Holidays & Entertaining Fourth of July/Memorial Day 18 Easy Ideas for Memorial Day Side Dishes These delicious dishes showcase the season's best produce. By Sarah Martens Sarah Martens Sarah Martens is the Senior Editor overseeing food at Better Homes & Gardens digital. She has been with the BHG brand for more than 10 years. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Emily VanSchmus Emily VanSchmus Emily VanSchmus is the assistant digital home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she covers home decor, entertaining ideas, and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 9, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Rachel Marek Our best recipes for Memorial Day side dishes will have you spending more time outdoors and less in the kitchen. These easy ides for potato salads, pasta salads, and more are quick to pull together and go great with grilled meats, veggies, and more. 01 of 18 Fresh Corn Salad with Stone Fruit and Herbs View Recipe Carson Downing This bright summer salad recipe combines fresh corn with juicy stone fruit (like peaches or nectarines) for a side dish that's packed with flavor. Serve it over toasted flatbread for an extra crunch. You can make the salad ahead of time and plate it over the flatbreads just before the celebration begins. 02 of 18 Ricotta and Parmesan Spread View Recipe Jason Donnelly This cheesy spread makes a delicious Memorial Day appetizer. Serve it on a board with toasted bread, or set out sliced vegetables. 03 of 18 Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Chicken Salad View Recipe Carson Downing This fresh, summer side-dish recipe combines corn, tomatoes, summer squash, and zucchini for a colorful mix of in-season flavors. Because it's made with citrus-infused chicken, you could also serve this as a main dish on durable outdoor dishware. 04 of 18 Grilled Potato Slices View Recipe Jason Donnelly We're all about easy foods for Memorial Day, so you can spend time with family, not in the kitchen. Grilled potato slices are a great option for the grill, and they'll save you time and effort. Slice russets, red-skin, and sweet potatoes, then brush them with olive oil and sprinkle in salt and pepper. Grill them uncovered until they're tender. 05 of 18 Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad View Recipe Kritsada Panichgul Pasta salad is a must for summer. Combine pasta, chicken, and all your favorite veggies for a bright and healthy salad that makes the perfect Memorial Day dish. 06 of 18 Red Potato Salad with Bacon View Recipe Blaine Moats Potato salad is a summer barbecue classic, and our red potato salad with bacon is the perfect version for Memorial Day. Combine potatoes, celery, and onions with a few sauces and seasonings to make a delicious and tangy potato salad, then top it with bacon crumbles. What's not to love? 07 of 18 Italian Pesto Pasta Salad View Recipe Andy Lyons Throw all of the ingredients for this bright pasta salad into one bowl. Secretly protein-packed, the cannellini beans are a tasty addition. Customize the salad with your favorite ingredients, anything from cherry tomatoes to bacon. 08 of 18 Cheesy Southwestern Potato Casserole View Recipe Andy Lyons Cameraworks LTD Frozen hash browns steal the show with this cheesy basked casserole. Top with tortilla chips, diced tomatoes, and cilantro, and add as much spice as you like with a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. 09 of 18 Grilled Asparagus in Dill Butter View Recipe Andy Lyons Memorial Day is the perfect time to work asparagus into your menu. Add fresh asparagus to the grill and top the stalks with melted butter and fresh dill. And don't forget a sprinkle of fresh cheese. 10 of 18 Bean, Corn, and Tomato Salad View Recipe Carson Downing Toss together this fresh vegetable salad in just 20 minutes. Heading out for a family picnic? Package up the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Finish this easy side dish with fresh mint and basil. 11 of 18 Herbed Potato Salad View Recipe Andy Lyons Customize this creamy potato salad with any assortment of fresh herbs you like. We used fresh parsley, tarragon, and green onions. A dash of vinegar helps thin the dressing and adds a flavor punch to this quick summer side-dish. 12 of 18 Loaded Creamed Corn with Tomato and Bacon View Recipe Andy Lyons This recipe takes creamed corn to an entirely new level. Packed with tomatoes, bacon, onion, and cheese, this tasty side-dish recipe is aa scoop of comfort food for your Memorial Day barbecue. Finish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. 13 of 18 Broccoli Salad View Recipe Carson Downing If you're looking for a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains, try our broccoli salad. It's a crunchy mix of fresh broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, red onions, and raisins. A creamy dressing pulls the Memorial Day side together. 14 of 18 Loaded Baked Potato Salad View Recipe Rachel Marek; Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman What makes this potato salad recipe loaded? We're adding all the classic baked potato toppings like sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onion. It's a delicious twist on the classic. 15 of 18 Corn Ribs View Recipe Rachel Marek Corn on the cob is one of our go-to summer side dishes. This year, put a new twist on the old favorite by making corn ribs. Simply slice through the cobs and air fry until golden. Spread on our homemade BBQ mayo and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. 16 of 18 Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad View Recipe Andy Lyons This recipe mashup has earned rave reviews since we first published it. As one BHG home cook shared, "Made this tonight to go with our ribs and it was wonderful. Easy to make. This recipe will definitely make it to the regular rotation for future meals." 17 of 18 Copycat Coleslaw View Recipe Rachel Marek If you prefer your coleslaw on the sweeter side, this is the recipe for you. Chopping the veggies into small pieces is our secret to achieving the ideal restaurant copycat texture. 16 Tangy Coleslaw Recipes That Are Great for Picnics and Potlucks 18 of 18 Creamy Grape Salad View Recipe Jake Sternquist If you live in the Midwest, chances are you've seen this grape salad on the menu at parties and potlucks. Your guests will love the creamy fruit salad made with grapes, apples, and candied pecans. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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