Memorial Day Recipes

First up, my Creamy Pasta Salad features a delicious, tangy dressing flavored with dried herbs.

We love to add cubes of cheese, slices of pepperoni, and chopped vegetables. MA

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a fun spin on the potluck classic. This salad gets its creaminess from sour cream rather than mayonnaise, and is loaded up exactly like a baked potato would be: shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced chives. Plus, I share my flavoring hacks to ensure that your potato salad never turns out bland! MA

My Tangy 3-Bean Salad recipe uses fresh green beans, and canned garbanzo and kidney beans. The dressing is full of vinegar, herbs and spices, which makes sure that this salad gets more and more delicious as it marinates. MA

My Classic Potato Salad is your not-quite-traditional, mayo-based, hard-boiled egg-packing potato salad. I say "not-quite-traditional" because of the addition of capers, for an extra, briny kick (nobody will notice them in there, trust me). I also add dried herbs to kick the flavor over the top. MA

Here's an unusual side dish for Memorial Day! Summer Panzanella Salad makes a delicious side-dish or light meal. It features gorgeous summer tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, onions, and toasted bread that soaks up a delicious dressing. (Best if made 4 hours in advance)

An exotic spin on pasta salad! This chimichurri pasta salad is an exotic, delicious take on the potluck classic. The recipe makes extra chimichurri sauce, which is fabulous on grilled meat or seafood. MA

Easy, Zippy Coleslaw is incredibly easy to put together. I've made it a bit lighter than traditional coleslaw recipes by using less mayo—but this salad does NOT sacrifice on flavor. Sure to be a potluck favorite! MA

Easy Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead-and-go side dish for cookouts and potlucks. I love to make it at least a day in advance because the flavors get that much better! MA

Cutting-Board Guacamole is a showstopper—not only because it's delicious, but also because it's entertaining to make at your party...right on the cutting board! Mixing the ingredients on the cutting board (rather than a bowl) gives you more control as you fold in your ingredients.

Vibrant, Fiery Mango-Habanero Salsa is perfect served with tortilla chips or as a garnish for fish and meats. Using flash-frozen mango chunks not only simplifies the prep, but it also means that you can enjoy this salsa any time of year! MA

Feisty Chile con Carne Queso Dip is the perfect, addicting snack for parties. It's cheesy, spicy, and full of taco-ey beef goodness. The dip reheats well without breaking and will stay smooth and delicious: best if you have a crockpot with a low setting that is truly low so the cheese doesn't scorch).

Phil's Taco Dip is perfect for potlucks because it's low-maintenance and travels well. You can also make it in advance: BONUS!! MA

Pico de Gallo is a delicious, fresh salsa that's the perfect snack for your Memorial Day cookout or potluck. All it wants is some sturdy tortilla chips! MA

Finally, our new favorite dip is Keto Ham Salad Spread. This is a great way to use up leftover ham. Keep it keto by serving with various sliced vegetables, or put out some crackers to make everyone happy. MA

Make the best BBQ smoked ribs you've ever eaten right at home. You can make these smoked ribs on a smoker or a basic charcoal grill.

Sweet & Zingy Asian Meatballs are always a hit at our potlucks. They're packed with flavor—so much better (and healthier) than store-bought! You can make the meatballs advance, then re-warm and keep hot in the slow-cooker on the day of your party. MA

If you want absolute simplicity, serve Easy Turkey Chili as your main dish. Make it in advance and keep it hot in a crockpot, with toppings set out buffet-style. Your guests can serve themselves! MA

If you're having a Memorial Day cookout, you can't go wrong with Grilled Italian Sausages with Pepper-Onion Foil Packs. Eat the grilled sausages with the peppers and onions on a hoagie roll for the ultimate cookout sandwich! Prep the foil packs in advance for less hassle on the day of your party.

Grilled Beef Kebabs with Vegetables: another great option for cookouts. You can marinate the meat and vegetables, then assemble the skewers before party time.

Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Chimichurri Sauce is a perfect dish for cookouts, featuring juicy, flavorful meat accented by a tangy herb sauce. The steak can be grilled on a gas or charcoal grill, or seared and finished in a hot oven in a cast-iron skillet.

This cast iron chocolate chip cookie recipe is simply the BEST.  It has a unique ingredient that takes these cookies to the next level. They're also simple and done in just about an hour. You can carefully slide the cookie out of the skillet (loosen with a plastic knife first!) onto a cake plate to slice for your guests, OR cut them into cookie bars and pack into a storage container to take to your party. Then, watch them disappear! MA