Fire up the grill and dust off your picnic blankets; summer officially starts on Memorial Day! Whether hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a sunny potluck, these easy, crowd-pleasing recipes are made to celebrate the season. From juicy burgers to refreshing sides and festive desserts, we have everything you need to start summer deliciously. Let’s make your Memorial Day menu as unforgettable as the sunshine.
Albacore Tuna Croquettes – Sun In A Dish
Those delicious croquettes will transport you to the warm summers in Spain and Italy. Both countries make them as an appetizer. Spain with Sangria and Italy with wine. If you have ever had them, you will know that not only is it super delicious, but the flavor is pure and enhanced. Get The Recipe: Albacore Tuna Croquettes – Sun In A Dish
Cantaloupe or Melon with Prosciutto – The Best Summer Recipe
Cantaloupe with prosciutto, or as the Italian called it prosciutto e melone. The epitome of summer. Fresh and chilled, sweet cantaloupe with salty Italian prosciutto. My mouth is watering just writing these words. Get The Recipe: Cantaloupe or Melon with Prosciutto – The Best Summer Recipe
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Cheddar and Jalapeño Scones
Cheddar and jalapeno scones are just the perfect afternoon snack. Or better yet, alongside this delicious Aztec Soup. The subtle spiciness of the jalapeno lifts any meal. Get The Recipe: Cheddar and Jalapeño Scones
Saffron Lemon Chicken with Persian Saffron Rice
I love cooking with saffron. It all started with wanting to make my friend Persian saffron rice; from there, a new recipe was born. We have not had chicken in a while, and as I was perusing some old magazines from this summer, grilling was all over the pages. Get The Recipe: Saffron Lemon Chicken with Persian Saffron Rice
Jalapeño Burgers – Not For The Faint Of Heart
Jalapeno Burgers. A spin on our beloved burger recipe. Imagine a juicy, succulent, cooked-to-perfection beef patty with chunks of cheddar cheese stuffed inside the meat. My recipe has no hamburger buns, which I replaced with spinach. I prefer the lightness of it, but by all means, add your favorite bun to this hamburger with a jalapeno recipe. Get The Recipe: Jalapeño Burgers – Not For The Faint Of Heart
Cilantro Lime Chicken – Thai Summer Flavors
The Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe brings home the essential exotic flavors of Thailand into your kitchen. We love Thailand, the people, the three glorious hours of massages, the food, and the weather. Every occasion to visit, I am the first in line, and if I had my way, I would spend a month just sitting on a beach and enjoying simple yet fantastic food. Get The Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken – Thai Summer Flavors
Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Butter, Peppers, Tomatoes
Orzo pasta salad with basil butter, peppers, and tomatoes is a complete enjoyment for your taste buds. This delightful summer salad mixes orzo pasta, fresh basil butter, and crisp summer vegetables. Your family and friends will surely love this orzo pasta recipe.. Get The Recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Butter, Peppers, Tomatoes
Asparagus With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ready in 10 minutes, this recipe is rich in flavor and taste and the perfect side dish for all your meats, fish, and poultry. Keeping cooking simple is ideal for any night of the week. Easy recipes full of flavors and less time in the kitchen are what I look forward to on a busy night and every night of the week. Get The Recipe: Asparagus With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Cauliflower with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes
Cauliflower with olives and cherry tomatoes. A super easy recipe to make, packed with lots of savory flavors. Arugula is in season, and I love how tasty and tender it is. Cauliflower is also in season, and I cannot get enough of those tender cauliflower florets roasted to perfection.Get The Recipe: Cauliflower with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes
Oven-roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic
This is the easiest oven-roasted broccoli recipe you will serve as a side. In just 2o minutes, you will enjoy tender, rich, flavorful roasted broccoli with a tangy lemon sauce, flavorful roasted pine nuts and garlic, and parmesan cheese. Get The Recipe: Oven-roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic
Fresh Herbs, Garlic, and Salt Rub
I always seem to have extra fresh herbs left over from a recipe. I do plan my menu according to the herbs I use. But sometimes you can’t use them all. Today, I choose to use them as fresh and in a different matter. As I perused some vintage preserving/canning cookbooks, many recipes for storing fresh vegetables with sea salt popped up. Get The Recipe: Fresh Herbs, Garlic and Salt Rub
Spicy Potatoes
Spicy potatoes with paprika, tomato, and chicken stock echo the rustic charm of French country cooking. In this hearty variation, potatoes are gently braised in a fragrant blend of paprika, ripe tomatoes, and rich chicken stock, soaking up layers of smoky, tangy, and savory flavor. The result is a satisfying, elegant, earthy dish—perfect for a cozy dinner with a touch of Southern French flair. Get The Recipe: Spicy Potatoes
Insalata Russa – Easy & Delicious Potato Salad
Insalata Russa or translated from Italian, Russian salad. It’s the perfect side dish. We can’t seem to get enough of it. It was such a special treat when my mother or grandmother made it. My grandmother taught me how to make it when I was very young, and I am so thankful she did. Get The Recipe: Insalata Russa – Easy & Delicious Potato Salad
Oven Baked Potatoes
The battle of the spuds took a new twist between our divided cultural family. Who does not love baked potatoes? That perfectly baked potato is super tender, and we load it to the nines with butter, sour cream, cheese, and more butter. Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Potatoes
Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
When we think of summer desserts, blackberry cobbler is the first thing that comes to mind. Top it off with vanilla ice cream, and we are in heaven. Summer dessert at its best, and this homemade blackberry cobbler is just what summer is all about. I was not raised with cobbler, but indulging in blackberries, yes. When I moved to the States, this wonderful dessert was presented to me at a friend’s dinner, and it has been my favorite ever since. Get The Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Key Lime Pie
With a perfect crispy crust and a creamy yet thick key lime filling, this is genuinely the best key lime pie you will ever have. You will only need three ingredients for the filling and 4 for the crust. I first tasted Key Lime pie in Florida at the Breakers Hotel. Since the first bite, I have been in love. The sweet, semi-crunchy graham cracker crust and the soft key lime custard—I couldn’t eat enough. Get The Recipe: Key Lime Pie
