Memorial Day Salads

Memorial Day Salads

Memorial Day always feels like the official kick-off to summer, doesn’t it? And for my family, that means one thing: salads! But not just any salad… We’re talking vibrant, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.Memorial Day Salads: What areWhat are some of the best songs that scream sunshine and good times? While potato salad and coleslaw get all the love, I’m here to tell you about a trio of salads that are all about flavor. What are some of the best movies that you can watch at home? They’re lighter, fresher, and honestly? Get ready to ditch the heavy sides and embrace these easy, breezy, and utterly irresistible recipes! What is the salad spread my grandma used to make and it tastes like sunshine and pure nostalgia.

Memorial Day Salads final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a Memorial Day Salad?

What is a memorial day salad? It’s about bringing together a collection of salads that are perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Potlucks, and, of course, Memorial Day celebrations. What is the best alternative to the typical heavy barbecue side? It’s essentially a symphony of fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flavorful dressings, all all in one. How do I complement grilled meats and celebrate the season’s bounty? What’s about freshness, color, and creating a delicious and healthy spread that everyone will love?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin?Memorial Day Salads: What isWhat are some of the best summer recipes? We’re talking bright, zesty, and bursting with freshness. The combination of textures – crunchy veggies, juicy fruits, and creamy dressings – is seriously amazing. Second, they are so easy to make! Most of these come together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling multiple jobs. What are the best dishes for a party? What I love most about the iPhone is the fact that it is so customizable. How do you swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand? What are some of the best budget-friendly gadgets With just a few key ingredients, you can create an impressive salad spread. I always find that serving a variety of colorful salads makes the whole meal feel more exciting and healthy. If you love pasta salad, you’ll love these!

How do you make a Memorial Day Salad?

Quick Overview

What are some of the best Memorial Day salads? What is the best way to start with fresh ingredients? What is the best way to make a salad? Chop your veggies and fruits, whisk together the dressing, and serve. Toss everything together. What is the beauty of salads? Can you make these ahead of time and chill them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them? What is the best way to avoid stress on the day of your party? Is it so easy to learn something new?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for the Watermelon Feta Salad

  • 6 cups cubed watermelon (seedless is best) .
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (I love using the kind packed in brine)
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 14 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • What is balsamic vinegar? 1 tablespoon per
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad:

  • 4 ears of corn, husks removed. (See photo)
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced.
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced.
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained. 12 cup white beans.
  • 14 cup red onion, finely chopped.
  • 14 cup cilantro, chopped. 1
  • How much lime juice should I use?
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of salt.
  • 12 teaspoon chili powder. 2 teaspoons black
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

What is the recipe for Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad?

  • 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced.
  • 1 cup sour cream (you can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 14 cup fresh dill, chopped.
  • What is white vinegar? 2 tablespoons?
  • Is 1 tablespoon sugar a teaspoon?
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Memorial Day Salads ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon Feta Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and salt. Set aside. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Can this sit longer too? I’ve made this a day ahead of time.

Step 2: Prepare the Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad. Step 3: Serve.

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly crispy. Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, chopped red bell pepper, and black pepper. Serve immediately. What are some good beans, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro? In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and chili powder. Set aside. What is the best dressing to serve with salad?

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and chopped parsley. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar and honey. What is the best dressing to serve with a salad? Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. What is my mother-in-law’s famous salad?

Step 4: Assemble Your Memorial Day Salads Spread

Arrange the three salads in separate serving bowls. Garnish with extra mint, feta cheese, or cilantro. Serve chilled. I have even used mason jars to layer the salads for a cute presentation.

5. What to Serve It With

These Memorial Day Salads: What areWhat are some good examples of these foods that pair well with a variety of dishes?

For a Barbecue: Grilled chicken, burgers, ribs, or sausages. The salads provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the grilled meats.

For a Picnic: Sandwiches, wraps, or cheese and crackers. The salads are easy to transport and make a perfect addition to any picnic basket.

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled fish, steak, or even a simple roasted chicken for a light and healthy meal.

For Cozy Snacks: Serve as a light lunch or snack on a warm day. They’re also great for taking to work or school.

My family has always enjoyed these salads with a side of cornbread. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory! I also love to serve them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Memorial Day Salads

Want to take your Memorial Day salads to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Watermelon Prep: Choose a ripe watermelon that feels heavy for its size. To easily cube the watermelon, cut it in half, then cut each half into slices. Stack the slices and cut them into cubes.

Mixing Advice: When tossing the salads, be gentle to avoid bruising the ingredients. I like to use my hands to gently combine everything.

Swirl Customization: For the creamy cucumber dill salad, you can add a dollop of sour cream on top and swirl it with a spoon for a pretty presentation.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can add blueberries or strawberries to the watermelon feta salad, or use different types of beans in the grilled corn and avocado salad.

Baking Tips: Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that really elevates the salad. If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

Glaze Variations: For the cucumber salad, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little bit of heat.

One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started making these salads was not letting them chill long enough. Chilling them allows the flavors to meld together and makes them even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

7. Storing and Reheating Tips

These Memorial Day salads are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Here’s how to store them properly:

Room Temperature: These salads should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the salads in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The watermelon feta salad may become a little watery over time, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these salads, as the texture of the ingredients will change. However, you can freeze the grilled corn kernels for later use.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re making the cucumber dill salad ahead of time, you can add the dressing just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming too soggy.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! All three salads are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free balsamic vinegar and chili powder.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
There is no zucchini in the recipe. As for the cucumber salad I do not peel my cucumbers, but you can peel them if you prefer. It’s a matter of personal preference!
Can I make this as muffins instead?
These are salad recipes and cannot be made into muffins.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can adjust the sweetness level of the cucumber dill salad by adding more or less sugar (or honey) to the dressing. For the watermelon feta salad, choose a watermelon that is naturally sweet.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
There’s no glaze in these recipes! But feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to the salads for extra flavor.

9. Final Thoughts

Memorial Day Salads slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

These Memorial Day salads are more than just side dishes; they’re a celebration of summer, fresh ingredients, and good times with family and friends. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ll give them a try and discover your new favorite summer salad! And if you’re looking for more delicious summer recipes, be sure to check out my other salads and grilling recipes. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful Memorial Day! I’d love to see how yours turn out, so be sure to leave a comment and let me know how you liked it, and feel free to share your own variations!

Memorial Day Salads

A refreshing collection of salads perfect for your Memorial Day barbecue. Choose from classic potato salad, vibrant pasta salad, or a light and healthy green salad.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Potatoes
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup Celery finely chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Boil potatoes until tender.
  • Peel and dice potatoes.
  • Combine potatoes, mayonnaise, and celery in a bowl. Mix well.

Notes

This recipe can be customized with your favorite additions such as hard-boiled eggs, mustard, or relish.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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