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A Memorial Day cookout is as much about the sides and desserts as the meat off the grill. The burgers and ribs get the attention, but it’s the potato salad, baked beans, slaw, and dessert table that round out the meal and keep people sitting around the picnic table after the grill cools down.

These are the recipes I come back to every year for Memorial Day weekend. Most are make-ahead, all travel well to a friend’s house or a neighborhood gathering, and they hold up in warm weather without needing to be fussed over. Pick a couple of sides, one or two desserts, and you’ve got the easy half of the menu sorted while someone else minds the grill.

1
A plate of creamy apple coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots, garnished with two thin slices of green apple, served with a fork.
Apple Coleslaw with Cranberries
A crunchy, colorful slaw with sweet apples, cabbage, and tangy creamy dressing is easy, refreshing, and perfect for any meal.
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2
A freshly baked pie with a golden lattice crust and braided edges, filled with a red fruit filling, is displayed on a white surface next to a fork, beige napkin, and slice of pie.
Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe
This baked strawberry pie features a lattice crust and fresh strawberries with a sweet glaze.
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3
Dutch oven filled with Southern Baked Beans.
Southern Baked Beans Recipe
Southern Baked Beans have a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and lots of flavor from onion, peppers, bacon, and seasonings. These are easy and your folks will love them!
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4
A plate of broccoli slaw with shredded carrots, cabbage, and a creamy dressing, served with a fork.
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Whole-broccoli slaw with shredded stalks, florets and a creamy honey lime lemon pepper dressing that stays crisp.
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5
Close-up of lemon brownies topped with glaze and small lemon pieces, arranged on a rustic white surface.
Lemon Brownies Recipe
Chewy and bright lemon brownies topped with a fresh lemon glaze — the perfect sweet-tart treat!
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6
Closeup photo of pineapple slaw in a blue pottery bowl.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Pineapple Coleslaw with jalapeno and red bell pepper is just what you need to liven up your summer cookout! An easy, make ahead dish!
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7
A layered dessert bar with an Oreo cookie crust, creamy layers, whipped topping, chocolate pudding, and chocolate chips on a white plate.
Chocolate Lasagna Recipe with Oreos
Chocolate lasagna recipe with Oreos, silky pudding, thick Oreo crust, and crushed cookies on top. Cold, creamy, and no bake.
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8
A white bowl filled with macaroni salad mixed with diced vegetables and a creamy dressing, placed on a wooden surface.
Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe
A creamy, tangy Southern Macaroni Salad loaded with fresh veggies and classic flavors is perfect for any picnic or BBQ.
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9
A glass trifle bowl filled with layers of banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas, topped with crumbled wafers.
Southern Banana Pudding
Creamy, luscious, homemade custard makes all the difference in this Southern Banana Pudding.
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10
A bowl of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, bacon, and grated cheese, next to a blue and white checkered napkin.
Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
Chicken bacon pasta salad with crispy bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, and herbs—fresh, bold, and no mayo.
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11
A slice of key lime pie topped with whipped cream and lime slices sits on a white plate, showcasing the vibrant flavors of this classic key lime pie, with whole and cut limes in the background.
Key Lime Pie
A classic key lime pie recipe with a little cream cheese added and fresh squeezed juice from key limes and regular limes. It’s easy and refreshing!
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12
Jalapeno creamed corn with bacon, scallions, and cilantro is a great side dish for taco night, burgers on the grill, or slow-roasted pork. This cream style corn is a little spicy and everyone loves it!
Jalapeno Creamed Corn
Jalapeno creamed corn with bacon will have your guest salivating and demanding more. It's easy and delicious!
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13
A slice of cheesecake garnished with fresh strawberries, edible flowers, and a blueberry, served with a fork on a white background.
Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe
Lemon Icebox Pie is creamy and zesty, with fresh lemon juice and zest and Eagle Brand condensed milk–it’s a classic Southern staple!
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14
Serving of cream cheese banana pudding on a plate.
Cream Cheese Banana Pudding
Cream Cheese Banana Pudding is a delicious rendition of banana pudding with a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese layer, vanilla custard, and of course, bananas!
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15
Three chocolate brownies are stacked on a white plate, with a blurred glass of milk and additional brownies in the background.
Hershey’s Best Brownies
Hershey's cocoa brownies are perfectly chocolate, dense, slightly cakey and hit the spot every time!
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16
A glass and a pitcher of Southern Style sweet tea with lemon slices sit on a white embroidered cloth, accompanied by two whole lemons.
Sweet Tea Southern Style
A Southern staple, sweet tea is a simple, refreshing every day drink to have on hand.
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17
Chocolate chip cookies on a baking rack
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
The chocolate chip cookies from scratch are soft in the middle and a little crispy around the edges with extra chocolate and lots of brown sugar!
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18
A bowl of lemon basil pesto pasta salad ready to serve.
Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
A delicious, spring pesto pasta salad filled with vibrant colors and flavors. It works as a side or even as its own light summer lunch.
19
A pie with a pink creamy filling in a crumb crust, topped with fresh raspberries and small lemon wedges, on a white wooden surface.
Raspberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
A cool and creamy Raspberry Lemonade Pie that blends sweet berries and tart lemon for the perfect summer treat.
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20
A bowl of mixed fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi, and orange segments, garnished with mint and served with white utensils.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing, colorful fruit salad with a zesty honey-lime dressing is perfect for breakfast, snack, or a light dessert!
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21
A bowl of Greek orzo pasta salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives sits on a white surface next to a fork, a bowl of cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach leaves.
Orzo Greek Salad Recipe
Orzo tossed with spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta—fresh, simple, and perfect for make-ahead meals or sides.
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22
close up of salad with fresh diced watermelon and feta cheese crumbles
Watermelon Salad with Basil
This flavorful watermelon salad with basil is full of diced watermelon and crunchy cucumbers. Don't forget to top with feta cheese and dressing!
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23
Easy lemon bars with a zesty lemon custard over a crisp brown sugar shortbread crust—these lemon bars are lovely and delicious!
Easy Lemon Bars
Easy lemon bars with a zesty lemon custard atop a crisp brown sugar shortbread crust–these lemon bars are lovely and delicious!
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24
A bowl of quinoa salad with chickpeas, red bell peppers, red onions, feta cheese, and cilantro, with a wooden spoon for serving.
Quinoa and Chickpea Salad Recipe
A fresh, protein-packed Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with peppers, feta, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette—easy and delicious!
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25
A white bowl filled with spinach salad featuring sliced strawberries, shredded chicken, walnuts, and crumbled cheese.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken
This spinach salad with strawberries, chicken, feta, and walnuts topped with a maple balsamic vinaigrette is simple and delicious.
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A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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