Hey, Reader, it's Erin.

Memorial Day Weekend is here!

Memorial Day honors people who gave their lives for our country, and this long weekend is widely seen as the unofficial kick-off of summer and grilling season.

My family and I are headed to the UK, so we won't be firing up the grill at home. But if we were? These are the recipes I'd make. Whether you're hosting a big cookout or just want to enjoy some classic summer flavors, I've got you covered.

Grill-Ready Mains:

Grilled Turkey Burgers

Juicy, flavorful and lighter than beef burgers, these are perfect for summer cookouts.

How to Grill Steak

Master the technique, and you'll nail it every time.

Smoked Pork Loin

Marinate, then cook low and slow on your pellet grill for the perfect serving of pork!

Thai Chicken Salad Sandwich

For if you want something that's a little bit different than the usual grilling fare, but a lot a bit delicious.

Shareable Sides:

Memphis-Style Coleslaw

Creamy, tangy and the perfect side for any summer spread.

No-Mayo Potato Salad

This lighter take on the classic still delivers all the flavor. It's also great for the mayo-haters in your life.

Instant Pot BBQ Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky and ready faster than traditional baked beans. These are a nod to the classic baked beans I grew up with in Memphis.

Cucumber Caprese Salad

Fresh, light, and summery, this offers a nice contrast to all the rich BBQ flavors.

Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes

Easy to make and perfect every time, these grilled potatoes are the perfect side for any main.

Ramen Noodle Salad

It's a classic for a reason! This hearty salad recipe is fresh, crunchy and stays crisp for days. Make it ahead of time for an easy reason!

Sweet Finishes:

Ooey Gooey Bars

Make these ahead of time and do not expect to have leftovers. These rich, decadent dessert bars are beloved.

Dessert Bruschetta

Grilled angel food or pound cake topped with homemade pudding, lemon curd and fresh berries is both beautiful and delicious.

Red, White and Blue Popsicles

Festive, fun and perfect for any warm weekend. Make 'em ahead of time and enjoy!

Whatever your Memorial Day weekend looks like — hosting a big cookout, keeping it low-key or traveling like we are — I hope you have a wonderful long weekend.

Happy cooking,
Erin

P.S. I don't know if I'll be online much as we soak it all in, but you can follow along on my Instagram.

Howdy! I'm Erin. At The Speckled Palate, you'll find easy recipes and drinks that call for simple, fresh ingredients that hopefully inspire you to invite your people into your home for super low-key gatherings. Buy me a cup of coffee. take me to the blog

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