From Burgers to BBQ: Memorial Day Picnic Food Ideas

From classic BBQs to cooling beverages, and refreshing salads to sweet desserts, here are the best Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes to make your picnic unforgettable.

Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes Pin

Food, Family, and Fun: Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes to Kick Off Summer!

It’s time to dust off your grill and find your favorite Memorial Day picnic food recipes! There’s no better way to celebrate the start of summer than by enjoying it with your loved ones.

Make your Memorial Day celebration a hit with this collection of Memorial Day picnic food recipes—a mix of both traditional and easy, innovative dishes to make your picnic a hit!

With these delicious Memorial Day picnic food recipes, you’ll host a picnic that will be unforgettable! You’re sure to impress your guests and celebrate a fantastic Memorial Day picnic!

Honor the spirit of the holiday, enjoy the flavors of summer, and make the most of your time together with your loved ones. 

Happy picnicking with a basket full of delicious food!

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Picnic Perfect: Easy and Delicious Memorial Day Food Recipes


Classic Memorial Day Picnic Food 💙

A Memorial Day gathering isn’t complete without classic picnic food. Here are some favorites with a mix of traditional and unique dishes to hit the spot:

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Photo by A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Recipe by A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Ready in ~ 36 mins Yields ~ 4 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ This tropical-inspired marinade packs a refreshing burst of flavor, simple ingredients, and extraordinary taste that are perfect for summertime grilling!

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Jerk Chicken Tacos
Jerk Chicken Tacos
Photo by The Modern Proper

Recipe by The Modern Proper

Ready in ~ 35 mins Yields ~ 6 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Spicy, smoky, and pineapple-loaded! These jerk tacos with grilled chicken thighs and juicy pineapple are perfect for fresh summer bite!

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Grilled BBQ Ribs

Grilled BBQ Ribs by The Wooden Skillet
Photo by The Wooden Skillet

Recipe by The Wooden Skillet

Prep: 15 mins Marinate: 1 hour Cook: 1 hour 15 mins

Yields ~ 8 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, these fall-off-the-bone grilled ribs are the ultimate recipe for your next cookout or backyard BBQ.

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Tex-Mex Hot Dogs
Photo by Homemade Home

Recipe by Homemade Home

Ready in ~ 25 mins Yields ~ 4 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Easy to eat, simple to serve, and packed with bold Southwestern flavors, these Tex Mex hot dogs are a fun and easily customizable fiesta!

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Grilled BBQ Chicken
BBQ Chicken Grilled by Downshiftology
Photo by Down Shiftology

Recipe by Down Shiftology

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hour Yields: 6 servings (2 pieces of chicken)

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Insanely juicy BBQ chicken brushed with a secret homemade BBQ sauce and grilled to perfectly charred perfection. The ultimate summer cookout favorite!

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Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs by The Defined Dish
Photo by The Defined Dish

Recipe for by The Defined Dish

Ready in ~ approx 30 mins Yields ~ 24 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ These classic deviled eggs are the perfect side dish or appetizer for any party. Creamy, delicious, and always a crowd favorite everyone loves!

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Buttermilk Cornbread
Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe by Damn Delicious
Photo by Damn Delicious

Recipe by Damn Delicious

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 30 mins Yields: 8 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Moist, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make! No mixer needed! A delicious companion to any meal, BBQ, or comfort food dinner.

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Recipes for a Crowd 💙

Here are some crowd-pleasing picnic food recipes that’s easy to prepare in advance:

Simple Potato Salad
Photo by My Active Kitchen

Recipe by My Active Kitchen

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 15 mins Yields: 8 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Loaded with chives, light mayo, salad cream, and fresh dill for the perfect creamy bite. Easy to whip up ahead of time and delicious served warm or cold.

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Corn Ribs
Mexican Corn Salad by Recipes by Tin Eats - Corn Ribs by Sprinkles and Sprouts
Photo by Sprinkles and Sprouts

Recipe by Sprinkles and Sprouts

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins Yields: 32 ribs

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Cute, crispy, and so fun to eat! Easily made in the barbecue, oven, or air fryer with minimal ingredients, they’re the perfect simple summer side dish or party snack!

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Heinz Copycat Baked Beans
Mexican Corn Salad by Recipes by Tin Eats - Heinz Copycat Baked Beans by Recipe by Tin Eats
Photo by Recipe by Tin Eats

Recipe by Recipe by Tin Eats

Prep: 5 mins Cook: 30 mins Yields: 8-10 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Easy, very economical, and utterly addictive! Prep a big batch ahead of time and store for the perfect BBQ side dish

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Mediterranean Grilled Tofu
7. Mediterranean Grilled Tofu by Crowded Kitchen
Photo by Crowded Kitchen

Recipe by Crowded Kitchen

Ready in ~ 45 mins Yields ~ 2 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Perfect for a picnic or backyard BBQ, packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors and smoky goodness. Every bite is a flavor fiesta!

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Grilled Sausage and Vegetables
5. Grilled Sausage and Vegetables with Creamy Dill Dip by The Modern Proper
Photo by The Modern Proper

Recipe by The Modern Proper

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 15 mins Yields: 4 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Smoky, colorful, and packed with fresh flavor. Served with a cool and creamy dill dip.

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Italian Pressed Picnic Sandwiches
6. Italian Pressed Picnic Sandwiches by All Purpose Flour Child
Photo by All Purpose Flour Child

Recipe by All Purpose Flour Child

Ready in ~ approx 15 mins Yields ~ 4 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A hassle-free recipe perfect for picnics, road trips, and summer gatherings, every bite is deliciously satisfying!

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Cooling Beverage Ideas💙

Keep everyone happy and hydrated with this variety of refreshing drinks, with or without alcohol.

Kid Friendly Patriotic Punch
Kid-Friendly Patriotic Punch
Photo by Mom Endeavors

Recipe by Mom Endeavors

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Layers of red, white, and blue for the ultimate festive party drink. Easily customizable with different flavors, it’s a fun and refreshing addition to any Memorial Day party!

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Fresh Watermelon Mojito
Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Fresh Watermelon Mojito by Aberdeen’s Kitchen
Photo by Aberdeen’s Kitchen

Recipe by Aberdeen’s Kitchen

Ready in ~ 5 mins Yields ~ 2 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Light, refreshing, and cooling! Easily scaled up to whip up large batches, it’s the ultimate drink for Memorial Day cookouts and backyard BBQ!

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Old Fashioned Homemade Lemonade
Old Fashioned Homemade Lemonade by Persnickety Plates
Photo by Persnickety Plates

Recipe by Persnickety Plates

Ready in: 25 mins Chill Time: 1 hour Yields: 2 quarts

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A classic beverage with simple, clean flavors. Made with easy three-ingredients, it is pretty straightforward and quick to prepare!

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Red White and Blue Sangria
4. Red White and Blue Sangria by Mighty Mrs
Photo by Mighty Mrs

Recipe by Mighty Mrs

Ready in ~ 10 mins Yields ~ 2 liters

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A mix of sweetness and tanginess, it is easily adaptable to non-alcoholic version. Also, cheaper than buying pre-made versions!

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Vietnamese Lime Iced Tea (Tra Chanh Hanoi)
5. Vietnamese Lime Iced Tea (Tra Chanh Hanoi) by Takes Two Eggs Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Beverage Recipes
Photo by Takes Two Eggs

Recipe by Takes Two Eggs

Ready in ~ 13 mins Yields ~ 2 servings

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Needs a few basic ingredients, super versatile, easily customizable, straightforward and quick to prepare. Universally loved drink!

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Easy-to-make Desserts💙

Here are some suggestions for patriotic-themed sweet treats to end the meal:

Patriotic Oreo Pops
Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Patriotic Oreo Pops by Happiness is Homemade
Photo by Happiness is Homemade

Recipe by Happiness is Homemade

Ready in ~ approx 20 mins Yields ~ as many as you want

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ This fun dessert with a splash of color is made with no hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for patriotic celebrations!

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Mini Cakes
Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Mini Cakes by Hello Little Home
Photo by Hello Little Home

Recipe by Hello Little Home

Prep: 45 mins Cook: 10 mins Yields: 7 mini cakes

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A super fun, patriotic dessert idea with vibrant colors and cute size. Excellent choice for picnics and outdoor gatherings!

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Dessert Recipes
Photo by Play Party Plan

Recipe by Play Party Plan

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins Yields: 24 strawberries

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A super easy red, white, and blue treat that makes a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts, perfect for Memorial Day parties and picnics.

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Oreo Cream Cheese Truffle
Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Dessert Recipes
Photo by Easy Budget Recipes

Recipe by Easy Budget Recipes

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 60 mins Yields: 12 people

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ a hassle-free dessert option that is perfect for novice cooks. It can be made with different Oreo flavors, plus, the recipe cost $13.11.

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Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Bars
Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes - Dessert Recipes
Photo by Inside Bru Crew Life

Recipe by Inside Bru Crew Life

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 55 mins Yields: 24 Cheesecake Bars

Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Rich, creamy flavors of cheesecake with a chocolatey Oreo cookie crust for the ultimate patriotic dessert perfect for Memorial Day!

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And there you have it—Memorial Day Picnic Food Recipes for you to try!

Thank you for taking the time to read the post! 

I really hope you give one of the recipes a try and love it! Don’t forget to leave a star rating ★ in the comment section below. Your feedback will help others and also means a lot!

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Happy cooking!

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