15 Mains for Your Memorial Day Cookout

You'll have no trouble planning a crowd-pleasing Memorial Day cookout with these easy summer mains that are packed with bold flavor and backyard barbecue favorites. This collection is filled with recipes perfect for holiday gatherings, casual cookouts, and family dinners on the patio. You'll also find seafood favorites, flavorful chicken recipes, and fun twists on classic grilled meals that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Keep scrolling to discover the perfect main dish for your Memorial Day celebration.

Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

A plate with grilled chicken breast topped with yellow sauce and chopped herbs, served alongside steamed green beans. — Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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This Carolina BBQ grilled chicken brings smoky flavor and a bold tangy finish that feels right at home at any Memorial Day cookout. The juicy chicken stays tender on the grill while the sweet and zippy sauce adds plenty of backyard barbecue flavor. It's an easy crowd-pleaser for picnics, family gatherings, and holiday weekends.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

Bold Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

Cajun Seafood Boil in a bucket strainer inside the stock pot. — Bold Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Bring the flavors of a Louisiana seafood boil straight to your backyard table with this messy, flavorful favorite. Loaded with shrimp and crab legs, this Cajun seafood boil is coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with just the right amount of heat. It's the kind of hands-on meal that turns dinner into a fun summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bold Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

Dad's Favorite Burgers

Wagyu Burger Recipe resting on the cutting board. — Gourmet Bacon and Blue Wagyu Burgers. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

If you want to level up burger night, these bacon and blue wagyu burgers deliver big flavor with very little fuss. The rich, juicy beef pairs perfectly with smoky bacon and creamy blue cheese for an unforgettable cookout main dish. This wagyu burger recipe feels restaurant-worthy while still being easy enough for a casual holiday barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Gourmet Bacon and Blue Wagyu Burgers

Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs on a smoker. — Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These smoked baby back ribs are everything you want at a summer barbecue-tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. The easy 3-2-1 method helps create ribs that practically melt off the bone without complicated prep. They're perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during long holiday weekends.
Get the Recipe: Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Savory Grilled Pork Kabobs with Fresh Peaches

These grilled pork kabobs combine juicy marinated pork with sweet peaches and colorful vegetables for a fresh summer meal. The smoky char from the grill pairs beautifully with the fruit, making every skewer flavorful and satisfying. They're fun to serve at cookouts and easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Savory Grilled Pork Kabobs with Fresh Peaches

Sweet Chili Salmon with Crisp Cucumber Salad

Oval plate with two pieces of glazed salmon, white rice topped with herbs, cucumber salad with red onion, and lime wedges; sesame seeds sprinkled on top—perfect for quick family recipes or easy 30 minute meals. — Sweet Chili Salmon with Crisp Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This sweet chili salmon brings together sweet heat and fresh flavors in one easy summer dinner. The glazed salmon pairs beautifully with the cool cucumber salad, creating a lighter option for your Memorial Day menu. It's a simple dish that still feels vibrant and special enough for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Salmon with Crisp Cucumber Salad

Zesty Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs

These tequila marinated chicken thighs are packed with smoky citrus flavor that tastes like summer on a plate. The tequila, lime, and spices create juicy grilled chicken with a bold finish that works perfectly for casual backyard dinners. They're easy to prep ahead and always a hit at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs

Juicy Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri

Sliced steak topped with chimichurri sauce, served with a side of arugula and cherry tomatoes, and extra chimichurri in a small bowl. — Juicy Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This grilled flank steak gets even better with a bright chimichurri sauce spooned over the top. The simple marinade keeps the steak flavorful and tender while the herb sauce adds a fresh, vibrant finish. It's an easy grilling recipe that feels impressive without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Cherry Sauce

This grilled pork tenderloin with cherry sauce strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The juicy pork pairs beautifully with the rich fruit sauce, making it a memorable option for summer entertaining or family dinners. It's elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a relaxed cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Cherry Sauce

Bold Dry Rubbed Grilled Flank Steak

Sliced seasoned steak arranged on a white oval plate, with a portion of unsliced steak in the background. — Bold Dry Rubbed Grilled Flank Steak. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Packed with smoky seasoning and grilled until juicy, this dry rubbed flank steak is a dependable cookout favorite. The flavorful crust gives every slice plenty of savory bite while keeping the inside tender and satisfying. It's an easy main dish that works well for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak

Sweet and Spicy Honey Harissa Chicken Legs

Close-up of baked chicken drumsticks coated in a reddish glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, on parchment paper. — Sweet and Spicy Honey Harissa Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These honey harissa chicken legs bring the perfect mix of sweet heat and smoky flavor to your holiday cookout table. The sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating juicy chicken with bold flavor in every bite. You can also make this easy recipe with thighs for a versatile summer dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Honey Harissa Chicken Legs

Brown Sugar Hot Smoked Salmon Fillet

Brown Sugar Spice Rub Hot Smoked Salmon Fillet. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This hot smoked salmon fillet is rich, flaky, and packed with smoky sweetness from the brown sugar spice rub. Unlike lengthy smoking recipes, this version comes together faster while still delivering incredible flavor. It's a great addition to summer cookouts when you want something a little different from traditional barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Spice Rub Hot Smoked Salmon Fillet

Juicy Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops

A plate of skillet pork chops garnished with fresh rosemary and orange slices, served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans—a perfect school night dinner. — Juicy Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These marinated grilled pork chops stay flavorful and juicy thanks to a bright citrus and herb marinade. The bone-in pork chops develop a delicious char on the grill while staying tender inside. They're perfect for easy summer dinners, holiday cookouts, or casual family meals outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops

Crispy Spiral Grilled Hot Dogs

Spiral hot dogs put a fun twist on a classic summer favorite while creating extra crispy edges for even more flavor. The spiral cuts hold toppings beautifully and help every bite stay juicy and satisfying. They're a playful addition to Memorial Day cookouts that both kids and adults will love.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Spiral Grilled Hot Dogs

Spicy Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers

A close-up of a sandwich with a grilled patty, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and yellow sauce on a toasted bun, served on a white plate. — Spicy Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers with Jalapeño Mayo. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These spicy turkey burgers are loaded with bold flavor thanks to taco-inspired seasoning and melty pepper jack cheese. The jalapeño mayo adds a creamy kick that makes these burgers anything but boring. They're a lighter cookout option that still delivers plenty of smoky grilled flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers with Jalapeño Mayo