Memorial Day is almost here, and it’s time to celebrate with bold, fresh flavors and light, delicious meals! Whether you’re organizing a picnic, firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, or just hunting for some tasty new ideas, these recipes are guaranteed to impress. Think crisp, zesty salads, sweet, summery desserts, and cool, refreshing drinks—perfect for soaking up the sunshine. These 18 recipes will take your Memorial Day menu to the next level!

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl piled high with tuna pasta salad with corn, celery, and green onions. - 1

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ideal for picnics, this salad features tuna, pasta, and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and even better when chilled.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

New York Cheesecake

A cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and mint leaves—perfect for Memorial Day Recipes. One slice is slightly separated from the rest of the cake, revealing its creamy texture as it sits elegantly on a glass plate. - 2

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready to impress with the ultimate New York-style cheesecake! This easy, creamy, and crack-free recipe is perfect for beginners, yet so delicious it’ll have everyone thinking you’re a dessert pro. One bite, and your friends won’t stop raving!

Get The Recipe: New York Cheesecake

Easy Pasta Salad

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Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser with its flavorful combination of bacon, cucumber, and green onions, tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.

Get The Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad

Homemade Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad with a lemon wedge and dill garnish. - 4

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This light and refreshing salad features juicy shrimp tossed with mayonnaise, dill, and crisp celery, perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer.

Get The Recipe : Homemade Shrimp Salad

Rosé Sangria

A close up image of a glass of Rosé Sangria with fresh fruit, mint and a cocktail stick in the glass. - 5

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This fruity sangria, made with rosé wine and a mix of summer fruits, is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.

Get The Recipe: Rosé Sangria

Lemon Bars

Close-up of lemon bars stacked on a plate, topped with powdered sugar. One bar has a bite taken out, revealing the creamy yellow lemon filling and buttery crust—a classic nod to beloved 1980s desserts. - 6

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that melts in your mouth, topped with a perfectly tart and creamy lemon filling. It’s a sweet and tangy celebration of citrus in every bite!

Get The Recipe: Lemon Squares

Vinegar Coleslaw

a bowl of vinegar coleslaw with the serving bowl in the background with a spoon. - 7

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A crisp, tangy coleslaw without mayonnaise, this side dish features a vinegar-based dressing that’s perfect for outdoor summer meals.

Get The Recipe: Vinegar Coleslaw

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

A glass of Sweet Peach Iced Tea with ice and a straw and a fresh wedge of peach on the glass. - 8

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Chocolate Mousse

Incredible close-up of a spoonful of chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. A blurred background reveals a glass filled with more mousse, garnished with a strawberry and cream—perfect for sharing with family. - 9

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate delight with this luscious and creamy mousse! Velvety bittersweet chocolate blends seamlessly with light, fluffy whipped cream, creating a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mousse

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Two glasses of Sweet Lemon Iced Tea with glass and colorful straw in the glasses. - 10

Image Credit: Joshua Resnick

Perfect for hot summer days, this iced tea combines the tangy taste of lemon with the refreshing properties of black tea.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Southern Deviled Eggs

Close-up of a hand holding half a deviled egg. The egg white is filled with a creamy, yellow mixture, garnished with small green herbs. The background is softly blurred. - 11

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the ultimate party favorite—Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs! Made with rich mayo, tangy mustard, briny capers, and topped with a smoky paprika finish, these bites are bursting with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, holiday spreads, or any gathering where you want to impress!

Get The Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs

Summer Strawberry Cupcakes

Three fresh strawberry cupcakes all topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry. - 12

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, topped with a swirl of whipped cream. They’re a delightful treat for any summer occasion.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Cupcakes

Macerated Strawberries

Close up of sliced strawberries in clear glass bowl glazed with sugar. Spoon in bowl. - 13

Image Credit: Jen Tepp

Simple yet delicious, these strawberries are perfect for topping ice cream, pancakes, or enjoying on their own as a refreshing summer dessert.

Get The Recipe : Macerated Strawberries

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Pasta salad with chicken, peppers and herbs. - 14

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This hearty pasta salad is packed with flavor from pesto and chicken, making it a great main dish for summer picnics or barbecues.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant in a bowl with a loaf a bread and wine glass on the table in the background - 15

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This flavorful salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, red peppers, and olives, tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s perfect served warm or cold.

Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Quick & Easy Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

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Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This no-churn cherry ice cream is rich and creamy, offering the delightful taste of cherries without the need for an ice cream maker. It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days and easy to prepare.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

Strawberry Salad

a close up image of a Strawberry Salad with greens, feta cheese and fresh strawberries. - 17

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This vibrant salad combines fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, making it a perfect light dish for warm weather. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or a picnic side.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon. - 18

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad