Fire Up the Grill: Family-Friendly Cookout Ideas for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time for honoring heroes, gathering with family, and enjoying the warmth of early summer. Whether you're planning a big backyard celebration or a cozy picnic, crafting a flavorful and festive cookout menu is a must. At Dos Olivos Markets, we’ve handpicked a selection of premium, in-stock ingredients to help you create easy, delicious, and unique dishes for your Memorial Day cookout.
Here are some family-friendly entree-type of dish ideas, bold Cook Out sauces, and snack options—all using ingredients you can get right now from our store.
Starter: Jamón Serrano Crostini with Apricot Jam & Olive Oil
Start your cookout with a savory-sweet bite that’s bursting with Spanish flavor.
You’ll need:
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Crusty baguette or artisan bread (local)
How to prepare:
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Toast sliced baguette with a drizzle of olive oil.
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Spread a thin layer of apricot jam.
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Top with thin slices of Jamón Serrano.
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Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and cracked pepper.
This crostini delivers a perfect blend of salty, sweet, and fruity that’s elegant yet simple.
Entree-Type of Dish: Grilled Sardines with Desert Olive Oil & Jalapeño Salt
Give your cookout a Mediterranean twist with grilled sardines that pack a smoky punch.
You’ll need:
How to prepare:
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Heat a grill or skillet and lightly brush sardines with olive oil.
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Sprinkle jalapeño pepper salt for a subtle kick.
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Grill until lightly crisped and serve with lemon wedges.
These are great served as a main dish or shared tapas-style with bread and sparkling water.
Side: Honey Vinegar Salad with Seasonal Greens
Balance your cookout with a bright and tangy salad using our artisanal honey vinegar.
You’ll need:
How to prepare:
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Mix 3 parts olive oil to 1 part honey vinegar.
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Toss with mixed greens, sliced apples, and crumbled goat cheese.
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Add nuts or dried fruits for crunch.
This light, zesty side is perfect with grilled meats and fresh bread.
Snack Time: Authentic Chips & Salsa Trio
No cookout is complete without a crunchy, spicy snack table—and we’ve got just the thing.
You’ll need:
Snack tip:
Warm your tortilla chips in the oven, then dust lightly with Das Gud seasoning for a gourmet upgrade before serving with all three salsas.
Sip & Chill: Sparkling Agua Fresca
Keep everyone refreshed with this sparkling citrus drink that pairs perfectly with spicy and savory dishes.
You’ll need:
Serve chilled or over ice with lime wedges and mint. Great for both adults and kids!
Checkout our other sparkling water collection → Shop here
Sweet Endings: Easy Memorial Day Desserts
No celebration is complete without a little something sweet. These simple, family-friendly desserts feature premium ingredients for a delicious and memorable finish to your cookout.
Chocolate Chip Vanilla Skillet Cookies
You’ll need:
How to prepare:
Whip up your favorite cookie dough base (or use a pre-made mix), add in the chocolate chips and a splash of vanilla extract, and bake in a cast-iron skillet. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Ready-to-Serve Indulgence Platter
Include:
Set up a dessert board for guests to nibble at leisure—no prep required, but all the wow factor included.
Final Thoughts: Simple, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly
You don’t need a long grocery list or complex recipes to build an amazing cookout menu. With a few gourmet pantry staples from Dos Olivos Markets, you can create dishes that honor the day and bring your family together around great food.
Explore our full collection and get cookout-ready → Shop Here
