13 Fresh and Delicious Recipes to Make for a Memorial Day Picnic

by Lisa Lozano

Memorial Day is this weekend, and whether you're going to attend your local Memorial Day Parade, host a picnic in the park, or join friend and family for a cookout, we’ve got a multitude of delicious and portable recipes that you can bring along!

Crostini is an elegant dish that you can prep ahead of time, and then assemble at the park. It’s also a finger food, so you don’t need silverware. We have two delicious options for you:

Fabio Viviani’s Toasted Baguette with Prosciutto Di Parma, Homemade Sundried Tomato, Basil and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

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Fabio’s recipe really couldn’t be easier to take with you. Just toast your bread (or use crackers if you want to cheat) and pack the rest of your ingredients in individual containers in your picnic bag. When the time comes, just layer the ingredients and you’re done!

Martina McBride’s Goat Cheese and Honey Crostini

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Toast your baguette slices in the oven with a little olive oil before you leave, and pack up the rest of the ingredients separately. Assemble and serve!

Katie Lee’s All-American Potato Salad

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What is a picnic without potato salad? And Katie Lee’s recipe is everything you look for in this American favorite.

Bacon-Ranch Deviled Eggs

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These yummy deviled eggs feature homemade spicy ranch dressing and bacon – do you need any more convincing??

Graham Elliot’s Curried Almonds

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These delicious curried almonds are healthy and can be taken anywhere. And the best part – they’re super easy to make but your friends won’t know that!

Tip: These would also work great to keep in the car for a quick protein boost when running errands with kids.

Weeknight Porchetta Tenderloin on Ciabatta, Muffaletta-Style

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These delicious sammies could be made with leftovers, or you could roast the pork ahead of time. Either way, these delish sandwiches taste great hot or cold!

Emeril's Late Night Mortadella Panini

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This Emeril recipe was conceived as a midnight snack, but also works great for an elegant picnic meal. Just prep and go!

Dr. Travis Stork's Broccoli and Turkey Salad

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This recipe is super easy to make ahead and nutritious to boot! It’s also light, a great choice for a hot day.

Guacamole Traditional

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We don’t need to sell this one – it’s just a really delicious guacamole that will have your friends begging for the recipe.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

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This is a fun and healthy alternative to a traditional salsa, and will get gobbled up by kids and grownups alike. And the light, refreshing fruit will be a welcome snack on a hot day.

Christopher Kimball's Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

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Pack Christopher Kimball’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies for dessert. They travel well, but are special enough to impress your guests.

Grant's Red Velvet Brownies

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Grant’s red velvet brownies are both beautiful to look at and delicious. And to transport, why not just take them right in the pan you baked them in? Slice and serve when you arrive.

Kara Vogt's Cucumber Lemon-Lime Mint Spritzer

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And what is a picnic without a lemonade-esque beverage. This delicious fizzy drink is alcohol free, but could be boosted with a splash of your favorite over-21 beverage, we won’t tell!

Are you planning some fun picnics this summer? Tell us in the comments!