Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summertime for many of us. We honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom and spend time with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of picnics, pool parties and cookouts, all of which have something in common: great food!
To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of simple recipes that will be easy winners for any Memorial Day gathering, whether you’re a host or just a participant. Read on for some delicious ideas that will help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time hanging out this Memorial Day weekend.
Taco Lime Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is sure to satisfy, and this recipe by Closet Cooking is an easy-to-make, delicious centerpiece for your Memorial Day gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup lime juice (~2 limes)
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts
Directions
- Mix the taco seasoning and lime juice, cover the chicken in the mixture and optionally marinate for 30 minutes to over night.
- Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side, let sit for 5 minutes and slice before enjoying!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
There are few side-dishes that say summertime more than corn on the cob. Try this delicious recipe by Blissful Basil for a tasty twist on a classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- smoked paprika, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Heat grill over high until hot.
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If you want a bit of a char on the corn, pull back a few of the husks on each ear of corn. Place the corn directly on the grill, cover, and grill for 15 to 20 minutes or until the husks are charred on all sides, rotating occasionally. Remove and let cool until they can safely be handled.
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Remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. You can either discard the husks completely or fold them back to use as handles.
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Use a pastry brush or your hands to spread the coconut oil over each ear of corn. Place the corn on a serving platter, sprinkle with the smoked paprika, spritz with the fresh lime juice, sprinkle with cilantro, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Serve.
Stove-Top Macaroni & Cheese
It’s not a real cookout if there’s no mac n’ cheese! This recipe for easy macaroni & cheese by Genius Kitchen requires only 30 minutes and serves 6.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1⁄4 cup butter
- 1⁄4 cup flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or 8 ounces cheddar cheese
Directions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes stirring constantly to form a roux; add salt and pepper; slowly add milk, stirring well after each addition.
- Cook and stir until bubbly.
- Stir in cheese a small amount at a time until fully melted.
- Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce; stir to coat.
Flag Fruit Dessert
This ingenious dessert by Family Fresh Meals takes just a few minutes to prepare. It’s also a relatively healthy option for a dessert dish.
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups of red fresh fruit (i.e. strawberries, cherries, raspberries)
- 2 cups of blueberries
- 3 cups of yogurt or white chocolate covered pretzels
Directions
- Wash fresh fruit and dry.
- Lay out fruit and pretzels to represent the flag stripes.
- Place a small bowl of blueberries on the top left.
Now, Enjoy!
We wish you a great Memorial Day weekend, and hope these recipes make your gathering delicious!
