Now that the weather has warmed for many of us, and Memorial Day is fast approaching, we here at Just N Life have been thinking about ways to add a little excitement to the usual holiday spread. These are our favorite recipes to complement the classics—think a twist on potato salad, a bold new topping for your burgers, or a fresh alternative to the usual cucumber-carrot salad with Thousand Island dressing.
We’re not here to replace your family favorites—just to offer a few flavorful upgrades to boost your table this year.
Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri
Easy to prep ahead and quick to grill the day of, this dish is perfect for a warm-weather cookout. Chimichurri—a bright herb sauce made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and aromatics—is believed to have originated in Argentina and Uruguay. It’s traditionally paired with steak, but it works beautifully with grilled chicken.
We recommend using boneless chicken thighs for their flavor and juiciness, though breasts work fine too. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and marinate in chimichurri overnight for maximum flavor. If using metal skewers, alternate the chicken with bell peppers and onions for extra texture and color.
Or skip the marinade and serve the chimichurri on the side—let guests drizzle as they please. There are plenty of solid chimichurri recipes online; pick one that speaks to you. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new Memorial Day favorite.
Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Bacon Jam
This one’s a no-brainer if you want to elevate your standard burger without reinventing the whole grill. The best part? You can prep most of it the day before.
Start with the onions. We like Spanish (yellow) onions for their natural sweetness when caramelized. Cook them low and slow with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally until golden, jammy, and soft—this can take 30 to 40 minutes, but the payoff is worth it.
While the onions cook, prep your bacon jam. Recipes vary, but most include chopped bacon, onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and sometimes coffee or maple syrup. Choose one that fits your style—there’s no wrong direction.
On the day of, grill your burgers as usual. Reheat the jam and onions if you made them ahead. Then pile both on top. Rich, sweet, smoky—totally worth the effort.
Andouille Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Smoky and spicy, andouille brings bold energy to your grill. Unlike regular sausages, it’s double-smoked and made with coarse-ground pork—sometimes including chunks of smoked shoulder—which gives it a rustic texture and a ton of flavor. Originally from France, it’s a staple in Cajun cuisine.
Grill the sausages whole, then slice them on a bias and tuck them into brioche buns with sautéed peppers and onions. It’s simple, hearty, and a big step up from your usual hot dog.
Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
We’d be remiss not to include at least one salad—and this one is a knockout. Sweet, smoky, and summery, it pairs beautifully with burgers, sausages, or skewers.
Grill your corn first for that perfect char, then toss with ripe cherry tomatoes and a bright basil vinaigrette. Add avocado for creaminess or crumbled feta for a salty kick. It’s easy, flexible, and packed with summer flavor—a fresh, colorful addition to your Memorial Day cookout.
Looking to shake up your Memorial Day holiday? Give any one of these dishes a try. Simple yet elevated, they’re sure to impress—and earn a spot on your yearly menu.
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