20 Barbecue Recipes for Memorial Day Weekend (2024)

Is anyone else as stoked about barbecue season as I am?! While it’s hard to believe that Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, I’ve got you covered with my favorite, healthy recipes from yours truly and some of my dear friends (who’s recipes ROCK), in this barbeque recipe roundup.

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In my opinion, eating well shouldn’t mean that you feel like you’re missing out on anything, as that’s what makes a healthy lifestyle truly sustainable. I oftenbring my own recipes to barbecues and summer parties, and they’re always the first to disappear from the table! No one ever knows that they’re paleo or even gluten-free!

I hope you enjoy some barbecues this summer with your friends and family, and that these 20 Barbecue Recipes for Memorial Day Weekendinspires you to create some amazing meals!

Grilled Chicken + Steak Fajitas

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With Memorial Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a barbecue get together with friends! May always marks the start of grilling season for me, and I love being able to grab everything that I needed at Whole Foods Market 365to make these Grilled Chicken + Steak Fajitas!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Grilled Fruit Kebab + Honey-Mint Glaze

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Summer + Grill + Fruit seemed like a perfect Unique Summer Grilling combo to me! I needed to take this up a notch and really bring out the flavors so I created a honey glaze using honey (duh) and some champagne vinegar to balance out the flavors and topped it with some fresh mint. All of those flavors combined with some char from the grill really did the trick.

Grab the recipe –> here!

BBQ Ribs (Whole 30 and Paleo)

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Just look at those bad boys! Slathered in Paleofied BBQ sauce… Yum!

Grab the recipe here –> here!

Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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These barbecue chicken stuffed sweet potatoes are insanely delicious! I’ve been eating them every day for the past week and I’m not even close to getting tired of them, and I just know you’re going to love them too!

Grab the recipe –> here!

BBQ Beet Chips

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I have now made these BBQ Beet chips twice and they are DELISH. The BBQ seasoning is perfection and seriously tastes like a BBQ Lays Potato chip. I use a chipotle powder in these and you can use chili powder instead but I highly recommend trying to track down this chipotle powder!!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce

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This super simple Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce contains no refined sugars, is paleo friendly and takes under 20 minutes to put together!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

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I can’t even begin to tell you how good this recipe for bacon wrapped chicken thighs & barbecue sauce is, I know you’ll love it! This barbecue sauce has a bit of heat to it, so if you aren’t into spicy foods I also have a sweet barbecue sauce recipe! Both barbecue sauces in my eBook also happen to beWhole 30friendly, as they’re only sweetened with dates.

Grab the recipe –> here!

Paleo Pizza Crust: BBQ Chicken Pizza

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This Paleo Pizza Crust, BBQ Chickenstyle, is one of our favorites! The crust is the perfect all-purpose gluten-free and grain-free crust that everyone will love! The homemade BBQ sauce will be a favorite all season long.

Grab the recipe –> here!

Thai Basil Beef Kebabs

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May’s got a day for margaritas (Cinco de Mayo), a day for Moms, Memorial Day, the first hints of summer start showing and it’s the unofficial start of BBQ season. What’s NOT to love? These Thai Basil Beef Kebabs are just what you want and will totally wow your family and friends.

Grab the recipe –> here!

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls

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These bowls were inspired by Hawaiian BBQ flavors and a takeout place near us that makes awesome salads and bowls. I decided to take my Whole30 compliant BBQ sauce (it’s easy I swear) and put it to work in the slow cooker with some chunks of chicken & veggies and some pineapple for a little tropical flair. Over some cauli rice, it’s that awesome savory-sweet that is so satisfying, especially with some crispy bacon & fresh green onion on top.

Grab the recipe –> here!

Grilled Pork Chop & Grape Chutney With Parsnip Puree

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I hope you make this and love it as much as we did. It’s definitely a dish you can wow your friends with at your summer BBQs’!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Grilled Mahi Mahi

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Here’s my recipe for a simple Mahi Mahi that’s lightly seasoned & grilled to perfection … Enjoy!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Smoky BBQ Dip/Aioli

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I’m also going to venture to say this dip would be amazing with ANYTHING sweet potato, roasted, baked, etc. You can also thin it out with a bit of almond milk to make a dressing!

Grab the recipe –> here!

BBQ Chicken Meatloaf (Whole30)

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Once I started making things healthier in my life I realized what really made a good meatloaf. A – it has to be moist, a dry meatloaf is no friend of mine. B – it has to be packed with flavor. And C – it MUST be smothered with something saucy on top. Insert this BBQ Chicken Meatloaf!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Indonesian Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

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If you’re looking to take your summer grilling to the next level, this is the recipe for you. These chicken skewers are packed with Indonesian flavor, making them delicious on their own (and who doesn’t love eating off a stick?). But when paired with this dairy-free peanut sauce, I’ll guarantee you’ll be makingthese more than once this summer.

Grab the recipe –> here!

Oven Baked Coffee Barbecue Pork Ribs (Keto and Paleo)

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These Oven Baked Coffee Barbecue Pork Ribs are the perfect main dish to cook up on a lazy weekend afternoon! They are marinated in a dry coffee BBQ rub that takes minutes to put together and then cooked low and slow in the oven for completely unattended cooking. They’re Paleo and Keto friendly for perfect melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs.

Grab the recipe –> here!

Cuban Grilled Zucchini

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One of my favorite summer dishes was always good grilled corn on the cob. Something about how it got just the right amount of char on it and was hand-held really did it for me. But now that we’re avoiding corn I needed to adapt these attributes to something a little more paleo friendly. And thus, Cuban Grilled Zucchini was born!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Sweet Potato Buns (Instant Pot and Whole 30)

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Pulled pork sandwiches are one of my favorite things ever! They are great any time of year and thank goodness for the instant pot because now they are also super easy to make. If you are a pulled pork lover, you know that every good sandwich needs a creamy coleslaw to go on it so I made a super simple bacon coleslaw that pairs with this perfectly!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Paleo BBQ Sauce

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A refined-sugar free barbecue sauce that tastes delicious and is super quick!

Grab the recipe –> here!

Pineapple BBQ Shrimp Skewers

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It’s officially grilling season and these Pineapple BBQ Shrimp Skewers are READY! Now I don’t know if it’s technically the official grilling season yet but when it’s May, in the 70s and sunny… it’s grilling season at our house!

Grab the recipe –> here!

PIn this for later: 20 BarbecueRecipesfor

Memorial Day Weekend

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20 Barbecue Recipes for Memorial Day Weekend (2024)

FAQs

What is a good menu Memorial Day cookout? ›

Many of the recipes are meant to be prepared ahead and simply set out, while others are best grilled as you chat with guests.
  1. Classic Potato Salad. Image. ...
  2. Shrimp a la Plancha. Image. ...
  3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Image. ...
  4. Margarita. Image. ...
  5. Savory Fruit Salad. Image. ...
  6. Tajín Grilled Chicken. ...
  7. Browned-Butter Rhubarb Crisp. ...
  8. Broccoli Salad.
May 24, 2023

What do people BBQ on Memorial Day? ›

The grill master in your house will earn kudos with the Tequila Lime Steak, Barbecue Burgers, Best Pork Ribs, Steak Kababs, Garlic Shrimp and Marinated Ribeyes. If you're looking for some finger-licking good chicken, grab the ingredients for Tangy Grilled Chicken, Sweet Southern Barbecue Chicken or Key Lime Chicken!

What is the most popular food for Memorial Day? ›

Top 7 Memorial Day Dishes & Their Historical Significance
  • Barbecue Ribs: A Journey Through American Barbecue. Barbecue ribs carry a rich heritage deeply rooted in American barbecue culture. ...
  • Grilled Chicken: A Mid-20th Century Marvel. ...
  • Corn on the Cob: A Native American Staple. ...
  • Coleslaw and Potato Salad: European Influences.
May 19, 2023

What is a good meal to serve 20 people? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar.
  • Meatballs.
  • Butter Chicken.
  • Lasagna.
  • Chili.
  • Homemade Pizza.
  • Baked Pasta.
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

What to cook for a group of 20 people? ›

Nacho or Taco Bar (This meaty cheese dip recipe is our favorite! It's easy to make in bulk and is always a crowd pleaser.) Baked Potato Bar (Bake potatoes in a crock pot or large roaster to make it easy. Set out diced meat or chili, grated cheese, chopped veggies, sour cream, and olives for toppings.)

What do people eat on Memorial Day? ›

This is a recipe you'll turn to all summer long.
  • 02 of 25. Quesadillas al Pastor. ...
  • 05 of 25. Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce. ...
  • 08 of 25. Southern-Style Grilled Cobb Salad. ...
  • 11 of 25. Bacon Cheeseburger. ...
  • 14 of 25. Sweet Heat Hot Dogs. ...
  • 17 of 25. Cheesy Mushroom Sliders.
May 14, 2023

What do I need for a last minute cookout? ›

Green onions, parsley, garlic, and Dijon bring major flavor to gluten-free penne noodles tossed with the colorful pop of radishes and grape tomatoes.
  1. Cowboy Beans. ...
  2. Easy Orzo Salad. ...
  3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with BBQ Butter. ...
  4. Southern-style Potato Salad. ...
  5. Quick and Easy New England-style Baked Beans.

What are two dishes that are traditionally BBQ? ›

22 of Our Best Barbecue Recipes
  • 02 of 22. Burnt Ends with Bourbon Sauce. ...
  • 05 of 22. Barbecue-Spiced Hot-Smoked Salmon. ...
  • 08 of 22. Smoked Brisket. ...
  • 11 of 22. Red Wine Barbecue Chicken. ...
  • 14 of 22. Sticky Barbecued Beef Ribs. ...
  • 17 of 22. Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Barbecue Sauce. ...
  • 20 of 22. Robb Walsh's Texas Barbecue Brisket.
May 25, 2023

How many people BBQ on Memorial Day weekend? ›

And yes, 44% of us do indeed plan to barbeque over Memorial Day weekend, while 16% take a trip. Memorial Day's place on the calendar has made it the unofficial start of summer for many.

What to have at a BBQ cookout? ›

Get the Classic Coleslaw recipe.
  1. Carne Asada. ...
  2. Antipasto Potato Salad. ...
  3. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. ...
  4. Baked Beans. ...
  5. Grilled Beer Brats. ...
  6. Grilled Chicken Kebabs. ...
  7. Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs. ...
  8. Corn & Tomato Gnocchi Foil Packets.
Jun 7, 2023

What are easy finger foods for memorial service? ›

Finger sandwiches: These are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time, which is helpful when hosting a large gathering. Cheese and crackers: Another simple option that can be prepped in advance. Vegetables and dip: A healthy option that will please a crowd. Fruit: A light and refreshing choice.

What food to have at a cookout? ›

Balance is the key to a successful cookout menu. Aim for a mix of proteins (meat, poultry, fish, tofu), side dishes (salads, grilled veggies, potatoes), and desserts (think summer fruits, ice cream, and cobblers). Remember, not everything needs to be grilled. Cold sides and desserts can make a refreshing contrast.

How many hotdogs will be eaten on Memorial Day? ›

It's estimated that over 800 hot dogs are eaten on Memorial Day…per second. This means nearly 72 million hot dogs are eaten on this day alone…

How do you feed 30 guests on a BBQ? ›

For a backyard barbecue of 20-30 people, keep it between 5-8 side dishes. For 30-50, keep it at or under 10 side dishes. This will help you streamline your preparation while still giving your guests sufficient variety. Then double or triple your recipes to make sure you make enough for everyone.

How much BBQ chicken for 20 people? ›

Whole chickens: If you're grilling up whole birds, budget about a quarter per person.

How much meat do I need for 25 people BBQ? ›

Important Factors to Consider to Determine How Much Meat to Buy Per Person for BBQs. As a general rule, we recommend allocating 8 to 12 ounces of raw meat per adult at BBQ, and about 4 to 6 ounces per child.

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