We’ve almost made it to the weekend! Here are 50+ fresh, healthy and delicious recipes to commemorate Memorial Day. I’ve organized them by breakfast and brunch, appetizers and dips, salads and sides, main dishes, desserts and sweet treats, and cold drinks.
I pulled all of these recipes from the “Independence Day” category, so check there for even more options. In actuality, these recipes are perfectly suited for summer parties from now through Labor Day. I’m fully embracing the concept of a “party” as any celebratory gathering of two or more people, in real life or virtually.
This weekend, I’m looking forward to clinking drinks and eating dips all afternoon. We spent a lot of time working on our backyard and deck last year, pulling weeds and painting, so we’ll be outside enjoying the warm weather. Cheers to the long weekend!
Breakfast & Brunch
Set yourself up for a great day with a balanced breakfast. I love these wholesome blueberry muffins with a swipe of peanut butter or almond butter. For a savory option, you can’t go wrong with my go-to frittata formula.
Appetizers & Dips
Dips, dips and more dips! I always seem to fill up on appetizers, so I love to set out some lighter options to balance the more indulgent dips. If you find perfectly ripe avocados, you’re going to love this chunky avocado salsa (shown above), or this easy avocado dip, or of course, guacamole.
You could serve homemade tzatziki as a healthy veggie dip. I swear by this quick salsa recipe and this ultra-creamy hummus.
Salads & Sides
Freshen things up with a crisp salad made with greens or more sturdy veggies. For green salads, wait to drizzle in the dressing until you’re ready to serve. A few of my top picks would be the outrageously colorful and bold strawberry arugula salad shown above (or this berry spinach salad for a more simple option), Jessica’s marinated chickpeas, and this crunchy Thai-inspired quinoa salad.
A Few Simple Homemade Salad Dressings
- Basic Vinaigrette
- Creamy Tahini Dressing
- Fresh Mint Salad Dressing
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Sunshine Salad Dressing
Main Dishes
My pizza dough works great on a grill, as do my favorite veggie burgers. If you have my cookbook, follow the burger recipe on page 177, or check out the recipe on the blog. You’ll find more fun handheld options below!
Desserts & Sweet Treats
This no-bake berry yogurt tart looks impressive, but it’s easy to make. Add some blueberries to round out the theme. Another beautiful patriotic option is this gluten-free almond cake with berries on top. Or, monster cookies with red, white and blue chocolate candies would be very cute.
Cold Drinks
Here’s an idea: Start with mimosas and transition to Aperol spritzes as the day goes on. They’re both bubbly, festive and refreshing.
For non-alcoholic options, try cold brew iced tea, frozen mint lemonade or Starbucks-inspired “pink drink” (it’s made with hibiscus tea, coconut milk and strawberries).
More resources you might appreciate: 23 healthy make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You might also like my monthly seasonal produce guides and healthy kitchen essentials. View all roundups and resource posts here.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Reshma Punjabi
Hello Cookie and hello Kate,
Thankyou for your amazing recipes. You are blest with this talent for cooking nourishing, serene and gorgeous looking food; ofcourse the besy part is, it is easy to prepare.
I feel so happy to be receiving your help and ideas.
Thankyou.
Kate
Thank you! I hope you find something you love, Reshma.
Carol Love
Love your recipes. I’ve enjoyed all of the ones I’ve tried. I also have a dog named Cookie!
Hannah @ FamilyFoodFreezer
There are so many things here I want to try! Especially those salad dressings! So simple but each one looks great! Love how fresh and bright all your pictures are as well!
Seana Jefferson
I found your blog about 3 months ago. I have loved all the recipes I have tried and appreciated how you research and tweak some of the sources I normally go to! Can’t wait to make the tabouli.
Emily
Hi Kate, I love your site but have noticed that recently all content has been repeat recipes, simple drinks, or lists of various recipes and posts aren’t often compared to other blogs. Do you plan to have more posts and recipes or is this what works better for you now? Thanks!
Kate
Hi Emily! I’m sorry you have been disappointed by my most recent content, but I appreciate your feedback. To be honest, the current environment has been challenging with my new recipe development (grocery availability, etc). I have trying to provide recipes that seem to work for people right now and revisit some older recipes that there have been lots of questions about(banana bread). I do promise I’m working on new recipes and currently testing new recipes!
DK
C & K,
Found your blog, bought your book, and have tried several recipes. LOVE IT!
Recalled seeing a recipe for creamy hummus in one of your emails. I tried years ago to make my own, but it was gritty, so I just kept buying from store. Tried your recipe and LOVED IT!!. Will never have to get storebought again. Many thanks!
-DK
Oli Emma
It’s an amazing website. I am a regular visitor to your website. Thank you for your recipes.easy to prepare. thanks for superb decoration and delicious food services.