Memorial Day Recipes: Plan Your Get-Together Feast

In many parts of the country, the Memorial Day long weekend is considered the “official” start of the summer grilling season (although many of us have been at it for weeks!). Temperatures have warmed up, the early spring showers are long gone, and people of all walks of life have zesty American-style BBQ on their minds.

It’s also the perfect time to gather together with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation time in your outdoor entertainment area. And if that sounds like something you’re planning on doing, we have a few great recipe ideas to get you started!

Before We Begin, Let’s Remember…

Memorial Day is the special day of the year we set aside to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in the service of our country. Countless thousands have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and help keep it free. Be sure to raise a toast in their name at your weekend gathering!

Lean Into Some BBQ Flavor!

There’s nothing more classic than some good, old-fashioned barbecue at a backyard get-together! But if you’re like us and trying hard to stay within “reasonable expectations” of your cholesterol and calorie intake goals, some of the traditional grilling & BBQ meats like beef ribs and pork chops might have your family doctor blushing on your behalf!

Fortunately, we have a simple, lean, low-fat and super-delish main course recipe for you to consider. Check it out…

Smokey BBQ Chicken Breasts

For BBQ Spice Rub:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons smoked paprika

3 tablespoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground black pepper

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well, making sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar. Store in an air-tight container to preserve freshness.

For the Chicken:

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (the fresher the better)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub (see above)

Your favorite BBQ sauce, for serving.

Directions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then coat on all sides with the olive oil. Season generously with about 2 tablespoons of the BBQ spice mixture. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for an hour or two before grilling.

2. Remove the chicken from the fridge at least 20 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill to 400°F and coat the grates with a little oil to help prevent sticking. Grill the breast meat over direct heat for about 15 minutes, turning each once after the first 8 minutes.

3. Check doneness with a meat thermometer. If it’s 165°F or higher in the middle, it’s ready to serve!

4. Wait a few minutes then slice the chicken to serve, with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side.

Cool, Tasty & Patriotic Salad

The perfect accompaniment to the tangy, spicy and smokey goodness of BBQ chicken is this cool salad that mixes lush, green spinach with sweet, fresh berries and a savory touch of robust feta. It’s very easy to make, and a good source of dietary iron and vitamins A and C. And best of all, it’s a festive red, white and blue… just right for Memorial Day weekend!

Ingredients

6 to 8 oz. baby spinach

1 to 2 cups chopped strawberries

1 to 2 cups fresh blueberries

1/2 cup feta cheese in small chunks

(Optional) Handful of almonds, pecans or pine nuts

Sweet/tangy salad dressing of your choice, to taste

Directions

Toss fresh ingredients together, and dress just before serving.

Refresh Yourself

Like any good host, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of cold, refreshing beverages on-hand for all of your guests. For kids and anyone else who prefers to stay alcohol-free, make sure you have a cooler full of soft drinks on ice, plus a large pitcher of lemonade (the best warm-weather refresher of them all!).

For those who would like to put a little “bang” in their holiday weekend, cold beer always pairs well with barbecue. And if you’d a fresher and more creative take on refreshment, spend a moment or two checking out our how-to video on making the perfect watermelon margarita.

The Right Tools for the Job

Planning a Memorial Day weekend feast is not especially challenging if you plan ahead and focus on keeping your menu fresh and flavor-forward. But having the right tools at your side can make it even easier! We have just what you need to make your next celebration a 5-star success!

Grills and Grill Accessories – Kenmore offers a full assortment of quality grills and grilling equipment to help you elevate your outdoor cooking game. Choose the right ones to complement your skills and suit your grilling needs!

Prep Like a Pro – Kenmore cutlery is designed and crafted for professional-quality results and long-lasting durability. Check out our 14-pc. Knife Set with forged high-carbon steel blades, ergonomic handles and solid wood base.

Master the Mix – Our Kenmore 64 oz. 1200-watt blender delivers all the power you need to crush ice, blend fresh fruits and whip up delicious smoothies, shakes, and salsas in minutes. And cleanup is a snap, thanks to its dishwasher-safe blending jar and lid.

Remember, though… the most important ingredient in any backyard get-together is always FUN! So warm up your Bluetooth speaker, put on your favorite good-time party playlist, drag out the bag-toss set, and light up a few citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay. Keep it loose, keep it casual, and have yourself a blast!