Make Ahead Recipes for Memorial Day

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start of summer is FINALLY upon us! Avoid cooking the day of your party with these make-ahead recipes to save you time and stress!

Festive Beverages

Homemade Blueberry Syrup by @loveandoliveoil
This vibrant homemade blueberry syrup keeps for up to a month in the fridge. Use it to make homemade soda that's light on sugar for kids or spike it with vodka for adult guests.
Lemongrass And Ginger Rhubarb Soda by @vanillaandbean
This refreshing and not-too-sweet soda would make an epic wine spritzer or gin cocktail!
Pink Lemonade Sangria With Fresh Strawberries by @aubrey_realhousemoms
Sangria is the perfect make-ahead cocktail for spring and summer entertaining; it just get's better in the fridge!
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Easy Appetizers

Prep the ingredients for this Mediterranean Seven Layer Dip made with California Walnuts the night before (including homemade hummus!) and layer it just before guests arrive. This video is sponsored by California Walnuts.
Spicy Deviled Eggs by @amandafrederickson
It's not a party without a tray of deviled eggs! This version is dressed up with a little Sriracha, curry powder and crispy bacon.
Antipasto Skewers with Melon and Kale Pesto by @halfbakedharvest
These can be assembled a day in advance, just bring them to room temperature before serving. The kale pesto will keep nicely in the fridge for up to two weeks, so make a double batch so you always have some on hand to toss with pasta for a quick & easy dinner
 
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Make Ahead Mains
Spicy Bourbon And Honey Glazed Ribs by @nerdswithknives
These ribs are coated in homemade dry rub (great on BBQ chicken, too!) , then baked low and slow in the oven. You can do this step ahead, then refrigerate the cooked ribs overnight. Just finish them on the grill for a few minutes before serving.
Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich With Purple Cabbage Slaw by @nash1sh
Make this easy pulled chicken up to two days ahead and let it sit in the super flavorful homemade chipotle BBQ sauce!
Roasted Potato Pesto Tacos by @cookingwithcocktailrings
Roast the potatoes and toss them with pesto ahead of time. Store in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven before serving in tacos.
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Easy Homemade Sauces
Homemade BBQ Sauce by @tastyyummies
Because everything you grill is better with homemade BBQ sauce! This version also happens to be paleo, vegan and gluten free!
Herb And Garlic Chimichurri Sauce by @gimmesomeoven
This flavorful sauce brightens up seafood, beef, chicken and even grilled veggies and you can make it up to three days in advance.
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Sides in a Cinch
Smokey Barbecue Baked Beans by @vanillaandbean
This recipe works for both canned and dry beans. You can make them ahead, just be sure to reheat with a bit of stock or water so they don't try out. This also makes a great vegan entree!
Spring Pea And Asparagus Pasta Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette by @withfoodandlove
Fresh, easy and made in just one pot! Plus, this tastes even better the next day.
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Piece of Cake Desserts
Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Ice Cream Pizza by @naturalgirlmodernworld
Ice Cream Pizza? Yup, this is a must make! Once it's frozen overnight, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving.
Baked Oatmeal S'mores Bars by @spoonforkbacon
Skip the à la minute mess of traditional s'mores and bake them ahead of time!
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