Memorial Day Weekend Grilling Recipes

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and nothing says celebration like firing up the grill. From juicy burgers to vibrant vegetable skewers, grilling brings bold flavors and a communal spirit to any gathering. This collection of recipes offers a diverse array of mains, sides, and desserts, catering to meat lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual picnic, these dishes will elevate your grill game with classic techniques and modern twists.

Grilling Tips for Success

Before diving into the recipes, here are a few tips to ensure grilling perfection:

• Preheat the Grill: A hot grill (400–500°F for most recipes) ensures proper searing and prevents sticking.
• Oil the Grates: Use a paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grates, reducing stickiness.
• Use a Thermometer: For meats, check internal temperatures (e.g., 165°F for chicken, 135°F for medium-rare steak).
• Rest Meats: Let meats rest for 5–10 minutes post-grilling to retain juices.
• Experiment with Wood Chips: Soak chips like hickory or applewood for smoky flavor.

Main Dishes (20 Recipes)

1. Classic Cheeseburgers

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20), salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, buns, lettuce, tomato, onion.
Instructions: Form 4 patties, season generously. Grill over medium-high heat (400°F) for 4–5 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last minute. Toast buns on the grill. Assemble with toppings.
Flavor Profile: Juicy, savory, with melty cheese and crisp veggies.

2. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, paprika.
Instructions: Season thighs, grill over medium heat (350°F) for 6–8 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce in the final 2 minutes.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, tangy, with caramelized sauce.

3. Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Herb Glaze

Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic.
Instructions: Marinate salmon in oil, lemon, and herbs for 20 minutes. Grill skin-side down over medium heat (400°F) for 4–5 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Bright, fresh, with a crispy skin.

4. Carne Asada Tacos

Ingredients: 1 lb skirt steak, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chipotle powder, tortillas.
Instructions: Marinate steak for 1 hour. Grill over high heat (450°F) for 3–4 minutes per side. Slice thinly, serve in warm tortillas with salsa.
Flavor Profile: Zesty, smoky, with a spicy kick.

5. Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, honey, lime juice, Sriracha, bell peppers.
Instructions: Cube chicken, marinate in honey-lime mix for 30 minutes. Skewer with peppers, grill over medium heat (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Flavor Profile: Sweet-spicy, with vibrant citrus notes.

6. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients: 4 large portobello caps, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, buns, arugula.
Instructions: Marinate mushrooms for 15 minutes. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 5–6 minutes per side. Serve on buns with arugula.
Flavor Profile: Meaty, umami-rich, with tangy depth.

7. Spicy Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, chili powder, garlic, lime zest, skewers.
Instructions: Toss shrimp in spices and oil, skewer. Grill over high heat (450°F) for 2–3 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Fiery, zesty, with a quick char.

8. Pork Chops with Lemongrass Marinade

Ingredients: 4 pork chops, lemongrass, fish sauce, brown sugar.
Instructions: Marinate chops for 2 hours. Grill over medium-high heat (400°F) for 5–6 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Savory-sweet, with Southeast Asian flair.

9. Cedar Plank Salmon

Ingredients: 1 salmon fillet, cedar plank, maple syrup, mustard, dill.
Instructions: Soak plank for 1 hour. Brush salmon with glaze, place on plank, grill over medium heat (375°F) for 15–20 minutes.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, sweet, with a woodsy essence.

10. Vegan Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients: 1 can black beans, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, buns.
Instructions: Mash beans, mix with sautéed mushrooms and spices, form patties. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 4–5 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Hearty, smoky, with a satisfying texture.

11. Grilled Lamb Kofta

Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb, cumin, coriander, mint, yogurt sauce.
Instructions: Mix lamb with spices, form into skewers. Grill over high heat (450°F) for 8–10 minutes, turning often. Serve with yogurt.
Flavor Profile: Spiced, aromatic, with cooling yogurt.

12. Tequila Lime Chicken

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, tequila, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño.
Instructions: Marinate chicken for 1 hour. Grill over medium heat (400°F) for 6–7 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Bright, boozy, with a spicy edge.

13. Grilled Tofu with Green Sauce

Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, olive oil.
Instructions: Press tofu, slice, marinate in oil and lime. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 4–5 minutes per side. Serve with blended herb sauce.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, herbaceous, with a firm bite.

14. Hanger Steak with Chimichurri

Ingredients: 1 lb hanger steak, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar.
Instructions: Season steak, grill over high heat (450°F) for 4–5 minutes per side. Slice against grain, top with chimichurri.
Flavor Profile: Robust, herbaceous, with a tangy sauce.

15. Grilled Lobster Tails

Ingredients: 4 lobster tails, butter, garlic, lemon.
Instructions: Split tails, brush with garlic butter. Grill shell-side down over medium heat (400°F) for 6–8 minutes.
Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery, with a delicate char.

16. Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers

Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, sweet chili sauce, scallions, buns.
Instructions: Mix turkey with sauce and scallions, form patties. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 5–6 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Sweet-spicy, with Asian-inspired flair.

17. Grilled Eggplant Steaks

Ingredients: 2 large eggplants, olive oil, za’atar, yogurt.
Instructions: Slice eggplant into thick rounds, brush with oil and spices. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 4–5 minutes per side. Serve with yogurt.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, earthy, with Middle Eastern notes.

18. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients: Pizza dough, chicken, BBQ sauce, mozzarella, red onion.
Instructions: Grill chicken, chop. Roll out dough, grill one side for 2 minutes, flip, add toppings. Grill over low heat (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, cheesy, with sweet BBQ tang.

19. Seven-Spice Pork Ribs

Ingredients: 2 racks pork ribs, seven-spice blend, honey, soy sauce.
Instructions: Rub ribs with spices, grill over low heat (300°F) for 2–3 hours, basting with honey-soy glaze.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, with complex spices.

20. Grilled Tuna Steaks

Ingredients: 4 tuna steaks, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger.
Instructions: Marinate tuna for 20 minutes. Grill over high heat (450°F) for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Flavor Profile: Umami-rich, with a seared crust.

Sides (15 Recipes)

21. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients: 6 ears corn, butter, chili powder.
Instructions: Peel back husks, brush with butter and spices, re-cover. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, with a spicy kick.

22. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients: Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, rosemary.
Instructions: Skewer veggies, brush with oil and herbs. Grill over medium heat (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, turning often.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, herby, with charred edges.

23. Grilled Potato Wedges

Ingredients: 4 potatoes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder.
Instructions: Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and spices. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Flavor Profile: Crispy, smoky, with savory seasoning.

24. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

Ingredients: 1 lb asparagus, olive oil, lemon zest, parmesan.
Instructions: Toss asparagus with oil, grill over high heat (450°F) for 3–4 minutes, turning once. Top with lemon and parmesan.
Flavor Profile: Bright, nutty, with a charred bite.

25. Grilled Watermelon Salad

Ingredients: Watermelon slices, feta, mint, balsamic glaze.
Instructions: Grill watermelon over high heat (450°F) for 2 minutes per side. Top with feta, mint, and glaze.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, with fresh herbs.

26. Grilled Zucchini Ribbons

Ingredients: 3 zucchinis, olive oil, garlic, thyme.
Instructions: Slice zucchini thinly, toss with oil and spices. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 2–3 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Delicate, garlicky, with a smoky char.

27. Grilled Romaine Caesar

Ingredients: 2 romaine hearts, olive oil, Caesar dressing, croutons.
Instructions: Halve romaine, brush with oil. Grill cut-side down over high heat (450°F) for 1–2 minutes. Top with dressing and croutons.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, creamy, with a crisp bite.

28. Grilled Sweet Potato Slices

Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, olive oil, cinnamon, brown sugar.
Instructions: Slice potatoes, brush with oil and spices. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 5–6 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, caramelized, with warm spices.

29. Grilled Avocado Halves

Ingredients: 3 avocados, lime juice, chili flakes, cilantro.
Instructions: Halve avocados, brush with lime and oil. Grill cut-side down over medium heat (400°F) for 3–4 minutes. Top with cilantro.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, smoky, with a zesty finish.

30. Grilled Pineapple Rings

Ingredients: 1 pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon.
Instructions: Slice pineapple into rings, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 3–4 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, caramelized, with tropical warmth.

31. Grilled Mushrooms with Garlic Butter

Ingredients: 1 lb cremini mushrooms, butter, garlic, parsley.
Instructions: Skewer mushrooms, brush with garlic butter. Grill over medium heat (400°F) for 6–8 minutes.
Flavor Profile: Umami, buttery, with a charred depth.

32. Grilled Green Beans

Ingredients: 1 lb green beans, olive oil, lemon, almonds.
Instructions: Toss beans with oil, grill in a basket over medium heat (375°F) for 8–10 minutes. Top with lemon and almonds.
Flavor Profile: Crisp, nutty, with citrusy brightness.

33. Grilled Polenta Cakes

Ingredients: 1 tube polenta, olive oil, rosemary, parmesan.
Instructions: Slice polenta, brush with oil and herbs. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 4–5 minutes per side. Top with parmesan.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, with a crispy exterior.

34. Grilled Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients: 2 pints cherry tomatoes, olive oil, basil, balsamic.
Instructions: Skewer tomatoes, brush with oil. Grill over high heat (450°F) for 2–3 minutes, turning often. Drizzle with balsamic and basil.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, bursty, with tangy herbs.

35. Grilled Halloumi Slices

Ingredients: 8 oz halloumi, olive oil, oregano.
Instructions: Slice halloumi, brush with oil and oregano. Grill over medium heat (400°F) for 2–3 minutes per side.
Flavor Profile: Salty, squeaky, with a charred crust.

Desserts (5 Recipes)

36. Grilled Peach Halves

Ingredients: 4 peaches, honey, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream.
Instructions: Halve peaches, brush with honey. Grill cut-side down over medium heat (375°F) for 3–4 minutes. Serve with ice cream.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, juicy, with warm spice.

37. Grilled Banana Boats

Ingredients: 4 bananas, chocolate chips, marshmallows.
Instructions: Slice bananas lengthwise in skin, stuff with chocolate and marshmallows. Wrap in foil, grill over low heat (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.
Flavor Profile: Gooey, sweet, with a campfire vibe.

38. Grilled Pound Cake Slices

Ingredients: 1 pound cake, butter, berries, whipped cream.
Instructions: Slice cake, brush with butter. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 1–2 minutes per side. Top with berries and cream.
Flavor Profile: Toasty, sweet, with fresh fruit.

39. Grilled Apple Slices

Ingredients: 4 apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, caramel sauce.
Instructions: Slice apples, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 3–4 minutes per side. Drizzle with caramel.
Flavor Profile: Warm, spiced, with gooey sweetness.

40. Grilled Pineapple with Rum Glaze

Ingredients: 1 pineapple, rum, brown sugar, mint.
Instructions: Slice pineapple, brush with rum-sugar mix. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 3–4 minutes per side. Garnish with mint.
Flavor Profile: Tropical, boozy, with caramelized sweetness.

Conclusion

These 40 grilling recipes offer a vibrant mix of flavors and techniques, perfect for Memorial Day Weekend or any summer gathering. From classic burgers to vegan-friendly options and indulgent desserts, there’s something for every palate. Fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the smoky, savory, and sweet delights of outdoor cooking.