25 Memorial Day Picnic Recipes

Caprese Appetizer

You can make a colorful and simple-to-serve Caprese Appetizer ahead of time and store it in a baking dish so it stays coated in olive oil to keep the basil green.

Super Easy Hummus

Hummus and other popular dips and spreads are easy to transport and will play nicely with all the vegetable sticks, chips, and crackers that are sure to show up to the picnic.

Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)

Fresh salsa tastes extra delicious on a balmy day. "Only addition was two cloves of garlic finely minced, added in with the onion, jalapeno, and lime juice. The marinating makes it amazing. It allows the flavors to blend," Lisa Cornley says.

Classic Savory Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are ever the crowd favorite. "Love, love, love. Tangy, pretty, and easy. It's fun to experiment with other versions, but this one is the one that reminds me of the version I grew up with. It's pure comfort food," writes Wondermom.

Simply Guacamole

Homemade guacamole is another people pleaser. "This is so easy and so good. It's always the hit of the party, and it's gone before anything else on the table," Paulina says.

• Get more ideas for summer appetizers.

Triple Dipped Fried Chicken

If you love fried chicken with a kick of spice, then you can't go wrong with this crispy, crunchy picnic favorite. Served hot or cold, you might want to make a double batch. Tip: When packing this crispy chicken for a picnic, make sure to cool it completely (so the skin doesn't get soggy) before wrapping in paper bags, to catch any extra oil.

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches

Try this delicious, saucy pork piled high on buns. "My husband said it was the best barbecue pulled pork he'd ever had," CookingMama says.

Real N'awlins Muffuletta

A giant slice-and-serve muffuletta sandwich would be perfect for a picnic, too. Wrap it in deli paper or wax paper to transport it.

California Club Chicken Wraps

Also worth considering: a heaping platter of rolls and wraps stuffed with whatever pleases your crowd. This would be a good choice if you have guests with many different dietary restrictions.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

It's an unwritten law that we should celebrate the unofficial first day of summer by firing up the grill. You can't have a Memorial Day barbecue without a little fire and smoke.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

An all-American holiday calls for an all-American cookout favorite: the hot dog. We have so many hot dog recipes for you to choose from; this Chicago-Style Hot Dog gives you a hint at all the inventive ways there are to serve them.

Tex-Mex Burger with Cajun Mayo

This anything-but-boring burger will get everyone's attention, starting with the smell of the patties sizzling on the grill.

• Get more ideas for Memorial Day grilling recipes.

Grilled Corn

The grill isn't just for meaty mains. It enhances the flavor of plants, too. Case in point: corn on the cob.

Quick Savory Grilled Peaches

Here's another side to add to the grill. "Truly amazing. The salty herb taste complements the sweet juicy peaches so well," Jennifer Baker says.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Every Memorial Day cookout menu needs a round-up of classic sides. The Antipasto Pasta Salad "serves a crowd and is great for picnics," Dayna says.

• More Pasta Salad Recipes

Sweet Restaurant Slaw

If slaw is your side of choice, stick with the classic Sweet Restaurant Slaw in a light, creamy dressing, or turn the tables a bit with crunchy and peanut buttery Asian Coleslaw.

• Summer Salad Inspiration

Boston Baked Beans

If beans are your side of choice, you can't go wrong with old-fashioned Boston Baked Beans.

Authentic German Potato Salad

Steamed potatoes are tossed in a sweet-tart dressing of sugar and vinegar, and mixed with a generous helping of bacon. Tip: For extra flavor, double the dressing ingredients and save half to toss with the salad right before serving.

• Find more Memorial Day side dishes here.

No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake

This easy Memorial Day dessert won't heat up your kitchen when you make it, and it can feed a crowd. You can use strawberries or raspberries to create the red stripes, if you wish. Tip: To make sure your flag is picture perfect (and the berry juices don't stain the frosting), slice and pack the fruit in separate containers, then top the cake after you get to your picnic perfect spot.

• 9 No-Bake Summer Desserts to Help You Keep Your Cool

Red, White and Blueberry Fruit Salad

Looking for an even lighter treat? We think you'll love this refreshing fruit salad.

American Flag Cake

If you're feeling ambitious, this amazing American Flag Cake makes an impressive Memorial Day desert. Watch this helpful video to learn how to make it.

Plum Jam Cookies

For a dessert that travels especially well, try your hand at these sandwich cookies or our Raspberry Star Cookies. Fill these babies with the jam or preserves of your choice.

Good Ol' Alabama Sweet Tea

Whether the weather is hot or not, you'll want to have a few refreshing beverages on hand. One of our most popular summer thirst-quenchers, this sweet tea will delight kids and grown-ups alike.

Vintage Lemonade

If you're still thirsty, whip up a batch of sweet and tangy lemonade. Tip: Save a few used plastic soda or milk bottles (carefully washed out) and re-use them to transport your lemonade without a mess (or breakable glass containers).

• Get more ideas for Memorial Day drinks for the whole family.

Jewel's Watermelon Margaritas

If you're looking for a drink just for the grown-ups, you'll love Jewel's Watermelon Margaritas.

• See our entire collection of Memorial Day recipes here.