Memorial Day is coming up, and it’s the perfect time to bring out the grill.
In the United States, we celebrate Memorial Day annually on the last Monday of May to honor and remember military personnel who have served our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, which means grilling season is officially here.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for easy meal prep ideas that capture the flavors of summer, I’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find 11 delicious grilling recipes—all of which can be prepped in advance so you can spend more time enjoying the day and less time cooking.
Why Meal Prep for Memorial Day?
Grilling on Memorial Day doesn’t have to mean spending the entire day in the kitchen. With a little meal prep, you can:
- Save time by marinating meats, chopping veggies, and preparing sides ahead of time
- Reduce stress by having everything ready before guests arrive
- Eat healthier by skipping last-minute takeout and enjoying homemade, protein-packed meals
- Make cleanup easier with pre-prepped meals that minimize mess on the grill
Memorial Day Meal Prep Tips
- Marinate the Night Before - Flavors develop best when they have time to soak in. Prep your marinades the night before and let meats or veggies sit overnight in the fridge.
- Pre-Cut and Skewer Your Veggies - Chop onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini ahead of time and store them in containers. Want to take it a step further? Assemble skewers in advance so they’re ready to throw on the grill.
- Make-Ahead Sides - Potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, and fruit salad all taste better when made in advance. Get these out of the way the day before so you can focus on the grill.
Here are 11 of our favorite ways to fire up the grill and kick off summer!
Steak Fajitas
This deliciously marinated, grilled steak and fresh veggie steak fajita meal prep recipe is sure to make your mouth water! A new twist on a Memorial Day grilling recipe!
(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 34g - Fat: 37g)
Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad
A light and refreshing summer salad that comes together so quickly. Grilled halloumi adds some flavor and it's then layered with sweet watermelon and creamy avocado.
(Carbs: 27g - Protein: 13g - Fat: 28g)
Related: Father's Day Grilling Recipes
Pesto Beef Kabobs
Beef kabobs dressed with an easy pesto sauce. Make this keto-friendly main dish on the grill or on a grill pan.
(Carbs: 7g - Protein: 37g - Fat: 40g)
Teriyaki Salmon & Pineapple Skewers
Colorful salmon and pineapple skewers get dressed up with a healthier teriyaki sauce. Get creative and add your favorite vegetables for a great Memorial Day grilling recipe. Or bake everything on a sheet pan for an easy weeknight dinner.
(Carbs: 30g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 18g)
Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing
DIY Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing that you can make ahead and store in your fridge. You definitely need to have a handful of sauces to flavor your meal preps.
(Carbs: 4g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 1g)
Grill Basket Sausage and Peppers
Grill Basket Sausage and Peppers. Make grilling quick and easy with a simple accessory—the grill basket! Serve with rice, potatoes, or on its own.
Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g
Vegetarian Chorizo & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
You won’t miss the meat with this smoky and spicy vegetarian stuffed peppers! Quinoa and soy chorizo provide a hearty texture along with fire-roasted corn for a Southwestern-inspired dish that works great as a side to all your Memorial Day grilling recipes.
(Carbs: 57g - Protein: 14g - Fat: 14g)
Related: How to Perfectly Grill Vegetables Every Time!
Pork Burger w/ Eggplant Buns
Get creative with your Memorial Day grilling! Pork burgers topped with grilled zucchini and sandwiched in an eggplant bun make for a delicious Whole30 (and Keto) compliant meal.
(Carbs: 11g - Protein: 39g - Fat: 45g)
Mexican Street Corn Dip
This hearty gluten-free Mexican street corn dip is incredibly flavorful. Grill the corn, and the mayonnaise and sour cream add fat to satisfy a snack craving. Such a great add to Memorial Day grilling recipe repertoire.
(Carbs: 24g - Protein: 4g - Fat: 20g)
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
If you’re in need of a keto-friendly snack to get you over the midday slump, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers will satisfy with smoky bacon and cream cheese!
(Carbs: 4g - Protein: 14g - Fat: 24g)
Grilled Steak & Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Rib eye steaks are hand rubbed and grilled to perfection in this easy recipe! Serve with a side of roasted garlic and thyme potatoes and a steamed vegetable for a hearty meal.
(Carbs: 26g - Protein: 27g - Fat: 31g)
Grilled Halloumi & Summer Squash Kabob
Perfect for summer, this meal is delicious and served warm or chilled for those scorching hot summer days.
(Carbs: 41g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 40g)
Pro Tip: Using oil is crucial when grilling vegetables because it helps prevent sticking, enhances flavor, and promotes even cooking. By coating vegetables with oil, you ensure they remain moist and develop a deliciously crisp exterior without burning. Different oils have varying smoke points, which determine their suitability for high-heat grilling.
For instance, oils like avocado and grapeseed oil are excellent for grilling due to their high smoke points, while olive oil adds a delightful flavor but should be used at moderate temperatures.
To learn more about the different types of cooking oils and how to use them effectively, check out this informative article: Types of Cooking Oil to Use.
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