Memorial Day is a day to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and easy dinner with family and friends? In this article, we’ll share some of the best Memorial Day dinner menus that are sure to impress your guests.
Why Memorial Day Dinner Menus Are Important
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have given their lives for our country. It’s also a time to come together with friends and family and celebrate the start of summer. Having a great Memorial Day dinner menu is a great way to bring everyone together and make the day even more special.
Menu Ideas for Memorial Day Dinner
Classic American BBQ
A classic American BBQ is a perfect choice for Memorial Day dinner. You can serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings, as well as potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Don’t forget to serve up some cold beers and lemonade to wash it all down.
Grilled Steak and Vegetables
Grilled steak and vegetables is a great option for those who want something a little more upscale. You can grill up some filet mignon or ribeye, and serve it with grilled asparagus, zucchini, and squash. Add a side salad and some garlic bread, and you have a meal fit for a king.
Seafood Feast
If you’re a seafood lover, a seafood feast is a great option for Memorial Day dinner. You can serve up shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and grilled salmon, as well as a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob.
Tex-Mex Fiesta
A Tex-Mex fiesta is a fun and festive option for Memorial Day dinner. You can serve up tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as guacamole, salsa, and chips. Don’t forget the margaritas!
Tips for a Successful Memorial Day Dinner
- Plan ahead: Make sure you have everything you need for your Memorial Day dinner menu ahead of time. This includes food, drinks, and any decorations or supplies you may need.
- Keep it simple: Don’t try to do too much. Stick to a few main dishes and sides that you know how to make well.
- Make it fun: Memorial Day is a time to celebrate, so make sure your dinner is fun and festive. Consider adding games or activities for your guests to enjoy.
- Get everyone involved: If you’re having a potluck-style dinner, ask your guests to bring their favorite dish to share. This takes some of the pressure off you and ensures that everyone will have something they love.
Ideas for Appetizers and Desserts
No meal is complete without appetizers and desserts, and Memorial Day dinner is no exception. Here are some ideas for tasty and easy-to-make options:
Appetizers
- Caprese skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Deviled eggs: Hard boil and peel eggs, cut in half, and mix yolks with mayo, mustard, and pickle relish. Spoon the mixture back into the egg white halves and sprinkle with paprika.
- Spinach and artichoke dip: Mix thawed frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayo, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.
Desserts
- Strawberry shortcake: Slice fresh strawberries and serve on top of shortcake biscuits with whipped cream.
- Patriotic fruit salad: Mix blueberries, strawberries, and diced watermelon or apples for a red, white, and blue salad.
- Ice cream sundae bar: Set up a bar with bowls of ice cream, toppings like sprinkles and hot fudge, and whipped cream for guests to create their own sundaes.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day dinner is a great way to bring together friends and family to remember and honor our fallen heroes while also celebrating the start of summer. Whether you’re grilling up classic American BBQ or going for something more upscale like grilled steak and vegetables, there are plenty of delicious and easy options to choose from. Don’t forget to include appetizers and desserts to make your meal complete. Happy Memorial Day!
Ideas for Appetizers and Desserts
No meal is complete without appetizers and desserts, and Memorial Day dinner is no exception. Here are some ideas for tasty and easy-to-make options:
Appetizers
- Caprese skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Deviled eggs: Hard boil and peel eggs, cut in half, and mix yolks with mayo, mustard, and pickle relish. Spoon the mixture back into the egg white halves and sprinkle with paprika.
- Spinach and artichoke dip: Mix thawed frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayo, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.
Desserts
- Strawberry shortcake: Slice fresh strawberries and serve on top of shortcake biscuits with whipped cream.
- Patriotic fruit salad: Mix blueberries, strawberries, and diced watermelon or apples for a red, white, and blue salad.
- Ice cream sundae bar: Set up a bar with bowls of ice cream, toppings like sprinkles and hot fudge, and whipped cream for guests to create their own sundaes.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day dinner is a great way to bring together friends and family to remember and honor our fallen heroes while also celebrating the start of summer. Whether you’re grilling up classic American BBQ or going for something more upscale like grilled steak and vegetables, there are plenty of delicious and easy options to choose from. Don’t forget to include appetizers and desserts to make your meal complete. Happy Memorial Day!
FAQs
What is the history of Memorial Day?
- Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was established after the Civil War to honor Union soldiers who had died in battle. Over time, it evolved to include all American soldiers who have died in service to their country.
How can I incorporate patriotic decorations into my Memorial Day dinner?
- You can decorate your table with red, white, and blue tablecloths, plates, and napkins. You can also use small American flags as centerpieces or to decorate the edges of the table.
What are some non-alcoholic drink options for Memorial Day dinner?
- Lemonade, iced tea, and sparkling water are all great non-alcoholic options for Memorial Day dinner.
Can I prepare my Memorial Day dinner ahead of time?
- Yes, many Memorial Day dinner dishes can be prepared ahead of time. For example, potato salad and coleslaw can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
What are some vegetarian options for Memorial Day dinner?
- Grilled veggie skewers, quinoa salad, and grilled portobello mushrooms are all great vegetarian options for Memorial Day dinner.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor our fallen heroes, as well as celebrate with friends and family. A great Memorial Day dinner menu can make the day even more special. Whether you’re grilling up burgers and hot dogs or serving up a fancy seafood feast, there are plenty of delicious and easy options to choose from.