Happy Memorial Day Feast: 5 Delicious Dishes Ready in 20 Minutes!

Celebrate freedom, honor heroes, and enjoy precious time with loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. This Happy Memorial Day, whip up a festive spread lightning-fast with these crowd-pleasing recipes! 🇺🇸⏱️

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1. Lemon-Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Zesty, succulent shrimp with bright Mediterranean flavors – elegant yet effortless! #Happy Memorial Day
Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (zest + 2 tbsp juice)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper
• Bamboo skewers (soaked 10 mins)
  

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest/juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Skewer: Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.
3. Grill: Cook on high heat (or grill pan) for 2-3 mins per side until pink and curled.
   Time: 15 mins

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2. Caprese Salad Bites

Fresh, patriotic, and no-cook! Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on toothpicks.
Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (red)
• 8 oz mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Toothpicks
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Assemble: Skewer 1 tomato, 1 basil leaf, and 1 mozzarella ball per toothpick.
2. Season: Arrange on platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle salt/pepper.
   Time: 10 mins

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3. Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy, smoky, and kid-friendly! Uses rotisserie chicken for instant flavor.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp butter
• Sour cream & green onions (for serving)
  

Instructions:

1. Mix: Combine chicken and BBQ sauce.
2. Fill: On half of each tortilla, spread chicken mix and cheese. Fold over.
3. Cook: Melt butter in skillet over medium. Cook quesadillas 2-3 mins per side until golden. Slice and serve!
   Time: 15 mins

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4. Garlic Butter Corn Ribs

Smoky, buttery, and fun to eat! “Ribbed” corn cooks in minutes.
Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Cut Corn: Slice ears into 1-inch “ribs” (see FAQ #8).
2. Toss: Mix corn ribs with butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill/Boil: Grill 5-7 mins OR boil 5 mins until tender. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
   Time: 15 mins

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5. Red, White & Blue Yogurt Parfaits

Layers of creamy yogurt, berries, and granola – a healthy, patriotic dessert!
Ingredients:

• 3 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup granola
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Layer: In glasses, alternate: yogurt → strawberries → yogurt → blueberries → granola.
2. Drizzle: Top with honey and extra berries.
   Time: 10 mins

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FAQ

1. Can I prep anything ahead?
   A: Yes! Marinate shrimp (up to 1 hr), make caprese bites (cover 2 hrs), shred chicken (1 day ahead).
2. No grill? No problem!
   A: Use a grill pan, broiler, or air fryer for shrimp/corn (400°F for 5-7 mins).
3. Vegetarian swaps?
   A: Swap shrimp for halloumi cheese. Use black beans instead of chicken in quesadillas.
4. How to keep quesadillas crispy?
   A: Cook on medium heat – don’t overcrowd the pan!
5. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   A: Yes! Thaw in cold water (10 mins), then pat dry before marinating.
6. What if I can’t find mini mozzarella?
   A: Cut regular mozzarella into cubes or use bocconcini.
7. Is balsamic glaze essential?
   A: No! Drizzle with olive oil or skip it.
8. How do I cut corn into “ribs”?
   A: Stand corn upright. Cut downward around the core to create 4-6 wedges per ear.
9. Can I make the parfaits sweeter?
   A: Mix honey into yogurt or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
10. Serving suggestions?
    A: Add watermelon slices, chips/guac, or lemonade for a complete feast!
11. How much per person?
    A: 3-4 shrimp skewers, 2 quesadilla wedges, 1 corn ear’s worth, 4 caprese bites, 1 parfait.
12. Store-bought shortcuts?
    A: Use pre-cooked shrimp, bottled BBQ sauce, or store-bought balsamic glaze.
13. How to honor the day meaningfully?
    A: Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time. Share a gratitude toast.

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Pro Tip: Set up a “Freedom Bar” with all dishes displayed buffet-style. Use red/white/blue napkins, plates, or a simple flag centerpiece!

“This Happy Memorial Day, we remember the brave, cherish our freedom, and gather with gratitude. May your table be full and your hearts fuller.”

Share your 20-minute feast using #HappyMemorialDayFeast! 🦅🍋🎆