3 Memorial Day Must-Have Recipes

Memorial Day is, first and foremost, a holiday in which we honor soldiers who have fallen while fighting for our country. It’s a time to truly reflect on the sacrifices that were made.

Many people also consider Memorial Day weekend to be the first weekend of summer. This means that while everyone is visiting fallen veterans and taking a moment of silence for them throughout the day, they are also spending time with family.

For many families, Memorial Day weekend involves firing up the grill, having friends and family over, and enjoying the warm weather. There are usually burgers, hot dogs, and even some corn on the cob, but have you ever thought about what else you could bring to switch it up?

Here are three must-haves to bring to serve your guests this weekend!

 

1. Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

3 large ripe tomatoes

1 cup chopped red onion

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. minced garlic

½ tsp. salt and pepper

¼ tsp. dried oregano

12 oz. fusilli (or your choice) pasta

1 cup fresh basil

 

Directions:

Put the chopped tomatoes, onion, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano in a large bowl and toss them together. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until tomatoes release their juice. Toss occasionally.

Cook the pasta to your liking or as the package directs. Drain it and add it into the bowl with the tossed ingredients. Allow it to come to room temperature again before adding in the basil. Once it is all mixed together, serve!

Source: Woman's Day

 

 

2. Whipped Feta with Cucumber

Ingredients:

1 lb. feta, cut into 2 pieces

¼ pound of cream cheese

2 tbsp. heavy cream

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 cucumbers-halved, seeded and diced into ½ inch.

1 tbsp. chopped oregano

Salt and pepper

Toasted Pita or baguette slices for serving

 

Directions:

Crumble your room temperature feta after covering it with water and letting it stand for 30 minutes. Transfer to your food processor and puree. Add in cream cheese, heavy cream, 2 tbsp. of olive oil, and 1 tbsp. of lemon juice. Process until smooth and airy. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Toss the cucumbers into a bowl and add the remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Add oregano, salt, and pepper.

Serve lightly chilled, on top of your toasted pita or baguette!

Source: Food and Wine

 

 

3. Berry and Yogurt Swirl

Ingredients:

10 plastic or paper cups

2 ¾ cups fat-free honey Greek yogurt

1 cup mixed berries

¼ cup water

2 tbsp. sugar

10 wooden popsicle sticks

 

 

 

Directions:

Fill each cup with about ¼ cup of yogurt. Place berries, water, and sugar in a food processor. Turn it off when berries are finely chopped.

Spoon in 1 ½ tbsp. berry mixture into each cup and stir gently with the popsicle stick to add in the swirl. Add foil onto the tops of the cups and insert the sticks through it. Freeze until firm then serve.

Source: Taste of Home