Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to soak up some sun and enjoy delicious food with friends and family at the beach. From refreshing salads to mouthwatering grilled dishes, we’ve rounded up 25 recipe ideas that will make your seaside celebration a hit. Get ready to tantalize those taste buds and enjoy summer flavors while making lasting memories by the ocean!
Tropical Fruit Skewers with Coconut Dip
Tropical fruit skewers are a fun and colorful addition to any beach celebration. These skewers are loaded with fresh fruits like strawberries, mangoes, and watermelon. They not only look vibrant but taste refreshing, making them perfect for a warm day by the ocean.
The coconut dip adds a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the sweet and juicy fruits. Made from coconut cream and a hint of sweetness, it brings everything together. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for more!
Making these skewers is easy. Simply chop your favorite tropical fruits into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto wooden skewers. For the coconut dip, mix coconut cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla. Serve the skewers alongside the dip in coconut bowls for a delightful beach treat.
Classic Lobster Roll with Lemon Butter
Picture this: a sunny beach, the sound of waves crashing, and a delicious lobster roll right by your side. This classic dish brings the taste of the ocean straight to your picnic blanket. The image shows a beautifully crafted lobster roll, bright and inviting, topped with fresh lemon slices. The colors are vibrant, making it hard to resist. The juicy lobster meat peeks out, just waiting for you to take a bite.
Making a lobster roll is a delightful way to celebrate Memorial Day at the beach. To whip up this treat, you’ll need fresh lobster meat, butter, a soft roll, and a splash of lemon juice. Start by mixing the lobster meat with melted butter, adding a bit of lemon juice for that zesty kick. Then, pile it high in a toasted roll and garnish with lemon slices. This simple recipe offers a burst of flavor that’s perfect for a warm day.
Enjoy this classic dish while soaking up the sun, and savor each bite as you relax on the beach. It’s the perfect way to honor the holiday with great food and great company.
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer treat, especially perfect for Memorial Day at the beach. This image captures corn sizzling away on the grill, giving off that irresistible smoky aroma. The bright yellow kernels glisten with promise, ready to be enjoyed with family and friends.
To make this zesty dish, you’ll need fresh corn, butter, lime juice, and chili powder. Start by preheating your grill. Husk the corn and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This helps keep the corn moist while grilling. Once prepped, place the corn directly on the grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s charred and tender.
After grilling, slather on some melted butter, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder. This combo gives the corn a vibrant kick that’s refreshing and satisfying. Serve it straight off the grill for the best experience.
Enjoying grilled corn by the ocean adds a delightful touch to your Memorial Day picnic. Pair it with other great beach recipes, and you’ve got a meal to remember!
Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
This Watermelon Feta Salad is a perfect dish for your Memorial Day beach gathering. The vibrant red of fresh watermelon contrasts beautifully with the creamy white feta and bright green mint, creating a visually stunning salad. Served in a colorful bowl, it invites everyone to dig in.
The sweetness of the watermelon pairs wonderfully with the salty feta, while mint adds a refreshing touch. It’s a light and flavorful option that can balance out heartier beach foods like burgers and hot dogs.
To make this salad, you’ll need ripe watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Start by chopping the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, then mix in the feta and chopped mint. Dress it all with lime juice and olive oil for a simple yet delicious finish.
Not only is this salad easy to prepare, but it can also be made ahead of time to save precious moments on the beach. Enjoy this refreshing dish while soaking up the sun and celebrating with friends and family!
Grilled veggie wraps make for a tasty and healthy option for Memorial Day at the beach. Picture this: two wraps lying on a sandy beach, perfectly grilled and filled with vibrant vegetables. You can see fresh lettuce, colorful peppers, and crunchy celery peeking out, ready to be enjoyed.
These wraps are not just appealing; they’re easy to make. Grab some whole wheat tortillas, hummus, and your choice of veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and onions. Spread a generous layer of hummus on each tortilla, layer in the veggies, and roll them up tightly. A quick grill on the barbecue adds a delicious smoky flavor.
These wraps are perfect for a beach picnic. They’re light, nutritious, and incredibly delicious. Pack them in a cooler, and you’ll have a refreshing meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to serve them with extra hummus for dipping.
Berry and yogurt parfaits are the perfect treat for a sunny Memorial Day at the beach. These colorful layers of yogurt, fresh berries, and granola bring a refreshing burst of flavor. The bright hues of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries make this dessert as eye-catching as it is delicious.
To make your parfait, simply gather your favorite berries, creamy yogurt, and some crunchy granola. Begin by layering yogurt at the bottom of a glass, followed by a layer of berries, and then sprinkle some granola. Repeat these layers until the glass is full. Finish off with a few extra berries on top for that perfect look!
Not only do these parfaits look beautiful, but they are also a healthy option for your beach day. They are easy to pack and won’t take up much space in your cooler. Grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy the waves while savoring every bite!
Pineapple Coconut Rice
Pineapple Coconut Rice is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your beach day. This recipe combines fluffy rice with pineapple and coconut for a sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or seafood.
Imagine sitting by the shore with the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing. A bowl of this rice makes for a refreshing addition to any Memorial Day meal. The vibrant colors of the dish, highlighted by fresh pineapple, make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need ingredients like jasmine rice, coconut milk, fresh pineapple, and a sprinkle of salt. Cooking it is straightforward: simply combine the rice and coconut milk, let it simmer, and then stir in the pineapple pieces. This simple process results in a dish that is both comforting and exciting, perfect for enjoying on a sunny day.
Imagine sipping a refreshing drink while soaking up the sun at the beach. The image shows two mason jars filled with delightful beverages—one iced tea and the other lemonade. Both drinks are garnished with fresh mint and lemon slices, making them look even more inviting.
This combination of lemonade and mint iced tea is a perfect way to cool down on a hot Memorial Day. It’s simple to make and super refreshing, providing just the right balance of sweetness and herbal notes.
To whip up this delicious drink, gather your ingredients: fresh mint leaves, lemons, tea bags, sugar, and water. Start by brewing your tea and letting it cool. While that’s happening, mix fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water for the lemonade. Combine both drinks in a jar and garnish with mint and lemon slices. Chill and enjoy!
Mini key lime pies in cups are a fun and delightful treat perfect for Memorial Day at the beach. These little desserts are easy to make and serve, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.
The image captures these charming pies sitting on a beach table, surrounded by fresh limes and a beautiful sunny backdrop. The cups showcase a creamy, bright filling with a graham cracker crust at the top, giving a nod to the classic key lime pie.
Ingredients for this recipe include key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and graham cracker crumbs. You’ll want to mix the key lime juice with the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese until smooth. Pour this mixture into cups with a sprinkle of graham cracker on top for a crunchy finish.
Chill them for a bit to set, and you’ll have the perfect dessert to enjoy while soaking up the sun. They’re refreshing, tasty, and sure to impress everyone at your beach gathering!
Frozen Fruit Pops
When the sun is shining and the beach is calling, nothing beats a refreshing frozen fruit pop. These colorful treats not only look great but taste amazing too. Perfect for cooling down on a hot Memorial Day, they pack a fruity punch that everyone will love.
To make frozen fruit pops, gather your favorite fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, and kiwi. Blend them with a bit of coconut water or juice for sweetness. Pour the mixture into molds, add sticks, and freeze until solid. You can even layer different flavors to create a rainbow effect!
These pops are easy to make and a hit with kids and adults alike. Just imagine enjoying one while lounging on the beach, feeling the ocean breeze. They’re a fun way to celebrate the holiday with a healthy twist.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a sweet and simple treat that fits perfectly into your Memorial Day beach celebration. Picture a plate of these delightful berries, their bright red hues peeking out from glossy chocolate coats. The sandy beach and ocean waves create a fantastic backdrop for this delicious snack.
These treats are not only easy to make but also fun to share with friends and family. Just imagine biting into a juicy strawberry, the chocolate melting in your mouth. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that everyone loves.
To make them, you will need fresh strawberries, chocolate (dark or milk), and optional toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. Simply melt the chocolate, dip each strawberry, and let them cool on parchment paper. For extra flair, you can drizzle some white chocolate over them.
Serve these at your beach picnic, and watch them disappear quickly! They add a festive touch to your Memorial Day feast and are sure to impress your guests.
Peach Iced Tea Lemonade is a refreshing drink perfect for Memorial Day at the beach. Imagine sipping this sweet and tangy drink while soaking in the sun. The combination of iced tea and lemonade brings together two classics, making it a hit for anyone looking to cool off.
To make this tasty beverage, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with brewed iced tea, fresh lemonade, and ripe peaches. Slice the peaches thinly to add a vibrant touch to your drink. Mix the iced tea with lemonade in equal parts, then toss in the peach slices. Serve it over ice for an extra chill.
This drink is not just enjoyable; it also adds a pop of color to your beach gathering. Picture the beautifully layered drink in a tall glass, glistening in the sunlight. Pair it with some beach snacks, and you have the perfect summer treat!
