Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or going to a potluck, celebrate the holiday with nine of our favorite recipes — easy skewers, flavorful burgers, tangy chicken wings and healthy sides. Your Memorial Day weekend cookout will be the talk of the town!
1. BAKED PEACH BBQ CHICKEN WINGS | HEALTHY NIBBLES AND BITS
Naturally sweeten up your next gathering with this mouthwatering crowd-pleaser. These all-star peach BBQ chicken wings are so tangy, juicy and finger-lickin’ good, your guests won’t even notice that they’re not fried! Recipe makes 4 servings 4 at 1/4 pound chicken wings (after removing wing tips) each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 318; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 85mg; Sodium: 837mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 23g
2. CILANTRO BURGERS WITH SRIRACHA MAYO | COOKING LIGHT
Fire up that grill and cook up cilantro beef burgers dressed with spicy Sriracha mayo. Chopped cilantro flavors the beef while whole sprigs take the place of lettuce. Serve with a fruit salad on the side for a complete meal. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 burger each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 363; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 79mg; Sodium: 491mg; Total Carbohydrates: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugars: 3g; Protein: 27g
3. GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS WITH WATERMELON & AVOCADO | PALEO LEAP
Flavored by a Thai-inspired coconut-chili marinade, these shrimp skewers will take your tongue to an island paradise. Shrimp is complemented by watermelon and avocado for a nutritious appetizer rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 skewers each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 148; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 54mg; Sodium: 205mg; Carbohydrate: 14g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 9g
4. BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS SKEWERS | DELISH
Two-ingredient recipes are the ultimate no-fuss appetizers — and this dish is no exception. Brussels sprouts are skewered with a slice of bacon and roasted until slightly charred — they’re irresistible! Recipe makes 10 servings at 1 skewer each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 75; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 8mg; Sodium: 155mg; Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 6g
5. ROASTED VEGETABLES & GOAT CHEESE PASTA SALAD | CLEAN EATING
This go-to pasta salad is hearty and delicious served cold (but great warm, too). If your kitchen is getting a bit too stuffy for your liking, head outdoors and take this recipe with you: You can also make the whole thing outside on your grill! Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 191; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Carbohydrate: 29g; Fiber: 5g; Sugars: 5g; Protein: 9g; Sodium: 163mg; Cholesterol: 8mg
6. APRICOT-GLAZED GRILLED CHICKEN | THE HEALTHY MAVEN
Apricot-glazed grilled chicken thighs are a great try for your next backyard barbecue session. These juicy marinated chicken thighs are worth getting your fingers sticky for! We recommend serving them with a big helping of greens or roasted veggies on the side. Recipe makes 6 servings of 2 chicken thighs each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 281; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 166mg; Sodium: 484mg; Carbohydrate: 14g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 39g
7. GRILLED ZUCCHINI CORN SALAD | UPROOT KITCHEN
This smoky vegetable salad makes a great side for your grilling party. Juicy corn kernels and tender zucchini are dressed in a tangy lemon-basil vinaigrette. To make this vegan-friendly just leave out the feta cheese. Recipe makes 6 servings at 3/4 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 94; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 6mg; Sodium: 74mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 3g
8. GRILLED SWEET POTATO WEDGES | FOOD FANATIC
Smoky on the outside but sweet and tender on the inside, these grilled sweet potatoes are a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. The cilantro-lime dressing adds depth and dimension to this sweet potato side. We bet you can’t eat just one! Recipe makes 6 servings at 4 wedges each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 132; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 216mg; Carbohydrate: 16g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 5g; Protein 2g
9. 2-INGREDIENT HUMMUS DEVILED EGGS | EATING BIRD FOOD
Love deviled eggs? This recipe uses just two ingredients — hard-boiled eggs and hummus. Combining the yolks with hummus results in a flavorful, creamy filling. These are great as a snack, a dinner appetizer or to bring to a potluck. Recipe makes 12 servings at 1 deviled egg each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 47; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 93mg; Sodium: 57mg; Carbohydrate: 1g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 3g