Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipes Roundup

This Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup is all about safe ways to celebrate the holiday, along with 45 favorite potluck recipes curated from fellow food bloggers.

We're less than a week away from Memorial Day here in the U.S. People are going stir-crazy from stay-at-home orders. It's gorgeous outside. I'm suggesting two ideas for a safe Memorial Day Potluck Party—virtual and tailgate style—along with a fantastic roundup of potluck favorites.

1. How to host a Virtual Memorial Day Potluck

Social distancing may be easing, but I'm enough of a scientist and epidemiology geek to know that Coronavirus hasn't gone anywhere. So, this year, my family and friends will be getting together virtually for our Memorial Day Potluck.

Virtual platforms

There are lots of virtual platforms available that let you have a Brady Bunch-style virtual party. You know...with tiled windows showing all partygoers? Some options are:

• Zoom: it's easy to sign up for a free account and "host a meeting." The only downside is that you're limited to 40 minutes.
• Skype: this platform lets you invite up to 50 people for four hours.
• Facetime: if your group all uses Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), you can include up to 32 people (including you). Here's how.
• Google Hangouts: this is fine for smaller groups (up to 10).

Once everyone is connected on the platform of your choice, the host can share their device's audio and play tunes while everyone chats. Move around with your computer or mobile device so that everyone can see you cooking (but don't forget and take it certain places).

Activities

I sent out the invite below to my family and friends on Facebook:

We are having a recipe share and competitions for (1) best tablescape and/or decorations and (2) best potluck spread. Guests upload their pictures in the Facebook event page. For the potluck spread, guests upload photos and include links to the recipes they made. Then the host creates a poll in the Facebook page so that everyone can vote on the best tablescape/decorations and the best potluck spread.

2. Hold a Tailgate!

You could also choose to host a tailgate-style, in-person cookout. Pick a wide-open space with plenty of room to spread out. Each quarantine circle brings their own portable grill, cooler, food, beverages, utensils, chairs, etc. Then, each group sets up at least six feet apart from the others. Please wear a mask when you're not eating or drinking.

Although it's great to interact with real, live people after this long quarantine, it can also be a bit of a logistical nightmare. Plus, you always run the risk of discovering that one or more of your party goers is a social-distancing naysayer.

"COVID—BAH! Made up!" yells Uncle Bob, while simultaneously grabbing a fistful of your chips and double-dipping in your salsa.

UPDATE, June 27, 2020: because the CDC says that COVID-19 does not seem to be spread by food prep or consumption, it's not necessary to have a separate grill for each quarantine circle. Simply maintain social distancing and wear a mask whenever possible. You can also share food as long as you take the normal food safety precautions and a few additional steps such as sanitizing the outside of any food containers.

However you decide to celebrate Memorial Day, stay safe. You're not only protecting yourself, but everyone with whom you come in contact.

Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipes

To help you take home the prize for best potluck spread, I hit up some fellow food bloggers for their most gorgeous recipes. With no further ado, I bring you a collection with 45 of our favorite potluck recipes . You can use the navigation links below to hop to the type of recipe you're looking for (use the back button to return to this list):

• Cocktails
• Appetizers and Snacks
• Side Dishes
• Entrees
• Desserts
  

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Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup: COCKTAILS

Get your party started right with these gorgeous, refreshing cocktails—perfect for Spring and Summer potlucks.

First up are beautiful Sangria Margaritas, from Dishes Delish: This sangria margarita recipe is fun and delicious.  The beauty of this margarita pleases everyone you serve it to, so wow your guests at your next party. Get the recipe here.

Next, we have Cuban Peach Cocktails from Maria's Mixing Bowl. Cuban Peach Cocktail (or just plain Cuban Peach) is so scrumptious! It is perfect when fresh peaches are in season but also great any time of year.  Simply made with peaches, white rum, peach schnapps, simple syrup and garnishes of your choice. Get the recipe here.

You can't go wrong with margaritas, so here's another option from Dishes Delish! Pomegranate Margaritas: There is something about the combination of tequila with sweet and sour that is just so darn good! Add to that winning combination any kind of natural flavor like pomegranate juice, for example, and your taste buds will be feeling festive! Get the recipe here.

Finally, another refreshing idea from Maria's Mixing Bowl: Hawaiian Watermelon Hammer. The drink you will be serving to your guests all summer long. So cool and refreshing. Everyone will go crazy for this cocktail! Get the recipe here.

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Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup: APPETIZERS AND SNACKS

Now that you have a cocktail in your hand, it's time to start grazing!

We'll start out with this beautiful Summer Cheese Plate from Smack of Flavor. This is an easy Summer Cheese Plate for any occasion! Perfect as a no cook appetizer for a cookout or grilling session, for picnic or just as a light dinner in the summer heat. Get the recipe here.

Elote—or Mexican Street Corn—is a delicious snack that ends up all over your face. That's because of the delicious Jalapeno-Cilantro Crema: make sure you show everyone your crema-smeared mug on camera! (Or, cut it off the cob and eat it like a salad if you're too shy) From right here at Flipped-Out Food. Get the recipe here.

Our next recipe is brought to you by Mommy Evolution. Savory and ready fast, this Spicy Queso Hummus Dip Recipe is the hit of any party or gathering. Get the recipe here.

Next up: Salsa Verde from yours truly at Flipped-Out Food. This salsa gets its great flavor from charred green peppers, tomatillos, and onions. It's done in minutes: a simple matter of charring the veggies and then blitzing it all in your food processor! Get the recipe here.

 

Continuing on the chips-and-dip spectrum (or dip in veggies if you're low carbing it!), Julie Blanner brings us her Bacon Cheese Dip recipe. Incredibly easy Bacon Cheese Dip is always a favorite get togethers! This creamy mix of bacon, cheddar, cream cheese and sour cream topped with green onion is irresistible, keto friendly, and low carb! Get the recipe here.

I'm a big fan of Buffalo Chicken Dip. This version from Dude That Cookz will not disappoint! Chicken Dip is a great appetizer for any gathering. Serve with a side of pita chips, tortilla chips, and/or celery stalks and let the fun begin!

From right here at Flipped-Out Food: 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! Get the recipe here.

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Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup: SIDE DISHES

To me, side dishes play the starring roles at a potluck. After all, a potluck wouldn't be a potluck without the salads that aren't actually salads, am I right?

We'll start off with this gorgeous Fresh Farro Caprese Salad from A Nerd Cooks. This Farro Caprese Salad is a delicious and fun riff on the classic Caprese. It's perfect for potlucks and picnics! Get the recipe here.

Frito Taco Salad from Cooking with Carlee is a fun twist on the traditional taco salad. It is loaded with flavor and is perfect for potlucks, but also makes a fun dinner main dish. The homemade catalina salad dressing is easy to make and the salad is packed full of goodies. Get the recipe here.

Next up from Ramshackle Pantry: Get your cookout and bbq right with this Rancharoni Macaroni Salad. It is a nice twist on the traditional macaroni salad and packs a whole lot of flavor. Get the recipe here. 

Another favorite, Greek Pasta Salad from Seasonal Cravings:  this will easily become your favorite summer salad. It's full of summer's seasonal bounty, healthy and gluten-free. Bring it to your next barbecue and watch it disappear. Get the recipe here.

For an even lighter choice, try Greek Cucumber Salad, brought to us by Joyous Apron. A healthy, refreshing and yummy side dish! Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and feta tossed in a zesty homemade Greek Lemon Vinaigrette dressing. Get the recipe here.

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad is a super-easy way to make the classic side dish everyone loves, by Margin Making Mom. Get the recipe here.

Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad by Vegan Huggs: fast, easy, fresh and colorful! No cooking required – just chop the veggies and toss with a zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing. Get the recipe here.

Next in our side dish collection, from Shugary Sweets: A classic, easy 7 layer Salad recipe served in a trifle bowl. So many options for the seven layers, you choose what you love. Perfect for potlucks! Get the recipe here.

Uncle Jon’s Pasta Salad from Fried Dandelions is soon to be your new go to summer BBQ recipe. Naturally vegan, and packed with flavor and veggies, it’s a standout at any potluck picnic! Get the recipe here.

For a vegan pasta salad option, VeEatCookBake brings us vegan Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad: make this light macaroni salad with a light white bean tahini dressing which is flavorful and tastes like the classic pasta salad you know from your childhood. Get the recipe here.

Next is Greek Bean Salad from Moore or Less Cooking: This is my favorite summer side salad, I am actually very happy to have it as a meal! It is so delicious with fresh picked Broccoli, crispy Hardwood Bacon, Crispy Gala Apples, Chopped Hazelnuts, Slivered Almonds, Cabot White Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Zippy Red Onion and Dried Cranberries. Get the recipe here.

Last up (but not least!) in the side-dish department is Red Bean Salad from Savory Experiments. Red Bean Salad is a simple, make ahead and cold salad best served with any grilled food! Get the recipe here.

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Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup: ENTREES

Meat or veggies on the grill, sandwiches, and more! We'll start our potluck entree roundup with a selection of meat on sticks...(and veggies)

First is Grilled Chicken Spiedini from Erhardts Eat. Grilled Chicken Spiedini Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce is perfect to grill all summer long! Plus, this crispy chicken spiedini is super simple and a family favorite. Get the recipe here.

Next are delicious shrimp kebabs from Jas at All That's Jas. These grilled shrimp kebabs, aka low country boil, with potatoes, corn, and spicy sausage are as good for a weeknight supper as they are for a date night or a holiday celebration. Get the recipe here.

For a beef-based kebab recipe, try out my Grilled Beef Kebabs with Vegetables: flavored with a delicious, tangy marinade. They make a perfect main for cookouts! Get the recipe here.

Italian Sausage Skewers from Christina's Cucina offer yet another—but playfully different—meat-on-sticks option. Put the hamburgers and hot dogs aside! These Italian sausage skewers will be everyone's first pick off the barbecue! Add any vegetable you prefer to make these customized to taste! Get the recipe here. 

...and finally, rounding out our "meat on sticks," we have a veggie option from The Clean Eating Couple. These healthy grilled Vegetable Kebabs are the best way to cook your veggies! Paleo/Whole30, easy to make + delicious – get ready to fire up your grill! Get the recipe here.

Now, let's move on to steaks, sandwiches, and more!

First up is Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri from Girl with the Iron Cast. This marinated flank steak is so juicy and so tender, your taste buds will thank you later. Paired with an easy basil cilantro chimichurri, this marinated flank steak recipe is the perfect grilled dinner. Get the recipe here.

Also on the Latin American theme is this delicious Carne Asada from Pinch and Swirl. With traditional herbs and spices and a trifecta of citrus juices, this Carne Asada is melt in your mouth tender and loaded with flavor! Great way to feed a crowd as tacos, tostadas, salads and more. Get the recipe here.

Next, from yours truly here at Flipped-Out Food, we have Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms—a summer fixture at our house.  A simple, easy meal your family will love! Get the recipe here.

Now, let's see a plant-based option: Vegan Huggs brings us Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks! These Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks are perfect for indoor or outdoor grilling. It’s an easy recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Just marinate, grill and enjoy! Get the recipe here.

If you don't feel like lighting up the grill, Food Folks and Fun has an easy option for you: these Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are an easy recipe that is made without firing up the grill. They’re delicious and cost just $1.51 per serving to make. Get the recipe here. 

I feel like a need a napkin after that one! YUM. Moving on to some sandwiches...

Berly's Kitchen brings us Easy Homemade Hamburgers. Homemade Hamburgers are flavorful, beef burgers, and have pieces of caramelized onion in each bite. We think this is the best homemade beef hamburger recipe out there! Get the recipe here.

Next, from right here at Flipped-Out Food: Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches with Pepper-Onion Foil Packs are one of our favorite tailgate party meals. Easily prepped in advance—then, just pack up and go! Get the recipe here.

My Everyday Table brings us Homemade BBQ Turkey Burgers. This homemade BBQ turkey burgers recipe isn’t hard to make, but I’ve got a few tips to ensure they are juicy, delicious, and FULL of flavor! Get the recipe here.

Finally, we'll finish up our sandwich entrees with a couple of plant-based selections.

15-Minute Chickpea Burgers from Wow, It's Veggie?! are delicious and healthy! They are so fast and easy to whip up and tasty too! Get the recipe here.

Finally, nothing beats a juicy burger with vegan pulled pork, filled with yummy toppings of your choice. Easy to make, super healthy and incredibly delicious. From Yuzu Bakes. Get the recipe here.

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Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup: DESSERTS

The final collection in our Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup is, of course, desserts. If you can't indulge your sweet tooth at a Memorial Day Potluck, I don't know when you can.

First, Cooking With Carlee brings us these adorable No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars. These cute little key lime cheesecakes only take 7 ingredients and just a few minutes to make. They are a perfect individual dessert that travel well. Get the recipe here.

Next, this Grain Free Red, White and Blueberry Tart from What a Girl Eats is filled with a lemon cream cheese filling and topped with fresh berries. Get the recipe here.

Next up, from Just is a Four Letter Word is Maine blueberry cake, made with fresh blueberries—the perfect size for sharing so there will be plenty for everyone. It also makes a great cake for a baby shower, wedding shower, or summer picnic. Get the recipe here.

From Culinary Ginger, we have Red Velvet Patriotic Firework Cupcakes are perfectly festive for Memorial Day, summer grilling, and cookouts. Get the recipe here.

Easy Budget Recipes brings us Lemon Lush. This Lemon Lush recipe is something my mom has been making for over 30 years because it’s THAT GOOD! It serves 12 and costs $10.42 to make. That’s just 87¢ per serving! Get the recipe here.

Next, we have Red White & Blue Mini Cheesecakes from The Kitchen is My Playground! When served up for your Memorial Day festivities, these tasty little beauties fit right in with the fun and festive color scheme. Get the recipe here.

And finally, I leave you with my favorite lighter dessert option, Orange-Strawberry Yogurt Dessert Bowls—a quick, healthy dessert that you’ll feel good about eating. These are easy to pack up and keep on ice in the cooler for destination potlucks. Get the recipe here. 

If this roundup doesn't make you want to lick your screen, I don't know what will. I hope that you've found some great ideas for safely celebrating Memorial Day. Thanks to all my food blogger friends who volunteered their ideas for my Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipe Roundup!

Stay safe. Stay well. —xoxo Michelle

I'm sharing these Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipes with #CookBlogShare, hosted this week by A Strong Coffee.

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