66 Memorial Day Recipes That Aren’t Hot Dogs and Watermelon

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
• Serves: 8

All you need to prepare the briny, tangy cheese dip is a blender or food processor. The summer tomatoes will take care of the rest. "I highly recommend seeking out locally grown tomatoes, but conventional cherry tomatoes will work just fine in a pinch," former PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen says. "They're more reliably tasty than regular tomatoes, and roasting them concentrates their flavor even more."

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: 2

This protein-packed salad is begging to be eaten alfresco. "This salad has a few of my favorite things," reality star and recipe creator Kristin Cavallari writes. "Salmon (which has omega-3s and is so, so good for you), bacon (no explanation needed), avocado (healthy fats) and spicy tomatillo ranch dressing (just yum)." Mix the dressing ahead to assemble the dish even faster.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, vegan
• Serves: 4 to 6

Take your pick of cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon: This app is all about the toppings anyway. I'm talking nutty tahini, spicy chili oil and crunchy sesame seeds. (Garlicky breadcrumbs and a spritz of fresh lemon juice would work, too.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Sour cream and bacon are classic baked potato toppers...but expected. Spice things up with store-bought kimchi, which turns just a touch sweet once caramelized in a bit of sugar. Mozzarella cheese makes for an indulgent bite, too.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, vegan, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 4

This cold soup, starring summer tomatoes, couldn’t be any easier to make. Round up your produce, olive oil and herbs, plop them in the food processor or blender and give it a whirl. Just like that, dinner is served. All that's missing is a baguette for dipping.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy, pescatarian
• Serves: 6

This Memorial Day recipe has all the elements of an unforgettable summer salad. Recipe creator Aran Goyoaga, a food photographer and blogger, uses bonito tuna, fried capers and dill in her version, inspired by her time spent in the Spanish fishing village of Bermeo.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
• Serves: 4

What is it about caprese salad that never gets old? The delectable trifecta of tomatoes, basil and mozz probably has something to do with it. I’ll give you two more reasons by adding grilled zucchini and a drizzle of balsamic to the mix. With tomato season just starting, look for ones with shiny skin, robust color and are firm to the touch—with a little give—to ensure they'll have peak flavor.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 4 to 6

Fruit salad is something everyone can get behind, even more so when it's covered in strips of salty prosciutto. Store-bought glaze will work fine, but you can also reduce balsamic vinegar over medium heat to make your own.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 8

Make sure your kids get a serving—between the sugar snap peas, plums, peaches and cherries, there’s bound to be something actually nutritious in this masterpiece that they’ll like. (And if not, there’s always the cheese.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, make ahead
• Serves: 4

No limp lettuce leaves here, folks. Think mixed greens, fresh basil and crisp green beans, topped with charred summer peaches, salty halloumi and toasted pine nuts. This mix makes for an epic array of textures and flavors in every forkful.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes
• Serves: 12 to 16

You won't need to work very hard to put together this stunning charcuterie board, which is pretty enough to double as a centerpiece. All the in-season stone fruits, melons and berries will do their jobs deliciously without any cooking on your part.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian
• Serves: 4

I can't decide what I love more, the uber-refreshing soup that takes minutes to whip up or the Asiago-encrusted baguette for dipping. Did I mention it comes together in the blender or food processor for minimal fuss?

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, high protein, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 4 to 6

Ditch mayo for avocado, then add scallions and celery for crunch. With a spritz of lemon, fresh dill and a whole lot of cracked black pepper, this rotisserie chicken-based spread is ready for crackers, sandwiches or a sneaky spoon.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, high protein, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 8

This bubbling-hot app boasts ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, green onions, salsa and pickled jalapeños. Buy (or, dare I say, make) tortilla chips for dipping, put out the sour cream so your guests can help themselves and your work is done.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
• Serves: 4

Homemade pizza just got way easier. Snag a few flatbreads from the supermarket, load them up with your favorite toppings and pop 'em right on the grill. It's the crispest thin-crust pie you'll ever taste—no kneading necessary.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

Fetch your skewers: Summer’s official fruit mascot is teaming up with feta for a savory, smoky twist that you definitely don’t want to miss. They make a great pairing for grilled steak, seared fish or simple burgers.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 12

Simple enough to whip up in 30 minutes (thanks, store-bought puff pastry), yet elegant enough that your guests will never know. "It's really easy, and since you cut them into squares, there's no waste or scraps," recipe creator Erin McDowell explains. "Just by stacking three ingredients that complement each other, you get these beautiful-looking tarts."

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, one pan
• Serves: 6 to 8

I have serious love for potatoes in all forms, but this riff takes the cake. You get bacon, cheddar cheese and sour cream in every bite without having to commit to an entire spud, and they bake to crispy perfection on a sheet pan, so you can feed a crowd with ease.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegan
• Serves: 8

Break out the cherry tomatoes and pita chips: There’s a new dip at the barbecue. This hummus-guacamole hybrid has earthy nuttiness from tahini, plus heat from jalapeño and cayenne. Now, the only decision you have left to make: pita or tortilla chips?

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, vegan
• Serves: 4

Come summer, I want charred corn on *everything*, and guac is no exception. It gives it a smoky je ne sais quoi I never get tired of. Go ahead and swap frozen or canned corn in for fresh if you can't find any (or don't feel like wrestling over a few ears at the farmers market).

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 15

Aka the quickest way to feed the hungry masses. Did I mention these sammies will only take you six ingredients? Store-bought deli meat, condiments and pickles for the win. Bonus points for adding citrusy pernil for authenticity.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, high protein
• Serves: 4

White bread who? Swap it for taco-sized tortillas, bake a batch of thick-cut bacon and assemble these sammy-inspired handhelds. I use creamy avocado and a squirt of lime in place of mayo, but feel free to spread a layer on before adding the fillings.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: varies

Memorial Day recipes tend to be meat-heavy, so it's key to have a plant-based main on the menu for any vegetarians or vegans at the cookout. This measurement-free Memorial Day recipe from Tabitha Brown is just the ticket. After trying it myself, I loved how minimal the prep was; all you need to do is peel the carrots, chop some onions, and the rest is basically combining store-bought ingredients and assembling.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6

My favorite thing about this Creole essential? It's so filling and impressive that it doesn't need any sides to be a complete meal. This riff on jambalaya is lighter than the O.G., thanks to using brown rice in place of white and chicken instead of pork-based andouille sausage.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: pescatarian, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 4

Because lemon and herbs are only so exciting after the fifth week in a row, give the popular fish the al pastor treatment (pineapple! ancho chile powder! citrus juice!) that's usually reserved for pork. (That said, the warming spice blend, combined with the sweet-tart fruit, is fantastic on just about any protein.)

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

Could I eat barbecue without a heaping scoop of mac and cheese on the side? Sure, but I wouldn’t want to. This Memorial Day recipe stars smoky grated Gouda, which gives it a nutty, buttery note that no one will complain about.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 12

One bite of this vegetarian sammy and you won’t miss the beef, promise. The cauliflower slices are drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme and roasted until browned. My favorite thing about this dish, though, is definitely the spicy yogurt spread.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, pescatarian, high protein
• Serves: 4

This Memorial Day recipe can be tackled year-round, since it calls for the shrimp to be sautéed on the stove instead of cooked on the grates. But I'd be remiss to not suggest grilling them on the barbecue instead, if the weather allows.

• Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe, high protein
• Serves: 6

Set and forget this slow cooker recipe overnight, so all you have to do on the big day is shred the chicken. It's surprisingly versatile, so once you get the basics down, you can serve it however you'd like, be it as a main dish with hearty sides or as a simple sandwich.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6

Let the steak chill in olive oil, Worcestershire, vinegar, garlic, chili powder and herbs for up to an hour. After grilling it, let it rest for 15 minutes, then serve it with a zippy sauce with one secret ingredient: anchovies. If you like Caesar dressing, it's sure to be a hit.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Here’s the tropical retreat you ordered. Jerk seasoning brings warm spices, like cinnamon and cayenne, to the table. It just so happens to pair wonderfully with mango and lime juice, too. Serve the cutlets with rice or mixed greens.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

Mix bacon, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper into the ground beef for a caramelized, cheese-encrusted burger full of salty-savory goodness. They’re only five ingredients and 30 minutes away, people.

• Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, make ahead, high protein
• Serves: 6

This sweet-and-spicy main works in sandwiches, salads, quesadillas or completely solo. The slow cooker also saves you from sweating over the stove on a hot summer day (and from accidentally turning your kitchen into a sauna). Pair it with cool, crisp coleslaw.

• Time Commitment: 6 hours and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

If you've been dreaming about buying your own smoker, now's the time. These pork ribs turn melt-in-your-mouth soft after six hours, then they're seasoned with both dry rub and brown sugar-honey butter. Need I say more, meat lovers?

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 5

Tender shrimp swimming in lemon-garlic butter is an excellent entree for an intimate, alfresco dinner party. Serve them with plenty of bread and white rice to soak up the leftover sauce—you won't want a single drop to go to waste.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

I have a big crush on tzatziki because it tastes good on pretty much everything. And once you know how to make it from scratch, you'll never use the store-bought kind again. Spiralize the cucumbers instead of dicing them for a more intriguing presentation.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 4

Ready for a fresh take on grilled chicken? Dress it with ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic and gochujang. Cook the chicken in the oven or toss it on the grill instead—it's Memorial Day after all. (Bonus points for grilling the pineapple, too.)

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Chickpeas can do so much more than serve as the base for hummus. Making hand-formed patties out of this legume turns out to be beyond easy (don’t you just love the food processor?), and a little smoked paprika, garlic and cayenne gives 'em plenty of flavor.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: pescatarian, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

If you consider tilapia the boring white bread of the fish world, these tacos have a bone to pick with you. After being dredged in egg, taco seasoning and flour, the fish bakes to max crunchiness before being topped with sour cream and zesty slaw.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
• Serves: 6

It’s tough to find a better mate for burgers, ribs and steak than sweet yellow corn. It’s even tougher to find a better match for them than this corn, which is charred on an open flame before being spread with lime-chili mayo and dusted with Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegan, <30 minutes
• Serves: 6

No backyard shindig is complete without a chilled pasta salad. Just be sure to prepare it right before the party so the avocado is nice and green once everyone starts making their plates. To make it ahead, spritz the avocado with plenty of lime juice to keep it from browning (or substitute a sturdier veggie, like corn or bell pepper).

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, make ahead
• Serves: 6

If your favorite part of any dish is the crunch, you’re in luck. This fun twist on potato salad calls for crispy cucumbers, peas and carrots, plus ham, eggs and umami-rich Japanese mayo, spiked with mushroom powder.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

The party don't start 'til the slaw walks in. This one has a zesty, acidic vinegar base (see ya, mayo) and pairs with everything from brisket to burgers to hot dogs. Best of all, it comes together in a flash and can be made up to four hours in advance.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, vegan, <30 minutes
• Serves: 2

You’ll be shocked how quickly this “pasta” dish comes together. Spiralize two zucchini, blend the tropical sauce (hi, coconut milk and mango) and combine. Then, fetch yourself a cold one and kick back on the patio.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 12

Chopped red onion offers crunch alongside semi-smashed potatoes and a sauce made from mayo, Greek yogurt and dill. Add celery or other crunchy bits, but I won’t judge if you opt for less time at the cutting board.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 8

Make room for greens tossed in a Caesar-inspired dressing made from sunflower seeds, almonds, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. P.S.: It also calls for a whole cup of blue cheese. Now that’s my kind of salad.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
• Serves: 8

Whether you're pairing it with grilled chicken, smoked barbecue or hot dogs, this next-level mac is sure to impress. The options are endless when it comes to the sneakily incorporated produce: kale, spinach, collards and mustard greens are all fair game.

• Time Commitment: 5 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

Only four ingredients and a trip to the freezer stand between you and this warm-weather stunner. Use cara cara oranges for extra sweetness. Better yet, "swap the orange juice for watermelon once summer rolls around," Gillen suggests.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 14

Sure, it's fruit season—but I'm happy to eat chocolate year-round. Don't even get me started on the homemade dulce de leche swirl. "If you like your brownies on the underdone side, start checking the skillet at 30 minutes," Gillen advises. "For a less gooey experience, bake for 40 or 45 minutes."

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 12

I'm calling it: This confection will be your new favorite way to use up fresh raspberries. Finish each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a glug of cold cream. P.S.: "I could see it being good with another berry—the recipe notes you can use blackberries, but I would also try blueberries," Gillen writes after testing it herself.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, make ahead
• Serves: 6

It wouldn’t be Memorial Day without an appearance from America’s signature dessert. I'd serve these Granny Smith- and Honeycrisp-filled cuties à la mode because, well…who wouldn’t? (Oh, and save time by using store-bought pie dough.)

• Time Commitment: 5 hours and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pot, <10 ingredients, vegan
• Serves: 4

It’s hot out there, y’all. Take a trip to Maui without ever leaving your backyard, courtesy of this chilly blend of sugar, strawberries, mango and toasted coconut—no shave ice machine required. Aloha to that.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: one 9-inch pie

I love a classic lemon pie, but one look at this masterpiece has me ready to abandon all things basic forever. This color combo inspires oohs and ahhs every single time. The secret to the dreamy lavender meringue? Freeze-dried blueberries.

• Time Commitment: 4 hours
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, no cook, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 8

Have you met the easiest dessert on the face of the earth yet? It’s pleased to make your acquaintance. Cool off with this treat made from twice-frozen fruit. (And in case you don't know how to cut a watermelon, my handy guide has you covered.)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Crumbly graham cracker crust, warm fruit, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sold yet? "Roasting your strawberries really concentrates their flavor, and in this easy recipe, you just layer them and put ice cream on top," McDowell adds. Sprinkle on some blueberries for a patriotic finishing touch.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: no bake, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6 to 8

Your inner child’s tummy is grumbling. Confetti cake mix, powdered sugar and vanilla make for a crowd-pleaser the kids will be begging to have for their birthdays. Toast the raw cake mix on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5 minutes to make it safe to eat.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: 8

Round up the ice pop molds: It’s time for dessert. Brown sugar-cinnamon peaches are roasted in the oven before being marbled with vanilla-almond yogurt. Even your favorite store-bought pops won’t know what hit them.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 8

A pretty-in-pink crust dyed with freeze-dried berries is a surefire way to wow every single one of your guests (or you know, your roommate). As for the lattice? "If you need more practice or are short on time, you can skip the decor and make a simple double-crust pie instead," former PureWow food editor Heath Goldman says. "Just make sure to cut a few slits in the top to vent the filling."

• Time Commitment: 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

The PureWow team modernized this old-school British treat by trading a crystal-cut bowl for an easy baking sheet. This festive Memorial Day recipe still has all the meringue, whipped topping and fresh fruit of the O.G., minus the antiquated presentation.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: no bake, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
• Serves: 10

Some show their patriotism with flag tees and sparklers. You'll serve this red-white-and-blue treat. It's a sweet centerpiece for your holiday spread, and sweeter still because it doesn't require an oven. Call it a summer miracle.

• Time Commitment: 6 hours
• Why I Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 10 to 12

Spiked with your favorite vodka or gin. Wow your guests with homemade lemonade and hollowed-out lemons for cups. Want to make it even easier? "You can use the store-bought stuff if you’re already in vacation mode, stir in a little hooch, then freeze it," Goldman writes.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 8

Freshly squeezed limes and ripe raspberries add sweet-tart splendor that seamlessly rounds out the vodka and wine. If you don’t want to splurge on Champagne, bubbly prosecco or cava will work just fine in its place.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan
• Serves: 4

This alcohol-free frozen drink is equal parts pretty and refreshing. It’s also loaded with pineapple, strawberries and watermelon, so just pretend it’s a fruit salad and have three. "Melon is hydrating and rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory lycopenes, while rosemary contributes awesome flavor and antibacterial backup," Salt & Wind founder and recipe developer Aida Mollenkamp alleges.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan
• Serves: 16

This Memorial Day recipe calls for green tea instead of black, giving it a lighter look and milder taste. Add lemonade to the mix to create an Arnold Palmer, or whiskey and honey for a quick cocktail. Either way, it's a delicious antidote for hot weather.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 1

When you want a fancy drink but don't feel like busting out the shaker, lean on this grapefruit radler recipe. Just mix grapefruit juice with a little sugar, then pour it into your favorite wheat beer. (Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier or the Belgian-style Blue Moon are fine contenders.)

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 1

Frosé? I don't know her. This bev stars effervescent prosecco instead, which comes to life with the help of fresh citrus and a dash of Aperol. It's one part boozy, two parts refreshing and 100 percent your new favorite summer libation.