This Memorial Weekend I am looking forward to hosting a few friends on our newly updated back patio for a start of summer cookout. I love a good old fashioned cookout (or BBQ if you’re from the Midwest like me) for 3 day holiday weekends. There just isn’t anything like enjoying the warmer weather with a glass of lemonade and a perfectly grilled burger. Below are some of the recipes I’m using for inspiration for my Memorial Weekend cookout.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Via The Pioneer Woman

This colorful salad is one of my favorites for a hot, start of summer weekend. The cool watermelon and crunchy cucumber pair perfectly with the tangy feta cheese. I will definitely be making this for our litter gettogether and all throughout the summer!

Find the recipe on The Pioneer Woman

Tomato Caesar Salad

Via Bon Appetit

Tomatoes are one of my favorite parts of summer, especially when they come in so many incredible colors. I look for the heirloom variety since they seem to have the most flavor. You may have to go to a more specialty grocery store (Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, ect) to find all the colors of tomatoes needed for this salad, but it is well worth the hunt.

Recipe from Bon Appetit

Grilled Sausages with Toppings

Via Country Living

You can’t go wrong with a grilled sausage/brat spread for Memorial Day. And of course you will need all the fixings! I can’t eat a brat without tangy sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and a few chopped white onions. The pickled cabbage in this recipe looks really interesting and I will have to deviate from my usual to try this. What a fun way to spruce up a more traditional entrée option!

Recipe from Country Living

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Via Foolproof Living

Living in Texas, I have come to love a good elote (corn) salad. This version includes tangy lime juice, creamy cotija cheese, and red onions for color. Elote is such a great alternative to corn on the cob (which I personally dislike) and all the added flavors really make this dish shine. Give it a try this weekend!

Recipe from Foolproof Living

Strawberry Icebox Cake

Who wants to turn on the oven as summer rolls in? I sure don’t, which is why I switch to making icebox pies and more chilled desserts as the temperatures rise. I love this make ahead dessert that is like strawberry shortcake in pie format. It is the perfect finale to end your outdoor dining with all the flavors of summer.

Via The Pioneer Woman