20 Light and Fresh Memorial Day Recipes That Won’t Weigh You Down

Memorial Day weekend is here, and that means sunshine, good times, and kicking off summer right! But who wants to feel sluggish from heavy food when there’s fun to be had? We’ve got you covered with these 20 light, bright, and totally delicious recipes. They’re all about fresh flavors and minimal fuss, so you can enjoy the celebration without the food coma. Get ready to be the host with the most (refreshing) eats!

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

A backyard classic! Juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, then grilled to perfection. They’re perfectly portioned, cook quickly, and pair well with almost any light side./

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional veggies: Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes
• Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 mins if using)

Instructions:

1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes.
2. Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.

2. Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries & Avocado

A beautiful and satisfying main-course salad. Tender grilled chicken (halal) atop a bed of fresh greens, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and a light vinaigrette./

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans
  For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, then slice.
2. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients.
3. Arrange greens, strawberries, avocado, and nuts on plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
4. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

3. Caprese Skewers

Simple, elegant, and undeniably fresh. Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (halal), and basil leaves on a stick – a bite-sized burst of Italian summer that’s incredibly light./

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls, halal)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Thread a tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
2. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

4. Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for the grill! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (halal) marinate in a zesty cilantro-lime mixture, resulting in tender, delicious chicken that’s not heavy./

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (halal)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear.

5. Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad

The ultimate thirst-quencher in salad form. Sweet watermelon, salty feta (halal), and refreshing mint come together for a super light and hydrating side./

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (halal)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: Balsamic glaze drizzle

Instructions:

1. Gently combine watermelon, feta, and mint in a bowl.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
3. Toss very gently and serve immediately.

6. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Skip the heavy buns and opt for crisp lettuce cups filled with flavorful, seasoned ground chicken (halal) and crunchy water chestnuts. Light, interactive, and delicious./

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken (halal)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (check for halal-friendly ingredients)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (halal)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• Large lettuce leaves (butter, romaine, or iceberg) for serving
• Optional garnish: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Cook ground chicken until browned. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water chestnuts. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
3. Serve warm with lettuce leaves for wrapping. Garnish if desired.

7. Grilled Corn with Lime & Cilantro

Skip the heavy butter and opt for this zesty version. Grilling brings out the corn’s natural sweetness, complemented by fresh lime and cilantro for a light, bright flavor./

Ingredients:

• 4-6 ears of corn, husked
• Juice of 1-2 limes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: A tiny bit of chili powder for a kick

Instructions:

1. Grill corn for 10-15 minutes, turning, until tender and lightly charred.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the hot corn, sprinkle with cilantro and salt. Add chili powder if desired.

8. Greek Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup (Light Summer Version)

A lighter, brothier version of the classic Avgolemono, perfect even for warmer days. Tender chicken (halal) and orzo in a bright lemon-infused broth, skipping the heavy egg thickener for a fresher feel.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups halal chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (halal), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• Juice of 2 large lemons (or more to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add chicken pieces and cook for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through.
3. Stir in orzo and cook according to package directions, until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, fresh dill/parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve warm.

9. Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Corn & Lime

A light yet satisfying salad packed with plant-based protein and fiber. The zesty lime dressing keeps it bright and refreshing, not heavy./

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and cumin to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and cumin.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Chill before serving.

10. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (Lighter Dressing)

A classic made lighter. Crisp romaine, grilled chicken (halal), and homemade croutons tossed in a yogurt-based Caesar dressing that’s creamy without being overly heavy./

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal)
• 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper
• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup croutons (preferably homemade from day-old bread)
  For Lighter Caesar Dressing:
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (halal)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until cooked through, then slice.
2. Whisk all dressing ingredients together.
3. In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce and croutons with the dressing.
4. Top with sliced grilled chicken and extra Parmesan if desired.

11. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Colorful, crunchy vegetables and herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. These are naturally light and can include thinly sliced cooked chicken (halal) or shrimp (halal) for a protein boost./

Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers
• Thinly sliced cooked chicken (halal) or shrimp (halal)
• Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
• Fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves
• Julienned carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers
  For Peanut Sauce (light version):
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp halal soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Hot water to thin

Instructions:

1. Soften rice paper wrappers in warm water.
2. Layer noodles, protein, herbs, and veggies on one end. Roll tightly.
3. Whisk peanut sauce ingredients, adding water until desired consistency. Serve rolls with sauce.

12. Grilled Veggie Platter with Hummus

A vibrant and healthy centerpiece. Grill a colorful array of seasonal vegetables. Serve with hummus for a light, shareable meal or appetizer./

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, red onion
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs
• Hummus for serving

Instructions:

1. Chop vegetables. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
2. Grill until tender-crisp and charred.
3. Arrange on a platter and serve with hummus.

13. Lemon Dill Potato Salad (No Mayo)

A lighter, brighter take on potato salad. Tender boiled potatoes are tossed with fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil instead of mayonnaise./

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs small new potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and cool slightly.
2. While warm, toss with olive oil, lemon juice, dill, red onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Serve warm or chilled.

14. Chicken & Veggie Foil Packets

An easy, customizable, and light dinner option with minimal cleanup! Chicken (halal) and your favorite veggies are seasoned and steamed to perfection inside foil packets on the grill or in the oven./

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal), cut into pieces or left whole
• 4 cups mixed chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, carrots)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil or preferred light dressing (e.g., Italian, lemon-herb)
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Divide chicken and vegetables among four large foil sheets.
3. Drizzle with olive oil/dressing and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss gently.
4. Fold foil tightly to seal.
5. Grill for 20-25 minutes or bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.

15. Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip

Colorful, refreshing, and naturally light. Thread your favorite seasonal fruits onto skewers and serve with a simple, protein-packed yogurt dip./

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruit
• Wooden skewers
  For Yogurt Dip:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cube fruit and thread onto skewers.
2. Whisk yogurt, honey, and vanilla for the dip.
3. Serve fruit skewers with yogurt dip.

16. Honey-Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts

Simple, quick, and flavorful. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal) are pan-seared or grilled and brushed with a light honey-mustard glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and not at all heavy./

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
  For the Glaze:
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Whisk glaze ingredients. Brush glaze over chicken during the last few minutes of cooking, until chicken is cooked through and glaze is lightly caramelized. (Can also be done on the grill).

17. Iced Herbal Tea Sangria (Non-Alcoholic)

A beautiful and refreshing pitcher drink. Brew your favorite fruity herbal tea, chill it, and then load it up with sliced fresh fruits./

Ingredients:

• 4-6 fruity herbal tea bags
• 4 cups boiling water
• 2-3 cups mixed fresh fruit, sliced
• Optional: Sparkling water for fizz

Instructions:

1. Steep tea in boiling water. Cool and chill.
2. Combine chilled tea and fruit in a pitcher. Add sparkling water if desired.
3. Serve over ice.

18. Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Shredded cooked chicken (halal), crisp shredded cabbage, carrots, and crunchy noodles tossed in a light and zesty sesame ginger dressing. A refreshing and satisfying salad that eats like a meal./

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached halal chicken works well)
• 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Optional: Toasted sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles for topping
  For Sesame Ginger Dressing:
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp halal soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
2. Whisk all dressing ingredients together.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with sesame seeds or chow mein noodles just before serving for crunch.

19. Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan & Herbs

Simple, quick, and full of flavor. Zucchini planks or rounds are grilled until tender-crisp and then topped with a light sprinkle of Parmesan (halal) and fresh herbs./

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (halal)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Toss zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill for 2-4 minutes per side, until tender-crisp.
3. Remove from grill and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.

20. Angel Food Cake with Fresh Berries

The quintessential light dessert! Airy angel food cake topped with a mountain of fresh, juicy berries. Naturally low in fat and always a crowd-pleaser./

Ingredients:

• 1 angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
• 2-3 cups mixed fresh berries
• Optional: Light whipped topping

Instructions:

1. Slice angel food cake.
2. Top generously with fresh berries.
3. Add a dollop of light whipped topping if desired.

Enjoy these light and fresh options for a fantastic Memorial Day celebration!