Summer Cookout Recipes To Celebrate Memorial Day

Summer is here which means we’re ready to dig into some of our favorite classic “American” foods — burgers, corn on the cob, pie, heck, even Rocket Pops — are in the spotlight.

And while we’re all for some great nostalgia, there’s so much more to “American food” than those bites. Our friends and community are from all sorts of backgrounds so, while there may still be kids riding Radio Flyers with patriotic pom poms streaming off the back, we’re of the belief that there’s no one America when it comes to food.

All it has to be is summery, fresh, and delicious and it’s game in our book. So, this is a list of those exact recipes — full of fresh, summery vibes and showstopping enough to build a whole cookout around: 

SMALL BITES

Thai Shrimp Tostadas

As the temps soar, we want to cook minimally but still want food with bold flavor; these funky, herbed Shrimp Tostadas fit that bill perfectly.

Spicy Ahi Poke Tostadas

Spicy Kaffir Lime Peanuts

Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Cilantro and Avocado Dipping Sauce

This healthy take on sweet potato fries and aioli still manages to feel oh-so-indulgent, but baking the fries and subbing in yogurt for mayonnaise keeps this recipe clean and full of healthy protein.

{Rajas De Chile Poblano Con Crema} Charred Poblano Peppers With Cream

https://saltandwind.com/recipes/370-ajvar-roasted-pepper-and-eggplant-dip-recipe

ON THE GRILL

Mediterranean Lamb Burger

Okay, this is hardly a traditional burger but sometimes we like to change it up a bit. And, when so many fresh vegetables are available, we like to make this lamb burger filled with salad fixings. 

Tequila Citrus Carne Asada Recipe

Grilled Huli Huli Skewers

Traditional huli huli chicken requires a rotisserie and Hawaiian mesquite wood; our version just requires a little patience and a gril

Grilled Peach Panzanella Salad

We’ve got a thing for bread in our salads and in the summer our go-to is this grilled peach version. 

https://saltandwind.com/recipes/338-paprika-grilled-salmon-salad-recipe

Grilled Avocado Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

Steak Salad with Tomato-Sherry Vinaigrette

If you need a little substance in your salad, then you’re gonna wanna make this one: it’s like steak and peppers, the salad edition.

SALADS

Hushpuppy Panzanella – from This Mess Is Ours

Speaking of creative twists on panzanella, Meg has brought her Southern flair to this version with hushpuppies. Be forewarned that you may end up eating all the hushpuppies before you ever make it to the salad!

Grilled Peach Panzanella Salad

Okay, yes, we are just slightly addicted to making panzanella this time of year. But when peaches are in peak form, grilling them and tossing them with charred bread and this vinegar-y dressing is panzanella perfection.

Pistachio Feta Watermelon Salad

Some genius put salty feta with sweet watermelon and the rest is summer salad history. Well, it was until we upped the ante by adding in a pomegranate-balsamic dressing, tons of mint, and toasted pistachios. 

Grilled Avocado Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

One of our favorite summer party tricks is throwing all sorts of unexpected stuff on the grill (oranges for your margaritas! poundcake for dessert!) and one that we have on repeat is grilled avocados served with a tangy Green Goddess Dressing.

Pistachio Feta Watermelon Salad

Charred Corn Panzanella Salad

Like a fresher, healthier take on classic corn elote meets panzanella, this recipe is one of our all time favorite summer salads.

OTHER DELICIOUS MAINS

Slow-Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Sandwich

If you’re packing up a picnic, then you’re going to want (no, need) to take along this simple vegetarian sandwich — it only gets better as it sits so go ahead and make it well ahead of time. 

Charred Poblano Corn and Pancetta Pizza

Summer is when poblano chiles come into season and we use them everywhere from old-school Mexican pizza to this new-fangled version. 

Balsamic Steak Sandwich with Italian Salsa Verde

DESSERTS

Sweet and Spicy Nectarine Crisp

https://saltandwind.com/recipes/231-chocolate-coconut-cream-pie-recipe

Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles

DRINKS

Peach Melba Coconut Cream Sodas 

A part of us wishes we grew up in the era of soda fountains, if only so we could order milkshakes and egg creams. That same part of us loves this updated coconut version of cream soda.

Bourbon Peach Smash Cocktail 

How we celebrate peach season? With this classic Southern drink!

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Photo Credit: by Kristen Curette