37 Essential Memorial Day Side Dishes for the Ultimate Cookout
From fresh salads to hearty beans, these crowd-pleasing side dishes will make your Memorial Day cookout unforgettable.
As the unofficial launch of summer, Memorial Day is best celebrated outdoors with family, friends, and a feast that highlights the season’s freshest flavors. While main dishes like burgers and ribs command attention, it’s the ensemble of spectacular side dishes that truly makes a cookout memorable. From vibrant salads and grilled vegetables to comforting beans and irresistible dips, these recipes offer something for every palate—and every picnic table.
Why Side Dishes Matter on Memorial Day
Side dishes aren’t just supporting players at your Memorial Day spread—they round out the meal, offer a chance to experiment with seasonal produce, and often steal the show with unexpected flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving a few close friends or feeding an army, versatile side dishes help you accommodate dietary preferences, highlight local produce, and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Our Best Memorial Day Side Dishes
Below, explore 37 inspiring and crowd-pleasing side dish recipes designed to complement any Memorial Day menu. Each dish takes advantage of early summer’s bounty, featuring creative salad twists, make-ahead classics, and fresh takes on timeless favorites.
1. Early Summer Panzanella
A celebration of summer’s earliest vegetables, this panzanella tosses chunks of crusty bread with juicy tomatoes and a pesto made from garlic scapes for a fragrant and colorful base. The salad shines with basil, olive oil, and just enough crunch, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats or as a vegetarian centerpiece.
2. Instant Pot Baked Beans With Bacon
Upgrade your baked beans with this easy, hearty recipe. Made in the Instant Pot, tender beans mingle with smoky bacon and a balanced sauce, delivering deep flavor without the wait. This dish is perfect alongside everything from burgers to veggie kebabs, and it tastes even better the next day.
3. Summer Farro Salad
Swap out the typical pasta salad for this nutty, chewy farro version. Finished with creamy mozzarella, briny kalamata olives, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fragrant basil, the salad holds up well at room temperature. Spritz with lemon and olive oil for a satisfying bite that pairs with anything off the grill.
4. Grilled Eggplant & Peach Caprese Salad
This salad proves that you can reinvent even the most classic combinations. Slices of grilled eggplant and fresh peaches mingle with soft mozzarella balls and basil for a sweet and smoky twist on Caprese. A drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of flaky salt tie the dish together.
5. Spicy Watermelon With Tomatoes, Prosciutto & Salted-Lime Yogurt
A no-cook main or side, this zesty watermelon salad contrasts sweet fruit and salty prosciutto with creamy salted-lime yogurt. Tossed with cherry tomatoes and finished with herbs, it’s as eye-catching as it is satisfying.
6. Cacio e Pepe Panzanella With Corn & Burrata
In this playful salad, cacio e pepe-flavored croutons meet creamy burrata and sweet corn kernels. The blend of pepper, cheese, warm bread, and lush cheese makes it a memorable addition to your table—ideal when corn is just beginning its peak.
7. Creamed Corn (Dairy-Free)
This lighter take on the icon uses corn’s own starch and liquid instead of heavy cream. Scraped fresh corn cobs yield a thick, naturally sweet dish that balances richness with a clean finish—a must for those seeking dairy-free options.
8. Grilled Romaine With Hot Dog Crispies & Pickle-Mustard Vinaigrette
Charred romaine hearts are topped with crisped hot dog slices and tossed with a briny, zippy pickle-mustard vinaigrette. This playful salad pays homage to picnic classics in a wholly unexpected format.
- Pro Tip: When grilling lettuce or vegetables, brush lightly with olive oil and grill over high heat for only a few seconds to preserve crispness.
9. Classic Potato Salad With a Twist
No Memorial Day menu is complete without potato salad. This updated version combines new potatoes, grainy mustard, pickle juice, and chopped herbs in a creamy, tangy dressing. The flavors brighten up with a touch of lemon zest, adding just enough zing to cut through hearty mains.
10. Charred Corn & Black Bean Salad
Fresh corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and scallions mingle in a smoky, citrusy vinaigrette. Serve chilled or at room temperature—this side holds up through long, lazy picnic afternoons and is vegan-friendly, making it universally welcome.
11. Southern Collard Greens
Slow-simmered collards get extra flavor from smoked turkey or bacon and tang from a splash of vinegar. These greens offer a soulful counterpoint to grilled meats and rich side dishes. Serve with hot sauce for a Southern-inspired punch.
12. Marinated Cucumber & Tomato Salad
This salad leans into the abundance of early-summer produce: thin slices of cucumber and ripe tomatoes are tossed in a vinegar-based dressing with onions and dill. Light, crunchy, and endlessly refreshing—just what you want during warmer weather.
13. Creamy Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni, peas, diced celery, and shredded carrots come together in a lightly sweetened mayonnaise dressing. This nostalgic classic sits well on picnic tables for hours and always disappears quickly.
14. Grilled Zucchini With Lemon & Mint
Sliced zucchini gets a smoky finish from the grill, then is tossed with a splash of lemon juice, fresh mint, and flaky sea salt. It’s a clean, modern side that pairs as well with chicken as with grilled fish or vegetarian mains.
15. Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw
Crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onion are tossed with a honey-vinegar dressing that strikes a balance between sweet and tart. A touch of celery seed adds classic picnic flavor. This slaw is a reliable companion for pulled pork, burgers, or anything rich and hearty.
More Grilled and Chilled Favorites
- Pasta Primavera Salad: Al dente pasta, asparagus, peas, and cherry tomatoes tossed with herby vinaigrette— vibrant and satisfying.
- Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice: Comfort in a casserole, this side brims with broccoli florets and melted cheddar.
- Crunchy Snap Pea Salad: Sliced snap peas, radishes, and chives with lemony dressing—perfectly crisp and light.
- Texas-Style Pinto Beans: Simmered with onion, garlic, and a hint of chili powder for a smoky, hearty side.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Cumin-Lime Yogurt: Wedges are roasted to caramelized perfection, then topped with a citrusy yogurt sauce.
Highlight: Salad Variations Stealing the Show
| Salad | Main Flavor Profile | Best Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Early Summer Panzanella | Tomato-basil, garlicky pesto | Grilled chicken, veggie skewers |
| Grilled Eggplant & Peach Caprese | Smoky-sweet, creamy mozzarella | Burgers, pork ribs |
| Summer Farro Salad | Chewy grain, olives, mozzarella | Baked beans, steak |
| Spicy Watermelon Salad | Spicy-sweet, salty prosciutto | Seafood, grilled skewers |
| Cacio e Pepe Panzanella | Peppery, creamy cheese, corn | Jobrata, grilled corn |
Unexpected Sides for Adventurous Eaters
- Grilled Eggplant With Miso & Doenjang: Smoky eggplant is brushed with a sweet-and-salty miso and doenjang glaze. The next day, blend leftovers into a creamy dip for pita chips.
- Ignacio Mattos’ Grilled Favas: Whole fava beans, charred and finished with chili, lemon, and anchovy, make for a snackable, shareable plate bursting with umami.
- Sour Cream & Chive Smoked Herring Dip: This nostalgic, creamy dip channels seaside picnics. Use any canned, smoked, or flaked fish for an easy, make-ahead option great with crackers and raw veggies.
- Steakhouse Wedge Salad: A crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce drenched in homemade blue cheese dressing, finished with cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon, brings classic restaurant flavor home.
- Burrata With Roasted Asparagus, Brown Butter & Hazelnuts: Nutty brown butter, crunchy hazelnuts, and sweet roasted asparagus elevate this appetizer. If burrata is unavailable, whipped feta with Greek yogurt offers a creamy stand-in.
Tips for Crowd-Pleasing Side Dishes
- Prepare salads and bean dishes in advance to let the flavors meld; many improve after several hours in the fridge.
- For grilled sides, keep a separate medium-hot section of the grill for veggies to prevent burning.
- Combine hot and cold sides for a varied buffet, and use large platters for easy serving.
- Don’t fear the fusion: mixing cuisines (like Mediterranean flavors with Southern classics) keeps your spread lively.
Memorial Day Side Dish FAQ
Q: What are must-have Memorial Day side dishes for a traditional spread?
A: Classics include creamy potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and a vibrant green salad. Adding a grilled or roasted vegetable enhances the menu and accommodates guests with dietary preferences.
Q: How can I make sides ahead of time and keep them fresh?
A: Many salads—especially grain or bean salads—taste better when made the night before. Store dressings separately and toss with other ingredients shortly before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
Q: What’s a good vegetarian or vegan side dish option?
A: Grain-based salads like farro with vegetables, marinated bean salads, and grilled vegetable platters are excellent choices. Dairy-free “creamed corn” and vinaigrette-based slaws are also vegan-friendly hits.
Q: Are there any make-ahead dips for Memorial Day gatherings?
A: Yes, smoked herring dip, hummus, tzatziki, or even guacamole can be prepared a day ahead. Store with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to retain smoothness and flavor.
Q: Can I grill produce a day ahead, or will it get soggy?
A: Most grilled produce (like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers) will keep well for a day, though it’s best to grill shortly before serving for the crispest texture. Reheat briefly or serve at room temperature.
Summary Table: 10 Standout Side Dishes
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Summer Panzanella | Bread, tomatoes, garlic scapes | Herby, tangy, robust |
| Instant Pot Baked Beans | Beans, bacon, molasses | Rich, smoky, sweet |
| Summer Farro Salad | Farro, mozzarella, tomatoes | Nutty, creamy, fresh |
| Grilled Eggplant & Peach Caprese | Eggplant, peaches, mozzarella | Smoky, sweet, floral |
| Spicy Watermelon Salad | Watermelon, tomatoes, prosciutto | Juicy, spicy, salty |
| Cacio e Pepe Panzanella | Croutons, corn, burrata | Peppery, buttery, cheesy |
| Creamed Corn | Corn, corn liquid | Sweet, silky, light |
| Grilled Romaine Salad | Romaine, hot dogs, pickles | Smoky, tangy, crunchy |
| Steakhouse Wedge Salad | Iceberg, blue cheese, tomatoes | Cold, creamy, savory |
| Burrata With Asparagus | Burrata, asparagus, hazelnuts | Nutty, buttery, green |
With this vibrant collection of 37 side dishes—featuring salads, grains, beans, vegetables, and dips—you’ll be ready to kick off summer with crowd-pleasing flavors and creative flair. Mix and match for the ultimate Memorial Day feast, and enjoy the start of the season with good food and even better company.
