20 Healthy Memorial Day Recipes

Memorial Day weekend is almost here and we’re all ready for summer fun to begin. This holiday marks the unofficial start of the summer season. But more importantly, it’s also a time to remember those who have served in our military and paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country and our freedom.

Many Americans commemorate the day with BBQs, picnics and beach trips. To help you stay on track with your weight loss goals this holiday, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite healthy Memorial Day recipes that everyone will enjoy.

From protein-packed grilled main courses, fresh fruity favorites and patriotic party plates, these 20 Memorial Day cookout ideas are sure to be a hit!

🔥 Grilled & Cookout-Worthy Mains (High-Protein, Summer Favorites)

1. Grilled Balsamic Chicken

Keep grilled chicken simple and savory with an easy marinade. We perfected this balsamic marinade that includes olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic and black pepper.

Get the Grilled Balsamic Chicken recipe.

2. Caprese Turkey Burger

It’s burger season! If you’re stocking up on burger recipes for a Memorial Day BBQ, this Caprese Turkey Burger is one that everyone will love.

Get the Caprese Turkey Burger recipe.

3. Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

Add this marinated grilled chicken to your line-up of Memorial Day Cookout ideas! Tender chicken thighs are infused with citrus juices, olive oil and a blend of savory spices.

Get the Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe.

4. Spicy Inside-Out Cheeseburger

It’s not Memorial Day weekend without grilling! Whip up the ultimate healthy burger recipe with lean ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, jalapeno pepper, shredded reduced fat cheese and a blend of savory spices. Serve them up on whole wheat sandwich thins with a serving of chunky salsa, sliced tomatoes and lettuce leaves.

Get the Spicy Inside-Out Cheeseburger recipe.

5. Marinated Steak Kabobs

Tender, juicy steak shines in this protein-packed main course that you need for your holiday cookout. These easy skewers also provide fiber with baby potatoes, red onions and bell peppers.

Get the Marinated Steak Kabobs recipe.

6. Cedar Plank Salmon

A cedar plank makes grilling fish easy (and more delicious!). Simply add spices to your salmon, throw it on a soaked cedar plank and grill for 14 to 18 minutes.

Get the Cedar Plank Salmon recipe.

7. Shrimp and Scallop Skewers

Shrimp and scallops are stacked onto skewers with sliced veggies, creating one of the most delicious Memorial Day cookout ideas. (We used zucchini, red onions and bell peppers, but you can also incorporate cherry tomatoes and mushrooms!) Brushed in a homemade lemon garlic butter sauce, they are packed with protein AND flavor.

Get the Shrimp and Scallop Skewers recipe.

🥗 Light & Healthy BBQ Sides

8. Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

Corn on the cob is a summer picnic staple. Take it to the next level and save room on the grill and stovetop by making healthy Mexican Street Corn in your air fryer. We even made the creamy Mexican street corn sauce healthy and Nutrisystem-approved!

Get the Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn recipe.

9. 4-Ingredient Dill Pickle Egg Salad

A tasty twist on a classic BBQ side dish, our simple Dill Pickle Egg Salad recipe for Memorial Day requires just four ingredients: Eggs, pickles, dried dill and mayo.

Get the Dill Pickle Egg Salad recipe.

10. Creamy Cauliflower “Potato Salad”

Enjoy creamy potato salad with a twist! Cauliflower florets are the base of this healthy “potato salad recipe” that’s low carb and super delicious.

Get the Creamy Cauliflower “Potato Salad” recipe.

11. Greek Orzo Summer Salad

Healthy pasta salad recipes are essential to your list of Memorial Day cookout ideas. This seasonal summer salad is colorful, flavorful and different than any other pasta salad recipes that will be at the BBQ.

Get the Greek Orzo Summer Salad recipe.

12. Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad

Memorial Day may mark the unofficial start of summer, but we’re still savoring the best of spring. Celebrate the season with a simple and delicious pasta salad featuring one of spring’s star vegetables: fresh, in-season asparagus!

Get the Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad recipe.

🍓 Fresh Fruit Salads & Themed Party Platters

13. Healthy Fruit Salad

Healthy Memorial Day recipes and cookout ideas should involve fresh fruit and grilled proteins. This Healthy Fruit Salad recipe checks off the first box and pairs perfectly with all of your BBQ main courses.

Get the Healthy Fruit Salad recipe.

14. Watermelon Berry Salad

This red, white and blue fruit salad will be one of your favorite side dish recipes for your Memorial Day BBQ. Cubed watermelon, black pepper, fat-free feta cheese and fresh mint are the perfect fusion of sweet and salty. Feel free to plate it up in the shape of an American flag!

Get the Watermelon Berry Salad recipe.

15. American Flag Fruit Tray

This American Flag Fruit Tray is an impressive addition to your healthy Memorial Day menu. Assorted red, white and blue fruit creates a beautiful American flag that’s the perfect centerpiece for your picnic table. White chocolate dipped banana slices make this tray extra special.

Get the American Flag Fruit Tray recipe.

🍹 Patriotic & Summer-Inspired Mocktails

16. Healthy Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri

Toast to the start of summer with this refreshing and fruity mocktail recipe. All you need is fresh and frozen strawberries, water and lime juice for this blended beverage.

Get the Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri recipe.

17. Patriotic Booze-Free Sangria

Seltzer water and a light lemonade mix come together to create this refreshing beverage. Just add the red, white and blue fruits, pour it into a cup, add a straw and enjoy! 

Get the Patriotic Booze-Free Sangria recipe.

🍰 Memorial Day Desserts with a Healthy Twist

18. 5-Ingredient Patriotic Cheesecake

Who knew that you would only need five ingredients to make a creamy, dreamy cheesecake dessert? This healthy Memorial Day cake recipe includes the colors of the flag and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Try turning the berries into an American flag design if you have some extra time!

Get the Patriotic Cheesecake recipe.

19. Must-Try Strawberry Pie

Memorial Day desserts must include a sweet strawberry surprise! Our strawberry pie recipe is a must-try, with its graham cracker crust and fresh and fruity filling.

Get the Must-Try Strawberry Pie recipe.

20. Pretzel Crust Fruit Pie

Pie crust is made easy with crushed pretzels, light butter and coconut sugar. The creamy filling of this simple pie is even easier, featuring light whipped topping, lime zest and beautiful sliced peaches and plums. Feel free to swap your favorite fruits into one of our top healthy Memorial Day desserts.

Get the Pretzel Crust Fruit Pie recipe.