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20+ Healthy Memorial Day Recipes

Created On:   |  Updated:   |   2 Comments

Ready to kick off the summer season in style? Memorial Day is the official start of summer, synonymous with hot dogs, hamburgers, and your typical summer BBQ fare. Is there room for some healthy deliciousness in all of this? You betcha! Read on for 20+ healthy and delicious recipes to make for Memorial Day.

Healthy Memorial Day Recipes

This will be my first Memorial Day as a homeowner and I couldn't be happier to begin hosting, YES HOSTING, outdoor BBQs, family picnics, and epic summer adventures. A one-bedroom apartment in NYC is not the ideal location for summer parties, but a big ol' country yard full of gardens and hidden nooks is beyond ideal. 

The summer season brings with it an abundance of gorgeous produce, This recipe round-up celebrates the bounty of the season. So…turn that grill on, pop on some summertime tunes, pour me a glass of cold Rose, and let's get cooking!

Table of contents

Snacks and Apps!

I can very easily make a meal of small bites, snacks, and apps. Especially for a low-key Memorial Day celebration. Here are some of my favorites:

Healthy Snack Ideas - Beautiful Snack Board

The Ultimate Snack Board

Healthy Guacamole
The best simple and healthy guacamole recipe, perfect for snacking, as a toast topping.
Check out this recipe
close up of white bowl of guacamole
Star of the Party Rhubarb Flatbread
Ricotta flatbread with roasted rhubarb, honey, and mint. A few simple real food ingredients, a quick and easy recipe and so yummy! 
Check out this recipe
Ricotta flatbread with roasted rhubarb, honey, and mint. A few simple real food ingredients, quick and easy, and so yummy! | abraskitchen.com
Peach, Goat Cheese Crostini with Fresh Thyme and Honey
Creamy goat cheese crostini topped with fresh juicy peaches, earthy thyme and a drizzle of honey. The perfect little bite on a hot summer’s day.
Check out this recipe
Peach goat cheese crostini is the perfect little bite on a hot summer's day. Creamy goat cheese topped with fresh juicy peaches, earthy thyme, and a drizzle of honey. Appetizer, peach, vegetarian, healthy | abraskitchen.com
Green Goddess Ricotta Dip
Creamy ricotta cheese with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil.  Simple enough to throw together at a moment's notice, delicious enough to make over and over again.
Check out this recipe
Green Goddess Ricotta Dip Ingredients

GAZPACHO BAR!

You know I will find a way to make soup part of any celebration, even in the summer! Here are my two favorite gazpacho recipes. How fun to make the gazpacho base and then have a ton of topping options like diced cucumber, watermelon, jalapeno, feta cheese, cotija cheese, and scallions. Ok, who is coming over, I just decided on my Memorial day menu!

Watermelon Gazpacho
A light and refreshing chilled summer soup, savory with a touch of sweetness from the watermelon. Watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeno, scallions, and fresh herbs are the stars of this healthy soup!
Check out this recipe
Watermelon Gazpacho - A light and refreshing chilled summer soup, savory with a touch of sweetness from the watermelon. Watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeno, scallions, and fresh herbs are the stars of this healthy soup!
Charred Gazpacho
A twist on the classic chilled gazpacho soup recipe. Charred and smokey tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic are whirled together and served with crunchy croutons and bright green fresh herbs. An easy healthy recipe to enjoy on a warm summer day. 
Check out this recipe
2 bowls of Healthy Charred Gazpacho on a white background

Salads and Sides!

I said I could make a meal out of snacks and apps but I lied… I need a few salads thrown into the mix too. From pasta salad to potato salad, summer is all about the salads. These are some of my favorites.

Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad
Perfectly charred corn and jalapeno tossed with cilantro, lime juice, red onion, and cheese. This healthy Mexican street corn salad recipe is easy to prepare with only 6 ingredients and is the perfect summer side dish or, with the addition of protein, is the perfect healthy lunch.   
Check out this recipe
Perfectly charred corn and jalapeno tossed with cilantro, lime juice, red onion, and cheese. This healthy Mexican street corn salad recipe is easy to prepare with only 6 ingredients and is the perfect summer side dish or, with the addition of protein, is the perfect healthy lunch.   

DILL PICKLE POTATO SALAD: This potato salad has become somewhat infamous, I bring it to every party all summer long. The ratio of pickle to potato is 1:1, with a pickle in every bite! OR if I'm making this salad for my sister-in-law the pickle to potato ratio is 4:1. We have been known to use 3 large jars of pickles in ONE potato salad, I'm not sorry about it. If you love pickles, you will LOVE this salad.

Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Crunchy dill pickles tossed together with creamy red, white, and blue potatoes, a huge handful of fresh dill and scallions. Dill pickle potato salad is quite literally THE BEST potato salad you will ever eat, for pickle lovers everywhere!
Check out this recipe
Crunchy dill pickles tossed together with creamy red, white, and blue potatoes, a huge handful of fresh dill and scallions. Dill pickle potato salad is quite literally THE BEST potato salad you will ever eat, for pickle lovers everywhere!
Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad
You are going to LOVE this 5-ingredient Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad. This fresh zesty salad stars juicy peaches, salty halloumi cheese, and a punchy basil vinaigrette in 10 minutes you'll capture summer on a plate. Healthy, seasonal cooking at its best!
Check out this recipe
white plate filled with beautiful peaches, halloumi cheese, and pistachios
Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad
Perfectly roasted cauliflower, roasted red pepper, tons of fresh basil, mozzarella cheese all tossed together in a zippy Italian dressing. Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad will be your new favorite pasta salad recipe!
Check out this recipe
Fresh Basil and Roasted Cauliflower pasta salad - roasted cauliflower, fresh mozzarella, chickpeas, roasted bell peppers, and tons of fresh basil. This is the easiest and healthiest vegetarian pasta salad. | abraskitchen.com
Chickpea Caesar Pasta Salad
Crunchy and light with bits of parmesan and pickled shallots, this yummy vegetarian pasta salad is perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Chickpea Caesar Pasta Salad in a purple bowl
Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Crunchy and creamy with a salty punch from dill pickles, this is a fun revamp of a summertime staple.
Check out this recipe
Large bowl of Close up of Dill Pickle Coleslaw in a purple bowl on white background
Corn and Black Bean Salad
This lively Corn and Black Bean salad will be a mainstay on your summer table. A fantastic accompaniment to barbeque or seafood and pure magic when heaped into tacos or burritos. Only 7 simple wholesome ingredients, and less than 10 minutes to whip up!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Corn and Black Bean Salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon on a white background
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with grilled halloumi cheese and a tangy sumac vinaigrette. Great for a quick and healthy lunch packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients!
Check out this recipe
Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Avocado and Fresh Peaches
A fresh heirloom tomato salad with juicy sweet peaches, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs. This healthy, simple salad is the very representation of savoring the final weeks of summer using only seasonal local produce. 
Check out this recipe
A fresh heirloom tomato salad with juicy sweet peaches, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs. This healthy, simple salad is the very representation of savoring the final weeks of summer using only seasonal local produce. 
Strawberry Avocado Salad with Crumbled Blue Cheese
Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and addictive blue cheese come together to create the worlds most perfect strawberry avocado summer salad.
Check out this recipe
Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and addictive blue cheese come together to create the worlds most perfect summer salad.
Carrot Top Tabouli Salad
A light refreshing salad filled with fresh herbs, veggies, and heart healthy bulgur. Carrot top tabouli is my favorite summer lunch. 
Check out this recipe
A light refreshing salad filled with fresh herbs and veggies, and heart healthy bulgur. Carrot top tabouli is my favorite summer lunch. Vegan, Plant Strong! |abraskitchen.com

The Main Squeeze

From creative burgers to vegetarian grain salads. All of these recipes can be made in small batches for small gatherings at home or large batches for big parties!

Beef Shawarma Burger
Shawarma spiced grass-fed beef burger grilled to perfection and layered on toasted naan bread with a yogurt feta cheese sauce, and a ton of veggie toppings. Epic is the most accurate word to describe this burger experience 🙂
Check out this recipe
Shawarma spiced grass-fed beef burger grilled to perfection and layered on toasted naan bread with a yogurt feta cheese sauce, and a ton of veggie toppings. Epic is the most accurate word to describe this burger experience
Mediterranean Farro Salad with Roasted Eggplant
Nutty chewy (and super healthy) farro meet a bounty of fresh herbs, perfectly roasted eggplant, garden fresh tomatoes, and lots of kalamata olives! All tossed together in a garlic vinaigrette. This healthy vegan grain salad is easy enough to prepare and so delicious!
Check out this recipe
Nutty chewy (and super healthy) farro meet a bounty of fresh herbs, perfectly roasted eggplant, garden fresh tomatoes, and lots of kalamata olives! All tossed together in a garlic vinaigrette. This healthy vegan grain salad is easy enough to prepare and so delicious!
Healthy Steak Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw
Quick and easy healthy steak tacos topped with a mouthwatering lime cilantro coleslaw. Ready in 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Quick and easy healthy steak tacos topped with a mouthwatering lime cilantro coleslaw. 
Oven Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Get all that crunchy, spicy goodness in this healthier version of Nashville hot chicken. These chicken tenders are doused in the signature red-hot spice and  have a juiciness from a good dunk in buttermilk.
Check out this recipe
pink plate of HEALTHIER! Crispy Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Strips (Buttermilk Marinated!) with a bowl of pickles
Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie
The perfect veggie treat! Fresh sweet corn, shredded local zucchini, melty cheese, this pie is crust-less (hello easy), and best served with fresh slices of tomato and flaky sea salt!
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie
Summer Salmon Salad with Corn and Bacon
Seared blackened salmon, crispy bacon, nutty farro, sweet summer corn, and fresh garden tomatoes all tossed together with a simple dijon dressing. 
Check out this recipe
Salmon Farro Salad with Corn and Bacon
Seared Scallop Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Blackened scallops are magic when tucked into warm tortillas and crowned with a peppy mango and avocado salsa. These sublime scallop tacos will be a welcomed addition to taco night.
Check out this recipe
Seared Scallop Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa on a sheet tray on a white background
Korean Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps
Seriously the most flavorful moist turkey burger you have ever had! Piled high in crisp lettuce leaves with carrots, kimchi, avocado, and a special Korean inspired sauce. Perfect for a crowd!
Check out this recipe
Seriously the most flavorful moist turkey burger you have ever had! Piled high in crisp lettuce leaves with carrots, kimchi, avocado, and a special Korean inspired sauce. Perfect for a crowd!
Mediterranean Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Orzo Salad
Loaded with fresh roasted vegetables, shrimp, dill, and feta cheese this Mediterranean inspired lemony orzo salad is a quick and easy summer side dish and is fantastic served warm or cold. 
Check out this recipe
Loaded with fresh roasted vegetables, shrimp, dill, and feta cheese this Mediterranean inspired lemony orzo salad is a quick and easy summer side dish and is fantastic served warm or cold. 

Sweat Treats

A festive healthy dessert board loaded with seasonal fruits, nuts, chocolate, and a heavenly whipped lime honey ricotta dip. The perfect party platter to wow your friends and family. 

You know I will turn anything into a festive board and dessert is no exception. I LOVE this for entertaining. Fill the board with seasonal fruit, add great chocolate and nuts. Make a festive fruit dip (in this recipe you will find my whipped ricotta fruit dip – so good!). – Festive Fruit and Dessert Board

Paleo Strawberry Poke Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream
This scrumptious strawberry cake has a frosting of whipped coconut cream. Naturally gluten-free, paleo and with no refined sugars, this retro poke cake is refreshing and cool, served right from the icebox, and will be a smash hit at all your summer rendezvouses.
 
Check out this recipe
slice of Paleo Strawberry Poke Cake on white background
Paleo Avocado Key Lime Pie
This Paleo Avocado Key Lime Pie is delicious and simple to make!
Check out this recipe
Delicious 6-ingredient paleo avocado key lime pie. Vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, no-bake and so easy!! Packed full of healthy fat and bursting with flavor. Your whole family will love this tasty zesty treat!
Paleo Cherry Rhubarb Crumble
Easy 7-ingredient paleo cherry rhubarb crumble. Served in individual portions for a quick and delicious summer dessert for two! Oat-free, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan optional. 
Check out this recipe
Easy 7-ingredient paleo cherry rhubarb crumble. Served in individual portion, for a quick and delicious summer dessert for 2. Oat-free, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan optional. 
Vegan Layered Peanut Butter Pie with Banana and Chocolate
Creamy whipped peanut butter mousse piled high on top of sliced bananas and decadent chocolate avocado mousse, all nestled inside a graham cracker crust. The best peanut butter pie ever!
Check out this recipe
Creamy whipped peanut butter mousse piled high on top of sliced bananas and decadent chocolate avocado mousse, all nestled inside a graham cracker crust. The best peanut butter pie ever!
THE BEST EVER BROWNIES YOU HAVE EVER HAD
Hands down the best brownies I've ever had! Tahini Espresso Brownies are grain-free, no refined sugar, super-rich, chocolatey and fudgy with the perfect swirl of tahini and espresso! 
Check out this recipe
Grain Free Tahini Espresso Brownies-6
Is it even a party if you don't have chocolate chip cookies?
The BEST ever almond flour chocolate chip cookies, paleo and gluten-free. Perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, and crisp on the edges.
Check out this recipe
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend filled with amazing food, family, friends, and good times.

Created by Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN

Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN holds a master's degree in functional medicine and clinical nutrition from the University of Western States. Abra practices functional nutrition in New York City with a clinical focus on eating disorders, digestive imbalances and women’s health. Abra is the publisher of the popular food blog, Abra’s Kitchen, a celebration of wholesome food, and has appeared in dozens of publications as a recipe developer, and wellness authority. Abra speaks and teaches on the topics of functional nutrition and mindful eating throughout the country.

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  1. Dana Suss says

    Yum! I will 100% be trying these this weekend. That festive fruits board is truly a work of art!! And I’ve made your grain free espresso tahini brownies before and they are out of this world!!!

    Reply

    • AbraPappa says

      Yay!! I am a little in love with making boards, the dessert board is just so fun!

      Reply

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