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Home » Recipe Collections

18 Things I’ll Be Making All Week After Memorial Day (That Aren’t Burgers)

Published: May 25, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

The week after Memorial Day always feels like a reset—summer energy is picking up, but I’m ready to take a break from burgers. These are the kinds of meals that feel fresh, easy, and still hit the spot without firing up the grill every night. If you’re in that post-holiday mood where you still want great food but need something different, this list has you covered. Nothing fancy, just stuff I actually make and look forward to eating.

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet mango and chipotle make these wings bold without piling on work. Great for summer grilling when you're over burgers but still want flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Sliced Tajín Grilled Chicken sits on a white plate surrounded by Tajín seasoning, a sliced lime, a white linen, and a small glass of beer.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This chile lime chicken cooks fast and needs almost no prep. It’s a smart pick when you want something quick and packed with flavor after a busy holiday.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ninja Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tomahawk pork chops look like a big deal but are easy to grill. They’re a great choice when you want something bold without adding stress to the day.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These shrimp take just minutes and come out bright and fresh with lemon and herbs. Perfect for fast dinners that still feel right for warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This chipotle chicken stays juicy and takes little effort to get on the grill. It’s perfect when you need flexibility but still want something that hits.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hot honey chicken brings a sweet kick and is done in under an hour. It’s great when you want something fast that still feels like a real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled Steak Kabobs

Grilled Steak Kabobs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Steak kabobs combine beef and veggies for a full meal in one go. They’re perfect for the week after Memorial Day when you want easy cleanup and no extras.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

A few spices and a hot grill are all you need for this one. It’s an easy go-to that fits the summer vibe without getting too complicated.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Skewers of vegetables and shrimp on a grill.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Shrimp skewers grill fast and don’t ask for much. They’re a smart move when you want something with flavor but not a long prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hawaiian chicken gets stuffed and glazed, making it fun to cook and serve. It’s a good choice when you're ready for something different but still easy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Close-up image of grilled wings with buffalo sauce on a plate.
Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These wings come out crispy and full of grilled flavor. A strong option when you're skipping burgers but still want something bold and snackable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak cooks quickly and brings heat with a butter finish. Great when you want something strong on flavor and short on time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled chicken like this keeps prep simple but still delivers. It’s one to keep in rotation when summer meals need to stay fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Beef finger meat sears fast and only needs basic seasoning to shine. A solid pick for warm days when you want dinner with zero extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Grilled eggplant and tomato stacks are quick, colorful, and low effort. They’re a fresh option that makes sense when you want a break from meat.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sausage and peppers come together in no time and work with almost anything. It’s an easy win when you want dinner that matches the pace of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Citrus and herbs make these chicken thighs bright without extra work. They’re great for nights when you want something that tastes fresh but comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled chicken with cilantro crema on a white plate surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a glass of beer.
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A simple marinade and a herby sauce make this chicken look like more effort than it is. It’s a smart pick when you want fresh flavor without slowing down.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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