I always look forward to Memorial Day weekend because it seems to be the official start of “summer” in our home. The 3-day weekend for us symbolizes friends and family (Family), good eats (Food), and vacation/party time (Fiesta). Some of my fondest Memorial Day weekend memories include sitting around the barbecue with a cold cocktail while laughing so hard over the various jokes coming out of my friends’ mouths. Simple. Classic. Fun. In addition, we celebrate and give gratitude to all the soldiers who have fought for our country.

Getting together with people to share tasty treats and thirst-quenching drinks is a must this weekend. Since it’s the perfect time to pull out your barbecue, I’ve reached out to some of my favorite foodies to get their best grilling recipes. We’re not just talking about your standard hot dog and hamburger feast. We’re talking about all types of meats from steak to salmon to chicken to mushrooms in a gourmet scenario that’s really easy to prepare and make. Get ready to enjoy the 10 Best Memorial Day Backyard Barbecue Grilling Recipes.

Grandpa’s Marinade for Steak
This marinade from my Grandpa Zaninovich is one of our family’s favorite Croatian recipes. My Grandpa used brandy but you can also use bourbon or beer, too, and the marinade still tastes just as great. I’ve tried every version. Your guests will be amazed with the succulent meat as it comes off the grill.

Caprese Hamburger Steak (photo by Leslie Schilling from Born to Eat)
Caprese Hamburger Steak by Leslie Schilling, founder of Born to Eat and Your Supper Solution, makes the standard burger bursting with flavor and health. Your taste buds will delight in this super easy recipe for a grilled hamburger topped with melted mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Cheers to the Mediterranean twist on a classic dish.

Grilled Salmon
Get your Omega-3s on this weekend by grilling some salmon. Salmon is a fabulous fish to barbecue since it naturally has some extra fat so it remains moist and juicy. Here’s a recipe on how to perfectly grill salmon.

Grilled Pevre Fish Tacos
Pevre is a Chilean salsa that is delicious and easy to make. The pevre salsa will be the perfect dressing for your dish instead of using a mayonnaise-based sauce. Fish tacos are light and healthy and a fun alternative to have on Memorial Day weekend.

Tandoori Chicken Kebabs (photo by Beth from Budget Bytes)
Tandoori Chicken Kebabs by Beth from Budget Bytes is one of the best grilled chicken recipes I’ve ever found. The delicious Indian flavors had me doing a happy dance. Enjoy this quick and easy budget-friendly dish.

Shish Kebabs in Balsamic Marinade
Shish Kebabs are a perfect way to get your fruits and veggies on the grill. I love making my shish kebabs vegan using tofu, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple. You also have so many various options. Check out the many different fruits and vegetables you can use on the grill!

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Marinate the Portobello mushrooms using the balsamic marinade from above and you have a meaty, hearty burger that’s vegan. Add some cheese and it is vegetarian.

Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms  (photo by Lindsay from The Lean Green Bean)
Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms by Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean shares her mouthwatering recipe that’s a complete meal in one. Enjoy protein, veggies, and melted cheese in each bite. The barbecue doesn’t get much better than this.

Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn is such a favorite on the grill. In Mexico, they slather the corn with mayonnaise, cheese, chili, and lime juice. I’ve tweaked this classic cuisine to use plain Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, chili, and lime juice for a healthier version that still has all the fiesta and flavor.

Lamb & Sausage Orzo Salad with Minty Pesto and Grilled Artichoke Hearts
Enjoy a savory pasta salad at your Memorial Day barbecue. The best part is you can make this salad ahead of time so you’re footloose and fancy free the day of the party.

What Grill We Use:
We use the Weber Spirit S-315 Liquid Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill because it heats up quickly. It’s easy to clean. It has a lot of space to keep the food warm and away from the direct heat if needed. And the grill has a cool fuel gage so you know how much gas you have left.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Comment below and let me know how you celebrate the 3-day weekend and which of these 10 Best Memorial Day Backyard Barbecue Grilling Recipes you’re excited to make.

Get more grilling recipes:
Doug’s Famous Grilled Barbecue Rub Pork Ribs
Easiest 2-Ingredient Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Anchovy Vinaigrette and Blue Cheese Dressing
Oregon Summer Salad with Grilled Salmon
Cilantro-Lime Marinated Grilled Pineapple Shrimp
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Grilled Avocado Stuffed with Grilled Mango Salsa
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Wrap
Grilled Pevre Fish Tacos

Get the best grilling tips & marinades:
Best Fruit & Vegetable Grilling Tips
Best Grilling Tips and Tastiest Marinades
Perfectly Grilled Salmon with Soy Sauce and Lemon Marinade
Perfectly Grilled Steak and Lamb

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, NBC-HWC

**There are affiliate links in this post and I will be compensated if you buy the products using these links BUT there is no extra charge to you!