Summer Living

16 Grill-Free Memorial Day Recipes

You know, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

by Ni'Kesia Pannell
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, and I couldn't be happier. Aside from the fact that I'll be spending time with my family and friends, I know that the weekend will include a good meal mixed with a great time. Usually, my family pulls out the grill and embraces the sunny weather, but this year my mom is adamant about having grill-free menu options just to switch things up. Though her request caught me a little off guard, I knew I had to look into some grill-free Memorial Day recipes — especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

As much as my mom loves anything that's barbecued, she's grown tired of having the same thing over and over again. So, this year, she decided to do something outside of the traditional meal plan and find a few options that don't require my dad or brother-in-law to stand out in the heat to make. These are also great options if you’re taking a side dish to a Memorial Day gathering.

Although I'm used to grilled ribs, chicken, sausages, and hot dogs being the main menu items for our annual Memorial Day weekend cookouts, I'm definitely not against this grill-free option we're going for this year. If you’re ready to whip up something inside rather than outside, too, this is the list of grill-free memorial Day recipes for you.

1

Festive Onion Casserole

Need a delicious and easy side dish this Memorial Day? Try making this festive onion casserole recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. It’s so flavorful and super easy to put together — you can even make it in advance.

2

Jalapeño Popper Chicken

If barbecue isn't something you're interested in having this Memorial Day Weekend, Ari's Menu has a great recipe for jalapeño popper chicken that could please your guests.

3

Bruschetta Chicken Sheet Pan

A Spicy Perspective's recipe for bruschetta chicken is a delicious option for a healthier, grill-free option this Memorial Day. Also it doesn’t get much better than cooking everything on one sheet.

4

Loaded Chicken Enchilada Nachos

There's no bad time to have nachos, so these loaded chicken enchilada nachos from Averie Cooks will definitely be a hit for you Memorial Day Weekend cookout. Serve these anytime, as this recipe is a great option for a snack on the pool table or out in the yard.

5

Mini Red, White & Blue Star Cheesecakes

A Memorial Day cookout wouldn't be complete without a good desert on the side. So having these red, white, and blue star cheesecakes from Baked by Rachel would be a great addition to this year's menu.

6

Crunchy Chicken Salad Sandwiches

If having low-key menu options are more your speed, this recipe for crunchy chicken salad sandwiches from Big Girls, Small Kitchen will be perfect to add. You can make the chicken salad in advance and either assemble the sandwiches or leave out everything for guests to make their own. Such a great Memorial Day lunch.

7

Wagon Wheel Taco Pasta Salad

This recipe for wagon wheel taco pasta salad from Cara's Cravings will be a great side or main dish for your Memorial Day cookout, and it’s also a really fantastic option for the picky kids at the picnic table.

8

Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Asparagus

If you're looking to make a meal that will have everyone jumping for joy, this shrimp scampi pasta with asparagus from Natasha's Kitchen will be the perfect option. It’s such a great summer dinner and the flavors really pop.

9

Easy Sticky Lemon-Turmeric Chicken

This recipe for easy sticky lemon-turmeric chicken from Simply Delicious will be great to serve this Memorial Day. It gives all the barbecue vibes without ever needing to fire up your grill, and you can serve it alongside your normal Memorial Day cookout dishes.

10

BBQ Central Smoky Sweet Wings

Want some easy grill-free wings to have at the party? Steamy Kitchen's BBQ Central smoky sweet wings are the only ones you'll need and everyone will be begging you for seconds.

11

Shrimp Boil

If you want a dish that just tastes like straight summer without firing up the grill, you want this shrimp boil recipe from Damn Delicious. It’s literally bursting with flavor and a great dish for a crowd.

12

Fried Chicken Sandwiches

I’m sorry, but truly nothing hits the spot like these fried chicken sandwiches with tangy slaw from Pinch of Yum. They are so good, and I promise — you don’t need to be intimidated by the fryer or the oil. They’re really easy to make! Make a bunch of the chicken and then just set out all the toppings for everyone to fix their own perfect sandwich.

13

Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta

This watermelon salad with whipped feta from Gimme Some Oven is such a nice, crunchy, refreshing side dish and beyond easy to put together. The best part is it goes well with everything, from chicken to hamburgers and hot dogs.

14

Peach Shortcakes

Looking for the perfect summer dessert? You want these peach shortcakes from A Cozy Kitchen. The recipe includes the homemade dough recipe, but if you want to skip corners, I won’t tell — definitely make your own peach filling and whipped cream though.

15

Cherry Limoncello Granita

Goodbye, sno-cones and hello, cherry limoncello granita. This recipe from Cookie Named Desire is the perfect Memorial Day treat. Tangy, zesty, and so refreshing, this doesn’t take long to prep and just needs about four hours in the freezer.

16

Red, White, & Blue Layered Flag Cake

For a fun, festive Memorial Day dessert, try this red, white, and blue layered flag cake from A Classic Twist. You probably want a couple of basic cake skills under your belt, but the recipe breaks it down so you can make this incredible cake with little stress.

Even if your Memorial Day weather is great this weekend, these grill-free recipes are perfect for any summer gathering.

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