Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays, mainly because it’s so low-key and comes with so few expectations. You want to host a giant neighborhood cookout? Sure, go for it. Or you can just take it easy, plant some flowers, and take a hike with your family, and no one is going to fault you for that. Plus this holiday kicks off my favorite season of the year… summer!

Of course we want to take a few minutes to remember and honor the men and women in the military who gave their lives for our country and our freedom. I don’t mean to slip that in there like I’m just trying to get it out of the way and move on to sunnier topics. I am truly grateful for every single one of those men and women. And to all who are serving or have served and by God’s grace are still here to read this, I sincerely thank you.

If you find yourself hosting a cookout this weekend, here is the perfect Memorial Day menu. You can certainly choose to make one or two of these dishes, or use the entire menu, whatever works for you! These recipes are all tried and true and guaranteed to be a hit where ever you will be spending this Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Cookout Menu

Gourmet Burgers: This recipe takes hamburgers up a notch. I always make mine this way, and they’re fantastic.

Tequila Lime Chicken: This is one of our favorite chicken marinades. It’s loaded with flavor, with a Southwestern flair. It’s great served with the avocado bean salad below.

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs: Once you have these deviled eggs, you’ll never go back to the traditional plain ones. Filled with shredded cheddar and crispy bacon, these will be gone in a flash. Hint: make double!

Warm Potato Salad: I love this twist on the traditional mayonnaise-based potato salad. With the fresh herbs, it’s perfect for summer parties.

Sweet & Spicy Baked Beans: These are amazing served with the gourmet burgers above.

Tuscan Tomato & Onion Salad: This salad is the perfect mix of bright, summery flavors. I make it weekly when tomatoes are in season. It’s a great take-along dish when you’re going to a potluck or picnic.

Avocado Bean Salad: This flavorful salad gets better the longer it sits, making it another great dish to bring to potlucks and picnics.

Strawberry Pretzel Parfaits: The perfect blend of salty and sweet, this is a dessert is a hit with adults and kids alike. This is one you will want to assemble right before devouring it; otherwise the pretzels get soggy.

Mint Mojitos: The most popular recipe on my blog, these are the BEST MOJITOS around, I am telling you. You need to make these TONIGHT. Test them out, and then serve them again on Monday. Your guests will thank you.

I hope you have a restful, relaxing weekend full of family, friends, food and libation (in moderation, of course!) Enjoy your Memorial Day!