In the midst of planning weekend parties and travel with family and friends, it’s easy sometimes to forget the reason we gather together on Memorial Day. Most of us can recount an ancestor, family member or friend who died in active military service—and this holiday gives us a special opportunity to remember and acknowledge their sacrifice.
Part of acknowledging the sacrifice of those who are no longer with us, is appreciating the presence of those who still are. To celebrate togetherness, make your Memorial Day food ideas with love and care. To us, that means finding creative recipes and using the best ingredients available, to give your guests Memorial Day recipes that bless both their palates and their health.
Whether you’re planning a Memorial Day picnic or simple home gathering, your menu should definitely include hummus! Once a niche cultural delicacy, hummus has made it big on the world stage because of its healthy ingredients and nutritional profile. Plus, it’s available in a wide array of delicious flavors that are perfect for your Memorial Day get-together.
Try These Tasty Memorial Day Food Ideas!
As you well know, a party buffet isn’t just about barbecued meat and beer. If you really want to “Wow” your guests, it’s best to set up some Memorial Day appetizers—not to mention Memorial Day desserts and drinks! For your holiday, we’ve handpicked some of the yummiest, most nutritious dishes and apps from our HOPE Kitchen, Instagram community, and YouTube channel. And if you still great ideas, stop by for hundreds more!
Buffalo Bleu Hummus Stuffed Poppers
One of our favorite Memorial Day appetizers, these stuffed peppers disappear quickly. Plus, they’re a perfect addition to your easy Memorial Day menu; just halve some sweet peppers, fill with Buffalo Bleu hummus, and top with tomato, cilantro, feta cheese, or any other ingredients you like.
Coconut Curry + Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
If you’re looking for a more exotic Memorial Day appetizer, you can’t go wrong with these rich and tasty treats. Simply fill halved avocados with a mixture of Thai Coconut Curry hummus, cherry tomatoes, cooked shrimp, and red onion… and watch your guests stuff their faces!
Thick and Hearty Pasta by @hello.kalin
If you want a simple and transportable dish for a Memorial Day picnic, try this creamy pasta. With a sauce made from Original Recipe hummus and tomato sauce, these pasta shells sit pretty on a bed of greens—and they’re healthy to boot.
Roasted Root Veggie Salad
Salads are a perfect complement to barbecue—but that doesn’t always mean lettuce! This delectable dish combines butternut squash, beet, red onion, radish, brussels sprouts, kale, candied pecans, ricotta cheese, and Red Pepper hummus. Give your Memorial Day food a more filling and colorful salad option.
Mini Vegetarian Tostadas by @champagneandcookies
Okay, you caught us. Hummus isn’t the centerpiece for this Memorial Day picnic idea, although we could’ve tried some Spicy Avocado. Instead, these mini chip bowls are filled with Green Chile Guacamole, cotija cheese, cilantro, and refried beans with a side of salsa. Just bring your favorite ingredients to the party and set it up in no time.
Your Memorial Day recipes don’t have to be elaborate, but they should be well-considered. By choosing USDA Certified Organic HOPE Hummus, you’re making a choice for healthy and nutritious foods free from synthetic additives and preservatives. We wish you a happy and heartfelt holiday, full of good food and good people.
