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! 🇺🇸⏱️
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:
- Marinate: Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest/juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Skewer: Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.
- Grill: Cook on high heat (or grill pan) for 2-3 mins per side until pink and curled.
Time: 15 mins
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:
- Assemble: Skewer 1 tomato, 1 basil leaf, and 1 mozzarella ball per toothpick.
- Season: Arrange on platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle salt/pepper.
Time: 10 mins
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:
- Mix: Combine chicken and BBQ sauce.
- Fill: On half of each tortilla, spread chicken mix and cheese. Fold over.
- Cook: Melt butter in skillet over medium. Cook quesadillas 2-3 mins per side until golden. Slice and serve!
Time: 15 mins
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:
- Cut Corn: Slice ears into 1-inch “ribs” (see FAQ #8).
- Toss: Mix corn ribs with butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill/Boil: Grill 5-7 mins OR boil 5 mins until tender. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
Time: 15 mins
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:
- Layer: In glasses, alternate: yogurt → strawberries → yogurt → blueberries → granola.
- Drizzle: Top with honey and extra berries.
Time: 10 mins
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Happy Memorial Day Feast: 5 Delicious Dishes Ready in 20 Minutes!
FAQ
- Can I prep anything ahead?
A: Yes! Marinate shrimp (up to 1 hr), make caprese bites (cover 2 hrs), shred chicken (1 day ahead). - No grill? No problem!
A: Use a grill pan, broiler, or air fryer for shrimp/corn (400°F for 5-7 mins). - Vegetarian swaps?
A: Swap shrimp for halloumi cheese. Use black beans instead of chicken in quesadillas. - How to keep quesadillas crispy?
A: Cook on medium heat – don’t overcrowd the pan! - Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw in cold water (10 mins), then pat dry before marinating. - What if I can’t find mini mozzarella?
A: Cut regular mozzarella into cubes or use bocconcini. - Is balsamic glaze essential?
A: No! Drizzle with olive oil or skip it. - How do I cut corn into “ribs”?
A: Stand corn upright. Cut downward around the core to create 4-6 wedges per ear. - Can I make the parfaits sweeter?
A: Mix honey into yogurt or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar. - Serving suggestions?
A: Add watermelon slices, chips/guac, or lemonade for a complete feast! - How much per person?
A: 3-4 shrimp skewers, 2 quesadilla wedges, 1 corn ear’s worth, 4 caprese bites, 1 parfait. - Store-bought shortcuts?
A: Use pre-cooked shrimp, bottled BBQ sauce, or store-bought balsamic glaze. - How to honor the day meaningfully?
A: Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time. Share a gratitude toast.
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! 🦅🍋🎆
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