What’s in Season for Memorial Day? Here’s What to Cook with It

Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer, and the best part? All the fresh, in-season produce that starts popping up. Think juicy berries, sweet corn, crisp greens, and so many grill-worthy veggies. It’s the perfect time to plan what to cook for Memorial Day and see what’s actually tasting its best right now. Let’s get into all the delicious things you can cook with what’s in season.

Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad

A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries. — Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This vibrant salad combines sweet grilled corn with juicy blueberries, fresh cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and colorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad

Super Tender Pork Ribs; Dry Rub Recipe in the Oven

A slab of cooked ribs with a crispy, seasoned crust sits on a wooden board beside a glass bowl of barbecue sauce, with a few ribs cut and separated—one of the most mouthwatering pork recipes for any barbecue lover. — Oven Pork Ribs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

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These oven-baked pork ribs are seasoned with a bold dry rub and baked until fall-off-the-bone tender. A fantastic alternative when you can’t fire up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Super Tender Pork Ribs; Dry Rub Recipe in the Oven

Cold Corn Dip Appetizer

Corn dip in a bowl next to chips. — Cold Corn Dip Appetizer. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This creamy corn dip blends sweet corn, Rotel tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for a flavorful appetizer. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip Appetizer

Southern Peach Cobbler

A black bowl of peach cobbler next to a cup of coffee. — Southern Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This classic Southern dessert features juicy peaches beneath a crispy, cake-like topping. It’s a warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler

Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo

A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings. — Southern 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This colorful salad features crisp lettuce, peas, eggs, and bacon layered under a creamy dressing. It’s a make-ahead crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo

No-Bake Frozen Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese

A strawberry cream pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. One slice has been cut and slightly separated from the pie—one of those old fashioned pie favorites everyone loves. — Frozen Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

This dreamy strawberry pie is made with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, then frozen for a refreshing treat. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s easy and perfect for spring celebrations.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Frozen Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese

Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows – No Cool Whip

ambrosia salad in a white bowl. — Ambrosia Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh fruit, coconut, and marshmallows come together in this nostalgic Southern side. It’s creamy, fruity, and ideal for a warm-weather cookout.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows – No Cool Whip

Slow Cooker Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken

A pulled chicken slider being assembled on a plate. — Slow Cooker Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Pulled Chicken is great for Memorial Day or for any time you’re feeding a crowd. It makes the best sliders.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chick e n

Old-fashioned Blackberry Cobbler with Homemade Biscuits

A bowl of dessert with blackberries and a spoon — Blackberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Juicy blackberries and buttery biscuit topping make this cobbler a must for berry season. It’s a classic Southern dessert for backyard barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Blackberry Cobbler with Homemade Biscuits

Smoked Pork Butt

A close-up of a smoked, charred piece of meat with a browned, crispy crust and juicy, pinkish layers of fat and muscle, resting on a metal tray. — Smoked Pork Butt. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Slow-smoked to perfection, this pork butt is juicy, tender, and full of bold barbecue flavor. Ideal for feeding a crowd during Memorial Day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Butt

Southern Banana Cream Pie with a Walnut Crust

A slice of banana cream pie with a flaky crust, creamy filling, whipped topping, and banana slices on a white plate. A fork rests beside the pie, and another plate is visible in the background. — Banana Cream Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Creamy banana filling and a crunchy walnut crust make this pie a show-stopper. It’s cool, rich, and perfect for summer potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Banana Cream Pie with a Walnut Crust

Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad with kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peas, and fresh cilantro garnish—just like one of grandma’s favorite spring dishes. — Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This vibrant pasta salad is tossed with black beans, corn, and a spicy chili-lime dressing. A festive and flavorful addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

Nectarine, Arugula, and Crispy Pancetta Summer Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with arugula, peach slices, crumbled cheese, red onions, and a wooden spoon, ready to serve. — Nectarine, Arugula, and Pancetta Salad. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

Sweet nectarines and peppery arugula pair beautifully with crispy pancetta in this summer salad. Drizzled with balsamic, it’s a perfect seasonal side.
Get the Recipe: Nectarine, Arugula, and Crispy Pancetta Summer Salad

Easy No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake

A slice of strawberry icebox cake sits on a decorative white plate. The cake features layers of whipped cream, pink strawberry filling, fresh strawberries, and a biscuit crust. In the background, the rest of the cake is in a glass dish with more strawberries scattered around. — Strawberry Angel Food Cake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Layers of angel food cake, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries make this dessert irresistibly light. It’s perfect for a no-fuss Memorial Day treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Caprese White Bean Salad

A bowl filled with a colorful salad of cherry tomatoes, white beans, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, all mixed together. — Caprese White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

This refreshing twist on a Caprese salad includes white beans for added heartiness. It’s a quick and satisfying dish with fresh basil and juicy tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Caprese White Bean Salad

Crockpot Pulled Pork

A close-up of a pulled pork sandwich on a soft bun, topped with creamy coleslaw. — Crockpot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This slow cooker pulled pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender with a flavorful BBQ rub and sauce. It’s ideal for make-ahead party meals or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Tender BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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