How To Elevate Your Memorial Day With 20 Fantastic Side Dishes
Memorial Day deserves sides that steal the show, not just fill the plate. You want dishes that travel well, hold up on the patio, and make people hover near the table for seconds.
From creamy classics to bright, crunchy refreshers, these picks bring big flavor with minimal fuss. Grab a cooler, fire up the grill, and let these sides handle the rest.
1. Classic Creamy Potato Salad
You know this one by heart, and that is exactly why it hits. Tender potatoes, crunchy celery, a little onion, and a creamy mayo base with mustard and pickle relish bring nostalgic magic.
Sprinkle paprika and fresh dill, and you are suddenly the hero of the cookout.
Boil potatoes until just fork tender to avoid mush. Fold gently while warm so flavors soak in.
Make it a few hours ahead, chill well, then taste for salt and tang before serving.
2. Mustard-Dill Potato Salad
When you want lighter but still crave personality, this mustard dill version delivers. Toss warm potatoes with a zippy mix of Dijon, olive oil, lemon, and a splash of pickle brine.
Fresh dill and scallions keep every bite lively without feeling heavy.
Let the potatoes drink up the dressing while warm for deeper flavor. Add a spoon of Greek yogurt if you want extra creaminess without going full mayo.
Serve slightly chilled so the herbs stay bright and the dressing stays silky.
3. Macaroni Salad
This is the cool, creamy side that screams picnic nostalgia. Elbows, a little sweet pickle, chopped celery, peas, and a mayo dressing that clings perfectly.
It is comfort in a bowl and the first thing everyone piles on their plate.
Salt the pasta water generously so the noodles taste like something. Rinse the pasta cool, then fold in dressing to prevent clumping.
Chill, taste again, and adjust seasoning with vinegar, sugar, and pepper for that perfect tingly balance.
4. Coleslaw (Creamy or Vinegar)
Coleslaw is crunch therapy. Go creamy for richness or vinegar based for sparkle and snap.
Either way, shredded cabbage and carrots deliver the refreshing bite you need between smoky ribs and juicy burgers.
Salt the cabbage first to pull out moisture and keep it crisp. For creamy, whisk mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed.
For vinegar slaw, go oil, vinegar, honey, and mustard. Let it chill so flavors settle and the texture improves.
5. Elote-Style Corn Salad
Sweet charred corn meets lime, chili, and creamy richness in this crowd pleaser. Cotija or feta brings salty pop, while cilantro and scallions keep it fresh.
You can serve warm or chilled, and it never lasts long.
Use grilled or skillet blistered kernels for maximum flavor. Toss with mayo or crema, lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of garlic.
Finish with extra cheese and Tajin. Offer lime wedges so guests can dial in their perfect tang.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sometimes simple wins. Corn on the cob, kissed by the grill, dripping with butter and salt, makes everyone grin.
It is messy, it is summery, and it tastes like the backyard.
Soak husked ears briefly, then grill over medium high heat, turning for even char. Slather with butter, brush with garlic herb oil, or dust with chili lime seasoning.
Add a final squeeze of lime and watch people reach for napkins.
7. Baked Beans With Bacon
These beans are comfort embodied. Smoky bacon, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and a kiss of vinegar create that sticky sweet tang you remember.
They cozy up to hot dogs, burgers, and ribs without stealing the spotlight.
Bake low and slow so the sauce thickens and the beans turn creamy. Stir in chopped bacon partway so some stays crispy.
A little smoked paprika or chipotle deepens flavor. Keep them warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
8. Broccoli Salad
Crunchy broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, salty bacon, and sunflower seeds create an addictive mix. The creamy dressing ties everything together without weighing it down.
It gets even better after an hour in the fridge.
Blanch broccoli briefly if you prefer a softer bite, then shock in ice water. Whisk mayo, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey for balance.
Toss gently, season generously, and watch it disappear faster than expected.
9. Watermelon Feta Salad
This side is pure relief on a hot day. Juicy watermelon cubes, cool cucumber, salty feta, and fresh mint make every bite sparkle.
A squeeze of lime and a drizzle of olive oil seals the deal.
Chill the fruit deeply so it stays crisp. Pat dry before tossing to avoid watery dressing.
Add a pinch of salt and maybe chili flakes for contrast. Serve right before eating so the feta holds its shape and the herbs stay perky.
10. Cucumber Tomato Salad
You need a palate reset between saucy bites, and this is it. Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, thin red onion, and basil or dill tossed in a light vinaigrette.
It tastes like the garden and keeps the plate balanced.
Salt the tomatoes first so they drip less into the bowl. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and a touch of sugar.
Add pepper generously. Serve cool, not icy, for the best texture and flavor release.
11. Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
This is the set it down and watch it handle itself side. Twisty pasta clings to a zesty Italian dressing loaded with herbs, garlic, and vinegar.
Peppers, olives, cherry tomatoes, salami, and mozzarella turn it into a full flavor situation.
Cook pasta al dente and rinse cool. Toss with half the dressing first, then add the rest right before serving.
It stands up to heat better than creamy salads and tastes even better after a little marinating.
12. BLT Pasta Salad
Take everything you love about a BLT and toss it with pasta. Crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, romaine or lettuce ribbons, and a tangy mayo yogurt dressing bring major summer vibes.
Black pepper and chives push it over the top.
Keep the lettuce dry and fold it in last so it stays crisp. Add bacon just before serving for crunch.
A squeeze of lemon brightens the creaminess and keeps the flavors from feeling heavy.
13. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs vanish fast, so make more than you think you need. The filling should be silky, a little tangy from mustard and vinegar, and just rich enough.
Paprika on top is non negotiable.
Steam or pressure cook eggs for easy peeling. Mash yolks very smooth with mayo, mustard, and a splash of pickle brine.
Pipe for neatness or spoon if you are relaxed. Chill until firm, then sprinkle chives right before serving.
14. Cornbread (or Cornbread Muffins)
Sweet meets savory in a golden, tender crumb that soaks up sauces like a champ. Bake in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges or go muffin style for easy grabbing.
Honey butter on the side makes it feel like a treat.
Preheat the pan so the batter hits hot fat and sizzles. Use buttermilk for tang and moisture.
Do not overmix, and rest the batter briefly. Serve warm, and watch people use it to scoop baked beans clean.
15. Buttered Dinner Rolls
Every plate needs a soft, buttery catch all. These rolls swipe up sauce, cradle leftover brisket, and make picky eaters instantly happy.
A sprinkle of flaky salt on top adds just enough sparkle.
Warm them in the oven and brush with melted butter right before serving. If baking from scratch, enrich the dough with milk and a touch of honey.
Keep them wrapped in a towel so they stay pillowy at the table.
16. Roasted (or Grilled) Veggie Platter
A rainbow of veggies brings the smoky char and the sweet caramelized edges. Zucchini, peppers, onions, asparagus, and tomatoes love the grill or a hot oven.
A drizzle of balsamic and herbs makes it feel polished.
Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and do not crowd the pan. Pull each vegetable at peak doneness.
Serve warm or room temp with lemony yogurt or pesto for dipping. People appreciate a lighter option alongside heavier mains.
17. Fruit Salad With Citrus
When the grill heat lingers, fruit salad resets everything. A citrus honey dressing wakes up strawberries, pineapple, berries, and kiwi.
Fresh mint keeps it cooling and fragrant.
Toss gently so softer fruits do not bruise. Zest the citrus before juicing for extra perfume.
Chill until serving, then give it a quick stir to recoat. It pairs beautifully with smoky meats and leaves room for dessert later.
18. Chips and Fresh Salsa
This is the snack that keeps the grill master company. Crisp tortilla chips and a bright salsa disappear while the coals settle.
Offer pico for freshness and a roasted option for depth.
Dice tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro, then season boldly with lime and salt. Drain watery tomatoes if needed.
For roasted salsa, char tomatoes, onion, and peppers, then blend with garlic. Keep both chilled and refill the bowls often.
19. Pickles and Quick-Pickled Onions
Small side, big payoff. A crunchy pickle or a tangle of tangy onions cuts straight through rich brisket and sticky ribs.
It resets your palate so the next bite tastes brand new.
For quick onions, slice thin and pour over hot vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add peppercorns or garlic if you like.
They are ready in 30 minutes and perfect by tomorrow. Keep chilled and serve with everything.
20. Dessert Side: Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Not technically a side, but on Memorial Day it absolutely counts. Layer buttery biscuit chunks with juicy macerated strawberries and clouds of whipped cream.
It is festive, portable, and looks gorgeous on the buffet.
Macerate berries with sugar and lemon so they get saucy. Use store bought shortcakes or bake quick biscuits.
Assemble just before serving to keep textures lively. Hand guests spoons and watch the cup parade disappear happily.
