7 Memorial Day Recipes to Kickstart Your Summer Celebrations

Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to jumpstart the season than with a sizzling Memorial Day celebration? Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue with friends or a cozy family get-together, the perfect menu is essential to make your event unforgettable. 

Get ready to ignite the grill and tempt your taste buds with these seven Memorial Day recipes guaranteed to wow your guests. From smoking hot chicken wings to refreshing watermelon juice, we’ve covered your summer celebration with these delectable dishes.  

So, gather your loved ones, uncork a bottle of chilled rosé, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate summer feast! 

1. Fallen Heroes’ Orchard Salad: Mixed Greens with Apples, Mozzarella, and Pecans in Red Wine Vinaigrette

As we gather to honor and remember those who served our country, let’s celebrate the season’s flavors with this vibrant Mixed Greens Salad recipe.  

Chef John Adams, a personal chef at CookinGenie, artfully blends crisp spring mix with juicy apples, velvety fresh mozzarella, and crunchy toasted pecans, creating a delightful melody of textures and tastes.  

The dish is elevated even further with a zesty Red Wine Vinaigrette infused with fragrant basil, piquant ground mustard, and zesty garlic powder, all balanced by the acidity of red wine vinegar and a touch of brown sugar sweetness.  

Enjoy this salad as a delicious and wholesome side dish for your Memorial Day feast or a refreshing lunch on a sunny day. 

2. Watermelon Rose Refresher: A Refreshing Summer Drink with a Floral Twist

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing beverage on a hot summer day, look no further than the Watermelon Rose Refresher. This delightful drink combines juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and floral rosewater to create a refreshing taste sensation. 

Crafted by Personal Chef in Ohio, Chef Bridget Karr, this recipe is a perfect way to beat the heat and add a touch of elegance to your summer gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply lounging on the patio, this drink will surely impress. 

To make the Watermelon Rose Refresher, you will need just a few simple ingredients: watermelon, fresh mint, and rosewater. Simply blend the watermelon and mint together until smooth, then add a splash of rosewater to infuse the drink with its unique floral flavor. 

This drink is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with vodka or rum for those who want to add a little kick to their drink. Whether you’re a fan of fruity cocktails or prefer something a little more sophisticated, the Watermelon Rose Refresher is sure to satisfy you. 

So why not give this recipe a try and impress your guests with a delicious and refreshing summer drink that’s sure to please? 

3. Grilled to Perfection: Mesquite Marinated Chicken for Your Summer BBQ

Memorial Day is the perfect time to fire up the grill and savor some delicious food with your friends and family. And what better way to celebrate than with some mouth-watering Mesquite Grilled Chicken? 

Created by Personal Chef Brittany Ringer, this recipe takes succulent chicken breasts and marries them with the rich and smoky flavors of mesquite and spices. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and juicy, with just the right amount of heat and smokiness. 

To make this recipe, you only need chicken breast, Cajun seasoning, garlic, shallot, parsley, brown sugar, pepper, salt, liquid smoke, butter, and olive oil. Marinate the chicken with the ingredients, then grill to perfection. 

Mesquite Grilled Chicken pairs well with any dish, whether you’re serving up classic potato salad or grilled veggies. This recipe will become a go-to for your summer cookouts and gatherings. 

4. Bacon Jam Burger: The Ultimate Memorial Day BBQ Delight

Take your Memorial Day barbecue to the next level with this incredible Bacon Jam Burger, created by Chef Chris Stout, CookinGenie’s personal chef.

Featuring a juicy local half-pound beef patty topped with sweet and savory bacon jam, creamy blue cheese aioli, crispy onion straws, fresh lettuce and tomato, all on a grilled brioche bun, this burger is a flavor explosion in every bite. 

And that’s not all – this burger comes with a side of crispy French fries and tangy coleslaw, making it the perfect meal for any barbecue or cookout. 

To make this burger, you’ll need some delicious ingredients, including local ground beef, bacon, brown sugar, onion, blue cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, lettuce, tomato, brioche bread, Idaho potatoes, vegetable oil, cabbage, carrots, cider vinegar, sugar, and green onion. 

So, fire up the grill and impress your guests with this unforgettable Bacon Jam Burger. Your taste buds and guests will thank you! 

5. Smokin’ Hot Chicken Wings: The Perfect Appetizer for Every Party

If you want to add smoky flavor to your Memorial Day cookout, look no further than these delicious Smoked Chicken Wings designed by Chef Chris Stout, a personal chef in Ohio.  

These wings feature tender and juicy chicken, perfectly smoked and seasoned with a blend of salt, sugar, and pepper. They are then tossed in your choice of classic buffalo or sweet and savory honey BBQ sauce.  

To make these wings, you’ll need some mouthwatering and hot ingredients, including chicken, salt, sugar, pepper, BBQ sauce, honey, buffalo sauce, and butter. 

Whether you prefer a classic buffalo wing experience or a sweeter honey BBQ flavor, these Smoked Chicken Wings will surely be a hit at your Memorial Day celebration.  

Fire up the smoker and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering wings! 

6. Chocolate Truffles with Balsamic Berries: A Sweet Bliss

After gorging into the smokiness and tanginess of barbeque flavors, you and your guests will surely want to sink your palates into something sweet.   

Chocolate Truffles with Balsamic Berries, created by Chef John Adams, would be a perfect indulgent. These rich and decadent truffles are handmade with a blend of bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate, heavy cream, Grand Mariner, coffee, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.  

They are then served with a side of flavorful balsamic berries made with assorted fresh berries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar.  

The combination of the creamy and chocolatey truffles with the tangy and sweet balsamic berries creates a truly heavenly flavor experience.  

Your guests will be raving about these Chocolate Truffles with Balsamic Berries long after your Memorial Day celebration is over. 

7. Cheesecake in a Jar

Not a fan of chocolate? No problem! This Cheesecake in a Jar is the perfect dessert for those who want something sweet but not too heavy. So, whether you’re enjoying a Memorial Day barbecue or just looking for a tasty treat on a warm desert evening, try Chef George’s Cheesecake in a Jar. 

This mouth-watering dessert is the perfect way to cap off any meal. Starting with a traditional vanilla cheesecake base made with cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and a touch of vanilla, Chef George expertly whips the ingredients to an airy, smooth texture that will leave you wanting more. 

But that’s just the beginning – this cheesecake is served in a mason jar and topped with graham cracker crumbs for a delicious crunch. And to really take things to the next level, Chef George slowly roasts fresh strawberries with a hint of black pepper and basil, adding a sweet and savory kick that’s sure to satisfy any palate. 

You Concentrate on Planning and Eating, CookinGenie’s Chefs will Take Care of the Rest

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s time to start planning your menu for the big day. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, hitting the beach, or just enjoying a relaxing day at home, the right food can make all the difference. 

With CookinGenie’s 7 Memorial Day recipes, you can ensure that your celebration is a delicious and memorable one. 

From savory grilled meats to refreshing salads and sweet desserts, our chefs have crafted a menu that’s sure to satisfy every palate. And with CookinGenie taking care of the cooking, you can relax and focus on spending quality time with your family and friends. 

And the best part? You can sit back and relax while our personal chefs take care of the rest. With CookinGenie, you can trust that every dish will be perfectly prepared, using only the freshest ingredients and the most innovative cooking techniques.