Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer around here — kids running around outside, something on the grill, and friends gathered around the table without anything feeling too fussy. And when I’m hosting, I want a menu that feels fresh, colorful, relaxed, and easy to put together. For me, the sweet spot is a mix of make-ahead sides, a good grilling moment, a few things that look impressive without requiring a ton of effort, and a dessert everyone gets excited about.
Basically: elevated enough to feel special, but easy enough that you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside enjoying themselves. So if I were hosting for Memorial Day this year, this is exactly what I’d serve:
Starter: A Big Beautiful Cheese Board
Because every good summer gathering starts with snacks people can graze on while the grill heats up. A mix of cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, veggies, dips, nuts, and something sweet like jam or honey. A little something for everyone!
Hosting tip: assemble most of it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge, and add crackers right before guests arrive.
Salads & Sides
Watermelon Feta Checkerboard Salad
This is the “cool girl salad” that looks chic and disappears within minutes every single time. It’s refreshing, salty, juicy, and perfect for warm weather hosting. The checkerboard presentation makes it feel elevated without actually being difficult, and the combination of sweet watermelon, creamy feta, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic is basically summer on a plate.
Lemony Orzo Salad with Arugula
Every Memorial Day menu needs a really good pasta salad situation, and this is mine. It’s bright, herby, lemony, packed with texture, and feels lighter than a traditional mayo-heavy pasta salad. The peppery arugula balances everything perfectly, and it pairs with literally anything coming off the grill. I love serving this chilled or room temperature, which also makes hosting easier.
Click here for the recipe.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
If there’s one thing everyone hovers around at a party, it’s crispy potatoes. These are crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and honestly impossible not to eat straight from the tray. I usually serve them with some kind of herby yogurt sauce, garlic aioli, or ketchup for the kids.
Pro tip: boil and smash them earlier in the day, then roast right before serving so they’re extra crispy.
Main Course
Grilled Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers have been on repeat in our house lately and they’re perfect for Memorial Day hosting because they feel a little lighter than traditional burgers but still super satisfying. I load them up with red onion, herbs, garlic, and bell pepper for extra flavor and moisture, then let everyone customize their own with toppings. Set out buns, lettuce wraps, avocado, tomatoes, pickles, sauces — whatever you love — and let guests build their own plates.
Hosting tip: form the patties ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
Dessert
Brookie Skillet
Because every summer party deserves a gooey brownie cookie with melty vanilla ice cream. This brookie skillet is the best combination of brownies + cookies baked together into one gooey, crispy-edged dessert situation. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s heavenly!
Whether you’re hosting a full backyard BBQ or just keeping things simple with family and friends, this menu is guaranteed to make the day feel a little extra special without adding unnecessary stress. Here’s to easy summer hosting, really good food, and making the kind of memories everyone wants to come back for year after year.
