This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
Make the guests forget about the fireworks with these tasty Memorial Day cookout ideas. From colorful red white and blue dishes to classic burgers, guests will love each and every one of these dishes.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
These cookout ideas for Memorial Day will be a hit with friends and family. Each dish is packed with flavor and will help you create a spread of delicious foods for the cookout.
Deviled Eggs with Relish
Deviled eggs are a classic Memorial Day cookout dish. These are made with a creamy egg and relish filling to give them extra flavor.
Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Relish
Accordion Potatoes
Add a fun potato side dish to the cookout with these accordion potatoes. They can be baked in the oven or you can cook them on the grill.
Get The Recipe: Accordion Potatoes
Nigerian Salad
A cold salad that’s easy to make and delicious. Friends and family will love the flavors of this Nigerian salad.
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Salad
Parmesan Potatoes
Parmesan potatoes are a fun and easy side dish to serve at the cookout. The potatoes are topped with a cheese parmesan seasoning and cooked until perfectly tender.
Get The Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Season up some corn ribs and cook them in the air fryer for a tasty side or appetizer. You can serve a flavorful dipping sauce to go with them.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Red White and Blue Cupcakes
A patriotic dessert for the cookout, these red white and blue cupcakes are easy to make and are all jazzed up for Memorial Day.
Get The Recipe: Red White and Blue Cupcakes
Hot Girl Summer Salad
With a mix of veggies and chopped egg, this summer salad is a healthy and tasty dish you can serve at the cookout. It’s one side that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad
Patriotic Charcuterie Board Idea
Loaded with summer fruit, star shaped cheeses and bread, this charcuterie board is a special dish you can serve for Memorial Day.
Get The Recipe: Patriotic Charcuterie Board Idea
Asian Cucumber Salad
The sesame soy dressing with the crunchy cucumber springs turns into a flavorful and easy to make cookout idea for Memorial Day.
Get The Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad
Gluten Free Lemon Bars
Serve up a tangy dessert that’s gluten free for guests to enjoy as they celebrate Memorial Day with friends and family. They’ll love the tangy creamy lemon filling.
Get The Recipe: Gluten Free Lemon Bars
Yogurt Parfait
A simple dessert that comes together in just minutes, this parfait is made with fresh summer fruit and is topped with granola for all to enjoy.
Get The Recipe: Yogurt Parfait
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
Bacon wrapped smokies give you that perfect mix of sweet and savory. They’re also super easy to make and packed with so much flavor everyone will be going back for more.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Topped with summery blueberry layer, this lemon blueberry cheesecake is a creamy dessert that’ll make the dessert table shine.
Get The Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Jerusalem Salad
Have a side salad ready to go in just a few minutes. This salad is made with crispy vegetables and a lemon juice dressing that’s easy to make and delicious.
Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad
Best Summer Fruit Salad
Summer fruit salad that’s made with berries and citrus will always be a Memorial Day cookout favorite. The salad is tossed with a pineapple dressing that brings even more flavor to the salad.
Get The Recipe: Best Summer Fruit Salad
No Egg Potato Salad
A staple for cookouts, potato salad is easy to make and this one doesn’t need any eggs so you can make a vegan version friends and family will love.
Get The Recipe: No Egg Potato Salad
Summer Cold Green Bean Salad
Go with a cold summer green bean salad for the Memorial Day cookout and you won’t regret it. It’s made with green beans, peas, squash, and walnuts tossed in a balsamic dressing.
Get The Recipe: Summer Cold Green Bean Salad
Vegan Black Bean Burger
For those who don’t eat meat but still want to take part in the Memorial Day cookout, these black bean burgers are the way to go.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Black Bean Burger
Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
A lighter dish for the cookout, this tempeh chicken salad is one that’s flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for serving when you need something meatless.
Get The Recipe: Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
Best Black Bean Brownies
Black bean brownies are a healthier version of your favorite chocolate dessert. These brownies will be perfect for the gathering and will be a hit at the cookout.
Get The Recipe: Best Black Bean Brownies
Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy homemade coleslaw is easy to make and it’s one that belongs on the list of Memorial Day cookout ideas. The flavor packed side will go with any of your cookout main dishes.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Grilled Chicken Thighs
These grilled chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful sauce that soaks right into the meat and gives them an extra pop of flavor.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Bring in a sweet tropical side dish for the Memorial Day cookout. This Hawaiian macaroni salad is an easy to make dish friends and family won’t be able to get enough of.
Get The Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Vegan Chickpea Burgers
If you need a vegan burger to serve with your Memorial Day cookout ideas, these chickpea burgers are flavorful, easy to make, and meatless.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burgers
Patriotic Tri Color Pasta Salad
A fun and easy side dish that’s perfect for your Memorial Day cookout, this tri colored pasta salad is easy to make and delicious.
Get The Recipe: Patriotic Tri Color Pasta Salad
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
These Memorial Day cookout ideas will help you throw one of the best Memorial Day parties. Friends and family can come together to celebrate and enjoy some of the best food around.
25 Memorial Day Dessert Ideas Thatโll Make You Forget About the Hot Dogs
Patriotic, delicious, and fun, these Memorial Day dessert ideas are so tasty everyone will forget about the burgers and hotdogs. The desserts include everything from cookies to festive red white and blue cakes.
Read it here: 25 Memorial Day Dessert Ideas Thatโll Make You Forget About the Hot Dogs
25 Memorial Day Food Ideas Thatโll Make the Fireworks Jealous
From crowd pleasing main dishes to patriotic desserts, this collection of Memorial Day food has something for everyone. Theyโre so good, the fireworks will be jealous!
Read it here: 25 Memorial Day Food Ideas Thatโll Make the Fireworks Jealous
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Interested in more recipe ideas? You’ll love these related recipes:
- 25 Memorial Day Foods That Deserve a Fireworks Finale
- 25 Side Dishes With Burgers (Because Fries Are Getting Boring)
- 25 Memorial Day Weekend Food Thatโll Have People Lining Up for Seconds
- 25 Cookout Side Dishes for a Summer Full of Tasty Surprises
- 25 Memorial Day Desserts Easy Enough to Whip Up with One Hand (Drink in the Other)