Memorial Day Recipes From Your Garden

With its hot dogs and hamburgers, it’s no wonder why Memorial Day is considered such a meaty holiday. But all it takes is a walk through your garden to see the potential in produce.

The fruits and vegetables growing in your yard can serve as delicious sides to your Memorial Day main course. With a little zhuzhing or some time on the grill, they can also become the star food of the show.

So, whether you’re feeding vegetarians this Memorial Day or merely the vegetable-curious, check out our guide on how to incorporate spring produce into your barbecue. 

What Fruits Are in Season in Spring?

To maximize flavor and availability, you’ll always want to pick fruits that are in season. Of course, what’s in season will depend on where you live.

Fortunately, the Farmers’ Almanac offers an intuitive guide that shows you exactly what produce will be in season in your region. (We should note here that we’re speaking merely of general regions and not the scientifically determined USDA hardiness zones.)

Additionally, many common fruits are in season either later in summer. Some, like citrus plants, are at their peak during the winter.

So, while you will see plenty of vegetables on our list of in-season produce, the list of fruits is a little shorter. On that list, you may also find that things some consider to be fruits but are technically vegetables.

For instance, rhubarb is part of the buckwheat family, but its association with pies can lead people to consider it a fruit. Both rhubarb and strawberry — a common pie pairing — are in season during spring, though in different regions. (Rhubarb is in season throughout the northern parts of the country; strawberries are in season in the south and southwest regions.)

If you want a simple strawberry rhubarb pie recipe, we can recommend this one. Using strawberries and rhubarb from your garden will help add that personal touch that makes pies so special.

What Vegetables Are in Season in Spring?

Spring is a much more bountiful time for vegetables. Many vegetables are in season throughout the country, though there are still some regional differences.

With that in mind, here are some widely available in-season vegetables to keep an eye on this spring:

• Asparagus
• Beets
• Cabbage
• Cucumbers
• Lettuces
• Peas
• Radishes

The great thing about all of these vegetables is they are versatile, delicious, and perfect for your Memorial Day cookout.

For example, asparagus, beets, cabbage, and radishes can all be grilled or smoked. Cucumbers and lettuce can serve as the base for your Memorial Day salad recipes or as the central accouterment for burgers.

We should also spend a little time talking about the humble pea. Peas may not be the most exciting vegetable choice for your Memorial Day meal, but what they lack in size, they can make up for in flavor.

Take a look at this recipe for creamy pea salad, for example. It mixes fresh peas with cubed Colby Jack cheese, mayo, sour cream, red onion, and, of course, bacon for something velvety, smokey, and with just a hint of sweetness.

With Memorial Day recipes like this, there’s plenty of room to improvise, too. Swap in cheddar or pepper jack, switch out the mayo for Greek yogurt or add fresh herbs.

You really can’t go wrong making something delicious for Memorial Day if you stick with fresh ingredients prepared with care.

Vegetable Sides For Your Memorial Day Cookout

We’ve walked you through the art of barbecue before, but you may be surprised how well some vegetables take to the grill. If you’re worried about whether any vegetable “fits” with your Memorial Day meal, tossing it on the grill for a few minutes is a good way to ensure there are no odd ducks.

Take asparagus. Asparagus is too often dismissed despite the fact all it needs is ten minutes on the grill to come out perfectly charred, smokey, and delicious.

Grilling asparagus is simple. To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Medium-sized asparagus is best. Stalks that are too thin can burn or fall through the grates, and thick asparagus can taste woody.
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon

Prep your asparagus by giving them a quick wash and chopping off the pale ends. If you’re not sure where exactly to make your cut on the stalk, bend the bottom of the asparagus until it breaks.

Then season the asparagus. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and squeeze a slice of fresh lemon over them.

Mix everything so it’s somewhat evenly coated. 

Once your grill reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the asparagus on it and cover. After eight to ten minutes, your asparagus should be beautifully charred.

Serve immediately, and prepare yourself to receive immediate compliments, too.

You can employ this method for sliced beets, too. When grilled, beets take on a sweet, smokey flavor that is the perfect complement to your Memorial Day menu.

If you’re opting for beets over asparagus, just slice your beets into ¼-inch-thick slabs. You can use the same seasoning or improvise, then grill your beets for eight to ten minutes per side.

Memorial Day Drink Recipes

Memorial Day is a time for eating, but it’s also a time for drinking. A refreshing cocktail made with fresh herbs and produce from your garden is another option for showing off the literal fruits of your labor.

We’ve offered a few of our favorite spring and summer cocktails before, but here are a couple of new ideas to consider this Memorial Day. 

This blueberry-basil limeade is herby, tart, and refreshing. The beauty is that you can make the limeade with fresh lime juice or use your garden’s fresh basil to spruce up a pre-mixed offering.

While the recipe doesn’t include liquor, a splash of vodka can boost your Memorial Day spirit. 

Along the same lines, thyme lemonade can transform the basic refreshment into something a little more mature. Again, you can make your own lemonade or opt for something premade from the grocery store.

To turn this refreshing drink into a cocktail, we recommend mixing in your favorite gin.

Margaritas are another classic drink choice for Memorial Day. If you want to mix it up with ingredients from your garden, consider this ginger mint margarita. 

Revamp Your Memorial Day Recipes With Produce From Your Garden

Memorial Day is a day for the classics. We don’t want anyone to skip over hamburgers, hot dogs, or brats as they greet the summer with their belly full.

However, you can truly make Memorial Day your own simply by walking through your garden. So, make sure this year’s barbeque is extra special by using ingredients you’ve grown yourself!