Memorial Day is made for easygoing fun—so the food should be just as relaxed. No one wants to spend the whole day in the kitchen when there’s sunshine, stories, and second helpings waiting.
These simple, crowd-pleasing dinners are all about big flavor with minimal stress. Whether you’re grilling out back or bringing a dish to the picnic table, these meals make it easy to feed your crew and enjoy the day.
1. Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Sticky, smoky, and finger-licking good, these drumsticks only need a quick marinade and a few flips on the grill. The charred edges and sweet-tangy sauce make them a hit at any cookout.
They’re easy to prep ahead and good for grabbing straight off the platter. Add corn on the cob and call it dinner.
2. Sheet Pan Sausage And Peppers
Colorful bell peppers and juicy sausage roast together on one pan with olive oil and garlic. Everything comes out tender, caramelized, and packed with flavor.
There’s no stovetop mess and barely any cleanup. Serve with toasted rolls or over rice for a meal that feels hearty without the hassle.
3. Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw
Slow-cooked pork gets piled onto soft buns and topped with crunchy, tangy slaw. It’s sweet, smoky, and tender enough to melt into the bread.
Make the meat ahead of time, then let guests build their own. These little sandwiches disappear fast, so make extras.
4. Grilled Veggie Kabobs With Herbed Rice
Chunks of zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and peppers soak up a simple marinade before hitting the grill. The veggies get slightly charred and stay juicy inside.
Paired with fluffy herbed rice, this meal feels fresh and filling. It’s a great option for vegetarians—or anyone who loves good flavor.
5. Baked Mac And Cheese With Crunchy Topping
Golden and bubbly with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs on top, this mac and cheese goes beyond the box. The inside is creamy, cheesy, and made to comfort.
It can be prepped ahead and baked right before dinner. Scoop it into bowls or serve it with grilled mains.
6. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Grilled chicken, chopped romaine, pasta, and Caesar dressing come together in one cool, filling dish. It’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect for a hot day.
You can make it hours ahead and keep it chilled until serving. A sprinkle of parmesan and croutons takes it over the top.
7. Cheeseburger-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and ketchup-mustard flair all tucked into roasted pepper halves. It’s a burger without the bun—but just as satisfying.
These bake quickly and don’t require standing over a grill. Add a pickle slice on top for a fun twist.
8. Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Beef simmers low and slow in barbecue sauce until it’s tender enough to fall apart. Pile it onto buns with a slice of cheddar or some crispy onions.
Set it up early and forget about it until dinnertime. It’s comfort food without the work.
9. Pesto Tortellini With Cherry Tomatoes
Cheese-filled pasta gets tossed with pesto and juicy roasted tomatoes. The flavors are fresh and bold, with just a handful of ingredients.
This dish works warm or chilled, making it great for gatherings. You can make it in under 20 minutes—and everyone will want seconds.
10. Grilled Salmon With Lemon And Dill
Cheese-filled pasta gets tossed with pesto and juicy roasted tomatoes. The flavors are fresh and bold, with just a handful of ingredients.
This dish works warm or chilled, making it great for gatherings. You can make it in under 20 minutes—and everyone will want seconds.
11. Taco Bar with Ground Turkey And Toppings
Cheese-filled pasta gets tossed with pesto and juicy roasted tomatoes. The flavors are fresh and bold, with just a handful of ingredients.
This dish works warm or chilled, making it great for gatherings. You can make it in under 20 minutes—and everyone will want seconds.
12. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Thighs bake in a lemon-garlic butter sauce that fills the whole kitchen with amazing smells. The skin crisps up while the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
Add some roasted potatoes or asparagus on the same pan. Fewer dishes, better dinner.
13. Veggie Lasagna Roll-Ups
Instead of a big pan, these single-serve rolls are filled with ricotta, spinach, and marinara. They bake up bubbly and golden, with crispy cheese edges.
They freeze well and reheat like a dream. Serve with salad for a lighter take on comfort food.
14. Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Chunks of chicken, pineapple, and bell pepper get brushed with teriyaki sauce and grilled to sweet perfection. Every bite is sticky, smoky, and bright.
It’s tropical, simple, and fun to eat off a stick. Serve with rice or noodles to round it out.
15. Chili-Lime Shrimp With Corn Salad
Shrimp marinate in lime juice and spices before a quick grill or pan sear. They’re zesty, spicy, and ready in minutes.
Serve over a corn and black bean salad for a cool, colorful plate. This one brings serious summer vibes.
16. Baked Ziti With Spinach And Ricotta
Layered with melty cheese, tomato sauce, and tender pasta, this is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love. Spinach adds color and a little extra veggie power.
Bake it earlier in the day and warm it before dinner. It feeds a group without breaking a sweat.
17. Burgers With All The Fixings
Keep it classic with grilled beef patties and a build-your-own burger station. Lettuce, tomato, pickles, sauces—everyone gets exactly what they want.
Grilling keeps the mess outside, and the options keep it fun. Don’t forget toasted buns and extra napkins.
18. Ranch Chicken And Potato Foil Packs
Chicken breasts, baby potatoes, and green beans all cook together in a foil packet. Ranch seasoning pulls everything together with bold, creamy flavor.
Throw them on the grill or in the oven—either way, clean-up is easy. Open and eat straight from the foil for bonus points.
19. Caprese Pasta Bake
Pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil come together in a bubbly, cheesy casserole. It’s the warm version of a Caprese salad—and just as fresh.
Bake until golden, then top with a balsamic drizzle. It’s great for vegetarians and pairs well with grilled mains.
20. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches (Vegan-Friendly)
Jackfruit shreds just like pulled pork and soaks up smoky barbecue sauce beautifully. Pile it onto buns with slaw for a plant-based twist on a classic.
It’s budget-friendly, full of texture, and made for sharing. Even meat-lovers will be surprised by how good it is.