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Home » Best Of » 10 Memorial Day Eats That Won’t Break the Bank

10 Memorial Day Eats That Won’t Break the Bank

Modified: May 15, 2025 by Molly Pisula · Published: May 15, 2025 · As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Memorial Day calls for great food, good company, and easygoing dishes that bring everyone together. If you're headed to a cookout and want to bring something tasty without spending a fortune, these budget-friendly recipes are just the thing. From savory favorites to shareable sides and sweet crowd-pleasers, there's something here to make your plate the one everyone talks about.

Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

These croissant sandwiches are packed with juicy chicken, crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad—perfectly layered in buttery, flaky croissants.
Get the Recipe: Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Asian Cabbage Slaw

Asian Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

A crisp and colorful slaw made with napa cabbage, carrots, red peppers, and snow peas, tossed in a flavorful sesame-soy dressing for a refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cabbage Slaw

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a savory spice blend and grilled to perfection—ideal for cookouts or easy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Corn Dip

Corn Dip. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

This savory and tangy corn dip is loaded with flavor—great with chips, crusty bread, or as a bold topping for tacos and more.
Get the Recipe: Corn Dip

Traeger Grilled Garlic Bread

Traeger Grilled Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Classic garlic bread gets a smoky upgrade on the Traeger grill, making it the perfect side dish for grilled meats and pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Garlic Bread

Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves are stacked on skewers and drizzled with balsamic glaze—an elegant and easy-to-serve appetizer or side.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A hearty pasta salad made with smoky grilled chicken, cucumbers, olives, feta, and herbs—delivering bold Greek flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This comforting pasta dish features a creamy spinach-artichoke sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, and toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Creamy Taco Dip

Creamy Taco Dip. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

A creamy and crowd-pleasing dip layered with taco spices—perfect with tortilla chips for game days, potlucks, or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Taco Dip

Grilled Pineapple with Sweet Maple Syrup Glaze

Grilled Pineapple with Sweet Maple Syrup Glaze. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Pineapple spears are brushed with a maple-cinnamon butter glaze and grilled until caramelized, bringing sweet, smoky flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Sweet Maple Syrup Glaze

« 10 Classic Cookout Recipes for a Meaningful Memorial Day
10 Cake Ideas for a Sweet Graduation »

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I'm Molly, a former personal chef trained in French pastry. Here you'll find veggie-forward, seasonal recipes with a little French kiss!

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