy it bit by bit. This is a dish that often finds its way onto my menu, and likely yours too.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Pickled Watermelon Rind

Old habits brought me back to making this Pickled Watermelon Rind, which uses something many people toss. This simple, old-fashioned snack hits the mark when I need something sweet and tangy without much effort. I keep a jar in the fridge and reach for it whenever I want a little crunch. It works as well with sandwiches as eaten from a bowl.

You’ll love how this snack can fill a craving between meals or add interest to burgers or salads. Every bite feels different, and you’ll find it disappearing fast at home. Serve chilled for extra snap, or set out with other quick bites. Once you try it, it might become a regular addition to your lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Watermelon Rind

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

When I grill this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, my kitchen feels brighter and makes me want to keep some on hand all week. I reach for it when I need something solid for lunch, a simple dinner, or leftovers for sandwiches. Any time the grill comes out, this is the one dish I know will work for different meals. It’s ready to serve right off the grill or sliced on top of a salad.

Try adding this chicken to your meals on nights when you want something flavorful but low-key. It’s easy to pair with almost anything, from bread to rice or mixed greens. Eat hot or cold, making it versatile and practical. This one pairs well with daily habits and bigger meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Picnic Bacon Pasta Salad

Memories of backyard meals led me to toss together this Picnic Bacon Pasta Salad for more than just outdoor fun. It’s creamy, filling, and keeps well, so I often scoop some for lunch or a quick dinner. It hangs out in the fridge and gets better as it sits, so there’s no rush to finish it. Packing some as a snack or side is almost a habit now.

You might want to serve this pasta salad at any meal, not just on special days. It goes nicely with grilled meats, simple sandwiches, or just by itself. Spoon onto your plate or fill a small bowl for a quick bite. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to for that extra bit of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Picnic Bacon Pasta Salad

Fried Green Tomatoes

Craving something different, I make these Fried Green Tomatoes as a snack or light meal. I first tasted these at a friend’s place, and now they’re a fix for when I want something crispy that isn’t fries. These go straight from the pan to the plate, served warm and crunchy. You can enjoy with sauces or as a topping for salads and burgers too.

Add these tomatoes to your table for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a quick fix between meals. They’re easy to share or enjoy alone, and they keep their texture long enough for second helpings. Serve with a dip or tucked inside a sandwich for extra crunch. Make them once, and you’ll remember why they’re always loved.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Easy to heat up and eat right away, this Queso Blanco Rotel Dip is something I find myself making whenever I’m relaxing at home or need something for movie night. It’s smooth, warm, and has just the right hint of flavor for chips or veggies. Setting it out on the coffee table quickly disappears, spooned onto plates or used as a dip. Sharing or eating alone, it doesn’t last long.

Serve this dip melted and hot with your favorite snacks or as a topping on quick tacos and nachos. Great for solo game nights or family TV evenings, it fits into any schedule. Keeping it on low heat makes it last longer. This is a dish you’ll reach for again anytime snacking calls.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Thai Noodle Salad with Mango

Travel cravings led me to try this Thai Noodle Salad with Mango, which always hits the spot as a lunch that stands out from the usual. I find myself wanting it when I feel tired of sandwiches. Chilling it helps the flavors blend, so I like making it ahead and having leftovers the next day. It’s light enough for lunch but filling with every bite.

Treat yourself to a bowl whenever you want a meal that is easy to put together and bright in flavor. Serve straight from the fridge or scoop into a bowl and pair with grilled fish or tofu. This salad brings variety to your weekly meals and works for any time hunger strikes. Once you try it, it may change your routine.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Mango

Ham & Cheese Puffs

Baking up these Ham & Cheese Puffs always brings back memories of weekend mornings at home. These are flaky and warm, perfect for breakfast with coffee or as a lunchbox treat. I sometimes make extra and freeze it for a quick snack or lazy dinner. Serve straight from the oven or reheated, they keep their flavor and texture for days.

Bring out these puffs for easy breakfasts or to round out a lunch plate. They’re simple to serve on their own or beside a bowl of soup. Snack on them anytime hunger hits, making them useful for busy days. This is one recipe that disappears quickly, no matter how many you make.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Cheese Puffs

Greek Cauliflower Salad

When I want something light but filling, I whip up this Greek Cauliflower Salad for an easy meal. It’s crunchy and hits the right note with fresh flavors, so I often pack for work lunches. This salad holds up in the fridge, making it great for meal-prepping or grab-and-go days. Scooping onto a plate brings some variety without much work.

Adding this salad to your day is an easy way to mix up your lunch lineup or add a side to dinner. Serve cold, straight from the fridge, or mound on pita bread for a twist. That simple extra step helps it become a frequent pick. You’ll want to put it in the rotation often.
Get the Recipe: Greek Cauliflower Salad

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

At home, making these Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs feels fun and brings a change from basic sides. Pulling them apart is easy, and it’s a little like eating fries, only sweeter. I serve while still hot, lined up on a plate or piled into a basket for a quick snack. These work for solo lunches or as extras during bigger meals.

If you want to mix things up, try serving a few of these beside burgers or main dishes. They hold up well, warm or even at room temp. Whether you like something you can eat with your hands or want a different kind of snack, these ribs are worth trying again. You’ll see why they keep popping up.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Dairy-Free Radish Salad

Lately, I keep going back to this Dairy-Free Radish Salad when I need a quick lunch or light dinner. The crispness stands out, especially after a few hours in the fridge, so I make ahead to save time. Serving it chilled on its own or with crackers happens a lot in my kitchen. It always gives a nice break from other heavier meals.

Add this salad to your day for something easy and refreshing. It’s simple to scoop onto a plate or spoon into a container and bring along. It pairs well with sandwiches, wraps, or grilled meats. Choose this as your go-to when you need something fast and light, and you’ll see how often you come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Radish Salad

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

When I want a recipe that feels a little special but still fits my everyday life, I reach for this Southern Style Pickled Shrimp. My favorite way to serve these is cold, straight from the fridge on a plate with toast or crackers. The briny kick makes it good for lunch or as a quick protein snack. This is a classic for both small get-togethers and regular weeknights.

Try serving these shrimp at your table when you want a change from standard salads or sandwiches. They fit perfectly with simple sides or alone as an appetizer. Pile onto a plate for a light dinner or scoop into lettuce wraps. There’s something about this dish that keeps people interested all week long.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles

Lunchtime feels simple when I keep this Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles in the fridge. Having it cold, straight out of a storage bowl, is a regular habit for me. The tang in every bite works well with leftover roast or sandwiches. For family meals or just a quick snack, this salad never feels boring or out of place.

Try adding this salad to your regular meal lineup, packing it for a picnic, or plating it at dinner. It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even just crackers and cheese. Serve cold for the best taste and texture. You’ll find you keep making it for its practicality and simple flavor.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles

Corn Pudding Casserole

Family meals feel easier with this Corn Pudding Casserole warming on the table, especially when I crave something hearty without too much work. This cuts into squares easily to serve for breakfast or as a midday snack. Saving a few slices for later means I always have something ready when hunger strikes. Eating with a spoon straight from the pan is not uncommon in my kitchen.

Serve this casserole as an easy dinner side or a grab-and-go breakfast. It works well with roasted meats or tossed salads, making it flexible for any meal. Enjoy hot, warm, or even room temperature. This casserole is a meal anchor, and it’ll stick around in your menu plans.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Panzanella Salad

I first made this Panzanella Salad to use up bits of leftover bread, and now it’s a regular choice for lunch or a light dinner. There’s a good balance of textures, and the salad soaks up flavors if it sits a bit. I like serving on a big plate so there’s plenty to scoop up with a fork. Reliving those first crunchy bites keeps me coming back.

If you want to try something both easy and filling, add this salad to your lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a piece of roast meat or can be scooped onto a sandwich. Enjoy cold or at room temperature, and you’ll find it quick to disappear. It’s simple, but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra

A friend introduced me to this Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra as a snack one afternoon, and now they’re a repeat favorite for nights when I want something to munch on. These nuggets come out crispy and work just as well for movie marathons as they do alongside simple home-cooked meals. Sharing straight from the pan or with dipping sauces makes these extra fun.

Put these on your list for when you want a salty treat without much fuss. Serve hot in a bowl or right off the paper towel for a homemade feel. Good by themselves, or next to barbecue or sandwiches, these are reliable. It’s easy to see why this recipe sticks around.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra

Smashed Cucumber Salad

After work, I like a crunchy salad that’s quick. This Smashed Cucumber Salad offers a welcome break whenever you need something refreshing and light. I enjoy it for lunch or as an easy snack, not just during busy days but on weekends too. There’s no prep stress, and I can eat it cold, making it a steady part of my meal choices.

You can serve this salad with grilled meats or fish, mix it into wraps, or just scoop it into a bowl for afternoon snacking. Whether it’s part of a small meal or when friends stop by, it fits many situations. It’s a good fit for daily routines or casual meals and gets made often, regardless of the number at the table.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Cucumber Salad

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

All it takes is a little patience, and these Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans come out tender and full of flavor, perfect for my dinner plate. I make a batch when workdays run long, so dinner is ready with no fuss. Scooping up with a slotted spoon straight from the slow cooker fills my kitchen with a familiar feeling. These make a great side for almost anything.

Serve these green beans with roast meats, casual sandwiches, or hearty casseroles. Reheat a bowlful for a quick lunch or a simple side any time. Their mild flavor works in big and small meals alike. You’ll probably make these more often once they’re in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Easy BLT Pasta Salad

Sometimes I need something quick for lunch, and this Easy BLT Pasta Salad makes a filling option that lasts through the week. I usually toss it together after work, knowing it will stay fresh for light meals or lunches. I serve it in a chilled bowl and keep it in the fridge for easy access. The recipe doesn’t require a lot of effort, fitting right into any routine.

Serve this pasta salad next to toasted bread or pair it with sandwich fixings for simple dinners. It’s an easy meal for busy days, and you can scoop out portions as needed. This recipe fits right in with lively gatherings, but it is just as handy for lunch alone or with a friend.
Get the Recipe: Easy BLT Pasta Salad

Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets

When I don’t want to spend much time cooking, these Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets really save me. I wrap and bake them quickly, letting the simple process handle everything for me. The packets can be opened right at the table, which is part of the fun, and they always make a nutritious meal without much cleanup. For me, it’s a steady weeknight staple.

You can serve these salmon packets with steamed vegetables or rice, or just eat them right out of the foil at home. They are handy for solo dinners, sharing with a friend, or making a couple of packets for a simple celebration. This recipe fits right into any busy schedule or low-key meal without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Black Bean & Corn Salad

On days when I need something quick and filling, this Black Bean & Corn Salad makes the perfect option. I like that it works well as a lunch, side, or snack that’s ready in no time. It’s good for making ahead, and I keep a bowl in the fridge for easy scooping. I eat it cold or at room temperature, and it fits nicely with other dishes.

You can serve this salad next to tacos, mixed into wraps, or with chips for a simple meal. It is a solid choice for daily meals, and is also good for casual get-togethers, potlucks, or as a side on a busy weeknight. Quick to make and easy to enjoy, this recipe finds its way into regular meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean & Corn Salad

Summer Squash Casserole

When I feel like something warm but not heavy, this Summer Squash Casserole fits the bill. I bake it for simple dinners, and it’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want leftovers to last. A piece served hot is good for solo meals or small plates, and it’s just as useful for lunches as it is for relaxed evenings.

Serve this casserole with grilled chicken or steak, or even with a spoon alongside fresh salad. It’s a practical choice for weekday routines, and also works for small family celebrations or shared meals. It’s easy to slice, reheat later, and keep for when you need another meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole

Wild Rice Salad

After a long day, I find myself making this Wild Rice Salad because it’s reliable for lunch and fast dinners. I often prepare it ahead, keeping it chilled for days when I want a straightforward meal. I like that it works for solo meals and fills larger plates easily. The salad is a flexible base, and I make it part of my dinner rotation.

You can serve this rice salad as a main bowl with bread or sandwiches, or pair it with roasted meats for more variety. It’s handy for small households and everyday meal planning, and I find it useful when friends visit, too. The recipe is simple, versatile, and returns to the table often.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Special occasions prompted me to smoke this Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb, but I like making it for Sunday dinners, too. Slicing leftovers for sandwiches or adding pieces to salads over the week fills meal plans without extra fuss. Serving hot, right off the smoker, this brings a tender dish to the table that works with many sides. This fits both small gatherings and regular meals.

This is something you can prepare for a cozy meal for two or as a weekend treat when the mood strikes. Serve hot, sliced with any of your favorite sides ready. You’ll find this worthy of holidays, and also see it in everyday plans. Give it a spot in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Chef Jenn’s Buffalo Chicken Salad

My craving for bold flavors led me to make Chef Jenn’s Buffalo Chicken Salad a staple for home lunches. It’s easy to put together and adds a punch to wraps or as an open-faced sandwich. Chilling it makes the dressing shine, and I’ll scoop some over lettuce for a quick meal. I reach for this whenever I want something filling that isn’t boring.

Serve this salad in sandwiches, on crackers, or just in a bowl for a snack any time. It’s easy to bring to work, and fine for dinner when you want something bold but simple. This is the one recipe you’ll find yourself remembering for its ease and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Buffalo Chicken Salad