Sizzle into Summer: 3 Easy & Delicious Memorial Day Weekend Recipes for Your Celebration
This 3 Easy Memorial Day Weekend Recipes post is sponsored by Albion Fit but the recipes and opinions expressed are my own!
3 Easy Memorial Day Weekend Recipes
Memorial Day Weekend truly signifies the unofficial start of summer for me! As a dedicated summer enthusiast, I eagerly anticipate its arrival each year. Whether your plans involve a short getaway to the mountains, lounging by the pool or lake, or simply enjoying your backyard with cherished friends and family, having a collection of delicious, easy-to-prepare meal ideas is essential. And for those picture-perfect moments, we have Albion Fit to thank for providing the most stylish and comfortable outfits!
This year, let’s make your Memorial Day celebration effortless and incredibly tasty. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove; these three recipes are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. They’re perfect for any casual get-together, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time making memories. Plus, they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Today, I’m thrilled to share my top three simple recipes that promise to elevate your Memorial Day feast. We’ll be diving into the secrets behind my incredibly flavorful Marinated Grilled Chicken, a side dish everyone will rave about – my Grilled Ranch Potatoes, and for a sweet ending that requires no baking, my universally loved S’more Cereal Bars. Get ready to cook up some summer fun with me!
Your Essential Grocery Shopping List for Memorial Day Delights
When planning for these three easy Memorial Day Weekend recipes, my goal was to curate dishes that are not only universally appealing and bursting with flavor but also incredibly straightforward, requiring only a handful of common ingredients. You won’t need to hunt for obscure items; everything on this list can be found at your local grocery store, making your prep simple and stress-free. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing meals:
For the Best Marinated Grilled Chicken:
This chicken recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. The unique marinade, featuring a surprising secret ingredient, ensures incredibly tender and juicy chicken every time. It’s perfect for grilling and soaking up all those wonderful smoky notes.
- 4-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 1/2 cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 (12-ounce) can 7 Up or Sprite (don’t skip this secret ingredient!)
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
For the Irresistible Grilled Ranch Potatoes:
These potatoes are destined to become your go-to BBQ side. They’re unbelievably easy to prepare and their savory ranch flavor, combined with the smoky char from the grill, is simply divine. They pair perfectly with any grilled meat or as a standalone snack.
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
For the Fun & Easy S’more Cereal Bars:
Bring the joy of a campfire s’more to your dessert table without the need for a fire pit! These no-bake cereal bars are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth, incredibly quick to assemble, and always a huge hit with both kids and adults. They’re the perfect grab-and-go treat.
- 10 cups Honey Maid S’more Cereal (or any s’mores flavored cereal)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 20 ounces mini marshmallows, divided (16 oz for melting, 4 oz for folding in)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence
Mastering the Grill: Preheat for Perfect Results
To achieve that signature smoky flavor and perfect char for both our Marinated Grilled Chicken and the delightful Grilled Ranch Potatoes, we’ll be utilizing the outdoor grill. Grilling is synonymous with summer, and it’s truly the best way to cook these dishes. When you’re ready to start your cooking adventure, preheat your grill to a consistent medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 350°F (175°C).
There are so many reasons to embrace grilling during the warmer months! Not only do you get to enjoy the beautiful weather and fresh air, but you also keep your kitchen cool and clean. The unique flavor that grilling imparts to food is simply unmatched – those caramelized edges, the juicy interior, and that distinct char. Seriously, those grilled ranch potatoes? All I can say is YUM! The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around, eagerly awaiting their meal.
Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing any food down to prevent sticking. This simple step makes a big difference in the final presentation and taste of your grilled masterpieces. Patience is key when preheating; letting the grill come to temperature properly ensures even cooking and optimal browning.
The Magic of a No-Bake Treat: S’more Cereal Bars
One of the absolute best features of cereal bars, and particularly these S’more Cereal Bars, is that they are a fantastic no-bake recipe! This means no oven required, no heating up your kitchen, and a dessert that comes together incredibly quickly and effortlessly. They’re perfect for those warm summer days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. These S’more Bars are so simple to make, requiring just a few steps, and the result is a universally adored treat that disappears almost as fast as you make them!
For this specific recipe, I opted for the delightful Honey Maid S’more Cereal, which I easily found at my local grocery store. Its pre-existing s’mores flavor profile makes these bars extra special and authentic. However, if you can’t find this exact brand, don’t fret! Any “S’more” flavored cereal you can get your hands on will work wonderfully for this recipe. The key is that delicious graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow essence. Feel free to experiment with other s’mores-inspired cereals to find your favorite variation!
Another fantastic tip for these S’more Cereal Bars, especially if you’re hosting a larger crowd, is to adjust the pan size for more servings. While a standard 9×13-inch baking dish yields thick, satisfying bars, you can easily use a larger cookie sheet lined with parchment paper instead. The bars will be slightly thinner, but this method significantly increases the yield, potentially serving up to 20 people or more! This is ideal for big Memorial Day parties, school events, or just ensuring there’s enough for everyone to have seconds. Just remember to press them down firmly regardless of the pan size to ensure they hold together perfectly.
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Get the 3 Easy Memorial Day Weekend Recipes!
Marinated Grilled Chicken
The very best, most delicious, Marinated Grilled Chicken! This recipe delivers incredibly tender and juicy chicken every time, making it perfect for your Memorial Day BBQ or any summer gathering. The unique marinade infuses the chicken with amazing flavor, ensuring a crowd-pleasing main course that’s simple to prepare but tastes gourmet.
5 minutes
15 minutes
12 hours
12 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup avocado oil (or other neutral oil like vegetable or canola)
- 1 (12-ounce) can 7 UP or Sprite (this is the secret to tender chicken!)
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if desired)
Instructions
- To a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the avocado oil, soda (7 Up or Sprite), garlic powder, and soy sauce. Mix gently to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Carefully add the trimmed chicken thighs to the marinade in the bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently, remove it from the refrigerator. While the chicken comes to room temperature slightly, preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the preheated grill grates. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken thighs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a clean plate or cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and tender chicken. Slice or serve whole, and enjoy!
Grilled Ranch Potatoes
The most delicious Grilled Ranch Potatoes! These potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory ranch flavor, making them the perfect easy side dish for every BBQ and summer gathering. They’re incredibly simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (standard size, about 1 ounce)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the baby red potatoes under cold running water. Then, quarter them into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents smaller pieces from burning while larger ones remain undercooked.
- Place all the chopped potatoes into a large, resealable bag (like a gallon-sized zip-top bag). Drizzle the avocado oil over the potatoes in the bag, seal tightly, and toss vigorously to ensure every potato piece is lightly coated with oil.
- Open the bag and sprinkle the entire packet of dry ranch seasoning over the oiled potatoes. Reseal the bag and shake again, this time to evenly distribute the ranch seasoning, coating all the potatoes with that delicious flavor.
- For easier handling and to prevent potatoes from falling through the grates, thread the seasoned potatoes onto skewers. Place the skewers directly on your preheated grill over medium heat. Grill for approximately 15 minutes, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking and a beautiful char on all sides. The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender and slightly crispy.
- Remove the grilled potatoes from the grill. Carefully slide them off the skewers onto a serving platter. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish with your main course. Enjoy the incredible taste of these perfectly grilled ranch potatoes!
S’more Cereal Bars
Experience all the fun and nostalgic flavors of a classic S’more, conveniently made out of cereal in an easy, no-bake bar format! This recipe is incredibly simple, requires minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, especially during the warm summer months. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven.
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 cups Honey Maid S’more Cereal (or your favorite s’mores flavored cereal)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 20 ounces mini marshmallows, divided (approx. 16 oz for melting, 4 oz for folding in)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for extra chocolatey goodness)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly coating it with cooking spray, then lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Measure out the 10 cups of Honey Maid S’more Cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set it aside. This large bowl will ensure you have ample space for mixing.
- To a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add the unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted.
- Once the butter is melted, add 16 ounces of the mini marshmallows to the saucepan. Make sure to reserve the remaining 4 ounces of marshmallows for a later step. Continuously stir the marshmallows and butter mixture until the marshmallows are fully melted down and smooth, which should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately after the marshmallows are melted. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined into the marshmallow mixture, adding a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
- Pour the warm marshmallow-butter sauce directly over the measured S’more cereal in the large mixing bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently but thoroughly mix until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the sticky marshmallow mixture.
- Now, fold in the additional 4 ounces of reserved mini marshmallows and the optional chocolate chips. This adds pockets of soft marshmallow and melted chocolate texture throughout the bars.
- Carefully transfer the coated cereal mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Using the back of a greased spoon, a piece of greased parchment paper, or your greased hands, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the pan to compact it. For best results, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the bars to set and firm up.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve and enjoy these irresistible S’more Cereal Bars!
A Big Thank You to Albion Fit!
I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Albion Fit for sponsoring this delightful post and allowing me the opportunity to share these fun, simple, and incredibly delicious recipes with all of you. Beyond the culinary delights, Albion Fit also ensured I looked and felt fantastic for this festive holiday weekend! I’m absolutely loving the outfit I’m wearing: the elegant White Window Pane Front Tie Top paired with the supremely comfortable Mauve Jetsetters. This combination is not only chic but also perfect for any casual summer activity, from hosting a BBQ to enjoying a relaxed day out.
Their clothing truly embodies comfort, style, and quality, making them ideal for all your summer adventures. Whether you’re grilling, entertaining, or embarking on a mini-vacation, Albion Fit has you covered with pieces that are both functional and fashionable. You can explore and shop this exact look, along with many other amazing styles, directly on the Albion Fit website. I highly recommend checking out their collection for your summer wardrobe needs!
I sincerely hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend filled with good food, great company, and plenty of sunshine. If you decide to whip up any of these easy recipes – whether it’s the juicy Marinated Grilled Chicken, the savory Grilled Ranch Potatoes, or the nostalgic S’more Cereal Bars – please be sure to share your creations with us! We would absolutely love to see what you’re cooking and celebrating. Tag us on Instagram at @thealexdaynes and @albionfit!
Wishing you a fantastic start to summer!
XOXO,
Alex Daynes
www.alexdaynes.com