With Memorial Day just around the corner, I made a list of some of my favorite recipes to share! In fact, I'm looking forward to spending time with family over the holiday, and what better way to celebrate than with food. Because I love to BBQ, I compiled 20 Great Recipes for Memorial Day to share with your families.
MY FAVORITE APPETIZERS FOR A FUN MEMORIAL DAY PARTY
First, I like to serve my family's favorite appetizers during the day for the kids to munch on and enjoy! Since they are my taste kitchen critics, I always ask what they want to eat before making my grocery list. Even though they picked some older, classic recipes, they also chose some new ones. So, this Memorial Day, my family suggests these fam favorites!
(SKINNY NACHO CHEESE DIP)
For instance, this oldie but goodie is requested every time I host a party. Regardless of the celebration, nacho cheese dip is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, raw vegetables, and roasted vegetables. I always make a double batch because it goes so quickly. And, if you have leftovers, nacho cheese sauce is perfect for Vegan Chili Mac, Healthy Mac and Cheese, and Tater Tot Nachos.
(VEGAN LAYERED GREEK DIP)
Obviously, my family likes to dip! This layered Greek Dip, however, is simple to make, yet layered in fabulous. With layers of hummus, roasted chickpeas, and fresh vegetables and herbs, this dip is a party pleaser. Served with pita chips or fresh vegetables, there won't be a drop left on the plate. For example, if you want to make your own hummus, try my Vegan Low-Fat Edamame Hummus with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!
(VEGAN BABY PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BITES)
What's better than savory stuffed bite-sized stuffed portobello mushrooms? Nothing! These bite-sized mushrooms are full of mushrooms, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and other wonderful ingredients.
(VEGAN BRUSCHETTA BOARD)
Because I love to mix it up, making a vegan bruschetta board with a variety of toppings. Not only is this recipe easy, but it pleases everyone with different flavors. If you are interested in gluten-free bread and oil-free bread options, check out my Vegetable Sandwich with a list of compliant bread.
(Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip)
Whenever the kids are coming over, vegan buffalo chicken dip is on the menu. Made with jackfruit and vegetables, this dip is perfect with chips or fresh vegetables. No matter how many times I make vegan buffalo chicken dip, it never disappoints.
(VEGAN 7 LAYER TACO DIP)
Of course, vegan 7 layer taco dip is another favorite at my house. Made with the Skinny Nacho Cheese Sauce, this taco dip can be made ahead of time and served with veggies and tortilla chips. Again, this layered dip is full of delicious refried beans and a variety of fresh vegetables.
(TANGY CROCKPOT MEATLESS MEATBALLS)
I love my crockpot, not only because it cooks for me, but it is a simple recipe, which is a win-win. Tangy crockpot meatless meatballs literally have so few ingredients; you won't believe how easy they are to make. And, as I said, the crockpot cooks them for you. When your guests arrive, don't be surprised as they vanish before your eyes.
CROWD-PLEASING SALADS FOR YOUR MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION
Besides serving an array of appetizers, I always make my favorite salad recipes to accompany my main dish. Since Memorial Day, I have chosen my family's favorite spring and summer salads perfect for any BBQ or party.
(GRILLED VEGAN CAESAR SALAD)
One of my personal favorites is grilled vegan caesar salad! Not only is the recipe simple, but the oil-free dressing is also tangy and tastes just like a real Caesar salad dressing. I also make my own Garlic Croutons, which are also oil-free. If you have never tried grilled lettuce, live on the wild side. I think you will love it.
(VEGAN BEAN SALAD)
Three different beans, chopped vegetables, and herbs in an oil-free tangy dressing. Again, vegan beans and is easy to make and a definite crowd-pleaser. The combination of ingredients and vibrant vegetables are refreshing and fabulous for a party.
(VEGAN POTATO SALAD)
When I transitioned to a plant-based diet, I missed my grandma's potato salad. So, I veganized my grandma's recipe, and it's creamy and delicious. A Memorial Day celebration isn't a celebration without potato salad. And, if you serve potato salad, you must have Vegan Macaroni Salad!
(VEGAN MACARONI SALAD)
Again, my grandma made the best macaroni salad I have ever eaten. My recipe is creamy and tangy with various chopped vegetables, including grandma's special ingredient, green peas. Even though I think my grandma added peas so we would eat more vegetables, I love peas.
(GREEK ORZO SALAD)
If you are interested in a light yet beautiful salad, Greek orzo salad is perfect for your Memorial Day celebration. In addition to orzo pasta, this salad is full of red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and kalamata olives in an oil-free dressing.
(WATERMELON CUCUMBER SALAD)
Watermelon is in the stores, and what better way to serve it than with fresh cucumbers, Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions, radishes, and mint? If you are looking for a light, fresh salad, watermelon cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for any party.
(VEGAN WALDORF SALAD)
Finally, vegan Waldorf salad is a creamy fruit and nut-based salad in a sweet and tangy oil-free dressing. Apples, grapes, celery, Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions, dill, walnuts, and more! Not only is vegan Waldorf salad beautiful, but it also tastes just like grandma used to make.
MEMORIAL DAY ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT CORN ON THE COB BUT STEP IT UP WITH A LITTLE FLARE
At my house, we love corn on the cob. But, I also marinate the corn before I grill it, infusing it with different flavors. For Memorial Day, I will make it a little fancier with fabulous flavors.
(MEXICAN STREET CORN)
Yep, it's vegan! And, every time I make vegan Mexican street corn, my guests go crazy! Take your corn to a new level and add a little vegan love. Give Mexican Street corn a try this Memorial Day!
WHAT'S MY FAVORITE GO TO MEMORIAL DAY GRILLED RECIPES?
(GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS)
One of the easiest burgers to make is grilled portobello mushroom burgers. Just clean and marinate the mushrooms, and make a great tray of toppings. As a result, this quick and easy burger takes minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. Easy..peasy!
(GRILLED VEGETABLE KABOBS)
Grilled veggies are always popular with my family. In fact, with or without sticks, grilled vegetables are quick and easy to make. Depending on the flavor you are looking for, the recipe provides different marinades and vegan dipping sauces. Again, grilled vegetable kabobs can be made ahead of time for your convenience.
(PULLED PORK SWEET POTATO SANDWICHES)
If you don't have a grill, but you crave BBQ, try my pulled pork sweet potato sandwiches. Topped with Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw, this BBQ sandwich has fabulous BBQ flavors. With very few ingredients, pulled pork sweet potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated to make sandwiches.
(BEET BURGER)
Looking for a veggie burger that actually stays together and grills? The Beet Burger is the burger you have been searching for. Grill it, cook on the stove, or bake; this burger is hearty, tasty, and doesn't fall apart when it's cooked or eaten. Super easy to make and very few ingredients!
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(BBQ TOFU SANDWICH)
By far, grilling tofu is my favorite way to prepare it. In fact, once I learned to marinate and grill tofu, my tofu world changed. BBQ Grilled tofu is made with a healthy BBQ sauce, marinated, and grilled in under 20 minutes. Serve it in a sandwich (above) or eat it with a fork and knife. I love grilled tofu! Here are more grilled tofu recipes if you are a tofu fan!
- Jerk Tofu
- Tofu Satay
- Teriyaki Tofu
- Lemongrass Tofu Recipe
- Grilled Maple Stone Ground Mustard Tofu
- Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu with Vegetable Slaw
From my family to your family, have a happy Memorial Day! I hope these recipes help you plan your Memorial Day or another party soon.
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Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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