44 Memorial Day Side Dishes to Elevate Your Summer Cookout

Grilled Vegetable Platter

Southern Mac and Cheese

It’s not a Memorial Day party without mac and cheese (in my humble opinion). Our mac and cheese recipe is creamy, custardy and ultra-cheesy, with two kinds of cheddar and Velveeta mixed in. For the best texture, grate your cheese fresh from a block.

Ranch-Style Beans

If barbecue is the name of the game food-wise, don’t forget the beans! This Tex-Mex recipe is worth the effort, especially when you’re hankering for a bold side to enjoy with hot dogs or smoked brisket.

Zucchini Patties

Farmers markets are teaming with bushels of fresh zucchini by the time Memorial Day rolls around. Put these courgettes to good use in fried, golden brown patties held together with a binding mixture made from biscuit mix, cheese and eggs. They’re especially delish with a cool cucumber garlic dip.

Potatoes Romanoff

Looking for a comforting riff on a cookout classic? Give potatoes Romanoff a try. Toss cubed taters in sour cream, flour and cottage cheese dressing before sprinkling them with more cheese and baking. The best part? As with most other potato casserole recipes, potatoes Romanoff can be made ahead of time.

Smoky Baked Beans

Frank and beans are a classic Memorial Day dish, but these beans take it to the next level—far beyond anything from a can. Smoky, tangy and sweet, they make the perfect side dish—or even a hearty entree, thanks to the addition of crumbled pork sausage.

Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob

You’d never know a packet of onion soup mix is the secret ingredient your corn on the cob has been missing all these years. When mixed with butter and brushed over just-shucked ears, the soup mix is a flavor game-changer for sweet corn kernels.

Berry Nectarine Salad

Beware: One bite of this vibrant fruit salad and your guests will be expecting it at every gathering. The taste of summer abounds in every spoonful. This salad is bursting with fresh raspberries, blueberries and succulent nectarines, all tossed in a creamy cream cheese blend. The icing on the cake? It looks stunning on a buffet table.

Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream

Cucumber salads and summer go hand in hand. This crisp dish is a total crowd-pleaser whether it’s served alongside grilled meats or other vegetarian options. If you can’t get your hands on fresh-from-the-garden cukes, ones plucked from the produce aisle will work just as well.

Herbed Feta Dip

Consider this herby feta dip the perfect partner for warm pita points or ice-cold veggies on a crudités platter. The food processor does all the prep work. Use any leftovers as a spread for sandwiches and wraps throughout the week.

Baked Beans with Bacon

Everything is better with bacon—and baked beans are no exception. With only seven ingredients, this dish can be thrown together quickly. All you need is 15 minutes of prep and a little over an hour in the oven to master this high-protein recipe.

Greek Salad with Lettuce

If your Memorial Day menu is on the heavier side, balance it out with some leafy greens. Our chopped Greek salad is the perfect addition, featuring crisp lettuce, briny kalamata olives, sweet plum tomatoes and creamy crumbled feta. Toss everything together with a simple yet zesty vinaigrette of lemon juice, olive oil and a touch of pepper.

Grilled Green Beans

Crunchy green beans—whether steamed, blanched or marinated—are a glorious veggie side, but grilling them takes the verdant veg to a whole new level of deliciousness. With smoky charred notes and a melted butter garlic Parmesan topper, these snappy string beans will steal the show.

Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts fans, this one’s for you. This loaded sprout salad, chock-full of tart apples, chopped walnuts, shredded cheddar and crispy bacon, is what cookout dreams are made of.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus and bacon is one of my all-time favorite flavor combos. It doesn’t get any better than tender stalks wrapped in salty strips of bacon! This easy-to-make dish is elegant and irresistibly tasty for any gathering, especially summer barbecues.

Glazed Fruit Medley

Why settle for a store-bought fruit salad when this medley can be ready in under 20 minutes? This refreshing combination of honeydew melon, bananas, green grapes and strawberries gets a sweet orange glaze and a quick chill. Then, you’re in business and it’s ready to serve.

Cowboy Beef Dip

Nothing says “dig in” quite like a cheesy, beefy skillet with all the fixings. Topped with sour cream, parsley, peppers and pimiento-stuffed olives, this dip will have everyone reaching for more tortilla chips after one scoop.

Spiced Sweet Potato Fries

You’d never guess these perfectly seasoned fries came from a frozen bag. With just a few pantry spices and a quick bake in the oven or air fryer, these sweet, crispy sticks are ready in minutes. Pair them with one of these french fry dips for a savory snack.

Homemade Potato Chips

Fact: Buttery lobster rolls taste better with a side of chips, and our homemade crisps taste better than anything you can pick up at the grocery store. Plus, they’re completely preservative-free.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

If there’s one antipasto remix I can’t get enough of, it’s antipasto pasta. This cold pasta salad is a must-have for Memorial Day barbecues, potlucks and backyard bashes—it’s the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge dish that tastes even better the next day.

Broccoli Slaw

Even broccoli naysayers won’t be able to resist the charms of this creamy side that’s somewhere between a salad and a slaw. Chop the florets small for mess-free bites or leave them chunky for serious salad vibes.

Tzatziki Potato Salad

I firmly believe that tzatziki sauce can be drizzled on everything, and this herby potato salad is proof. The Mediterranean dip was practically made for spud salad, so don’t be shy about dressing this one.

Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini

Grilled stone fruit is naturally sweet and smoky, but grilled nectarines transform into a show-stopping crostini when paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh basil. A little balsamic syrup is the perfect finisher on top.

Ruby Raspberry Slaw

Coleslaw is a non-negotiable at Memorial Day parties, but why not switch things up this year with a raspberry version? The juicy berries bring a pop of color and sweetness to the mix. Pro tip: You can use frozen raspberries instead of fresh, but add them straight from the freezer to prevent them from discoloring the slaw.

Quinoa Salad

Our quinoa salad recipe makes a fantastic potluck dish, especially when you have vegans and vegetarians in the house. With crunchy bell peppers, crisp cucumbers and a bright lemon dressing, this superfood-packed side is a true winner.

Marinated Tomatoes

Few things in life can top a platter of vine-ripened, marinated tomato slices with a smattering of fresh herbs. This recipe is particularly good when it’s too hot to cook, since no burners, ovens or stoves are required.

Cucumber Watermelon Salad

Summer’s favorite flavors shine in this cucumber watermelon salad sprinkled with green onions and fresh mint. A tangy balsamic dressing adds just the right amount of zing.

Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad

Even if you’re celebrating Memorial Day weekend stateside rather than on an exotic island somewhere, you can channel that tropical energy with an exotic fruit salad overflowing with star fruit, kiwis and mangos. Add a splash of pineapple juice, and vacation vibes are served.

Garden Chickpea Salad

If you’d like to sneak more protein into your Memorial Day menu, try a protein-rich chickpea salad for a satisfying, well-rounded dish. Toasted cumin seeds and chopped tomato are the salad dressing stars, while creamy feta and crisp radishes add toothsome texture.

Summer Harvest Grilled Panzanella Salad

A rustic panzanella salad is the perfect opportunity to clean out the fridge and grill up whatever veggies you have on hand. We used a mix of zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes and day-old ciabatta cubes here, plus a can of artichoke hearts, because why not? When tossed in a zippy dressing with chopped fresh basil or thyme, it’s the ultimate summer side.

Cornbread Salad

On Memorial Day, everything is fair game for a salad—even cornbread. This irresistible trifle-style dish is layered with leftover cornbread, hearty pinto beans, sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Then we add a creamy, tangy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise and a packet of ranch seasoning.

Bacon Salad

Think of this bacon salad as Cobb’s little sister—minus the eggs but still packed with flavor. The avocado, tossed in lemon juice, stays fresh while adding a bright, zesty kick. This salad would be an ideal side for a light lunch or an al fresco picnic.

Lemon Orzo Salad

Even with rice and pasta sides already on your Memorial Day menu, there’s always room for one more—especially when it’s as versatile as this lemon orzo salad. It can be customized with any veggies or proteins you have on hand for a fresh, flavorful addition.

Dill Garden Salad

This garden salad pairs perfectly with grilled favorites. The fresh dill dressing packs an herbaceous punch. We love English cucumbers, tomatoes and sweet red peppers in this healthy bowl, but radish, summer squash and asparagus tips would also work well.

Easy Macaroni Salad

If you’re adding a classic macaroni salad to your menu, make sure it’s this one. When you combine tiny elbow noodles, chopped veggies, sweet ham and hard-boiled eggs, what’s not to love? It’s the perfect side—especially for the little ones—as it offers a cool, creamy twist on mac and cheese.

Juicy Watermelon Salad

It’s prime watermelon season come Memorial Day. Embrace the spirit of the occasion with a juicy watermelon salad accessorized with peppery arugula and razor-thin red onions. I also love the addition of almonds and blue cheese here.

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

With just a few minutes and some fresh, high-quality salad ingredients, you can whip up a barbecue-worthy side. Take this simple cucumber and red onion salad, for instance. It calls for pantry staples like olive oil and vinegar that allow the veggies to truly shine.

Veggie Kabobs

Veggie kabobs are a great way to use up whatever produce you have on hand. Ask the kids to help with the skewering process, and then toss the kabobs on the grill for a few minutes to char. They’re easy-peasy and high-impact in the flavor department. For ingredient ideas, we recommend zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, mushrooms and eggplant, but really, the options are endless!

Caprese Salad

For a more exciting twist on a simple salad, Caprese is a perfect choice. The creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil are a winning combo, enhanced with premium olive oil, fresh pepper and flaky sea salt. We’ve upped the ante with a balsamic and mustard dressing that takes this dish to the next level.

Cherry Tomato Salad

This cherry tomato salad is designed to showcase jewel-like cherry tomatoes at the height of the season. All you need is a simple vinaigrette of oil and vinegar along with a few fresh herbs. You’ll have a spectacular side dish in 15 minutes.

Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad is packed with all the good stuff. I’m talking big chunks of creamy cheese, crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives and bold cured meats—everything you need for a light yet filling meal.

Chickpea Salad

While this vegetarian chickpea salad is a satisfying side all on its own, you could toss in some chicken breast, poached salmon or tofu to make the meal heartier and boost the protein quota at the same time. Kalamata olives or fresh avocado can also contribute some brininess or creaminess to your salad.

Memorial Day Side Dishes FAQ

What sides are traditionally served on Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase grilled favorites along with an array of sides. Consider corn on the cob with an herby compound flavored butter, crisp crudités platters, colorful salads bursting with in-season produce and creamy, cool pasta salads that provide delicious leftovers for the next day. If you’re open to a bit of decadence and some comfort food classics, we highly recommend our recipes for homemade potato chips, smoky baked beans, and southern mac and cheese.

What are some easy dishes to bring to a Memorial Day gathering?

Dishes that travel well are key. These include make-ahead pasta salads you can transport in tin foil trays or sealed containers for ease. Coleslaw is a crunchy side that pairs well with grilled meats, while Caprese skewers are simple and always a hit. Another fun idea is Mason jar salads, where the dressing is on the bottom of the jar and the rest of the ingredients are on top. All you have to do is shake them up when you arrive.

What are the best make-ahead side dishes for an outdoor event?