• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

La Bella Vita Cucina

delicious | beautiful | Italian | inspiration

  • Home
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media
      • Media
      • Featured On
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
  • Contact
Home » 17 SUPERB Memorial Day Grilling Recipes

17 SUPERB Memorial Day Grilling Recipes

May 21, 2022 16 Comments


Everyone loves a great meal on Memorial Day, and it’s the unofficial beginning of summer and the grilling season in the States. Over the holiday weekend, we fire up our grills and come together for cookouts. Memorial Day is an important day of remembrance as we honor and celebrate those veterans who served in our armed forces and gave their lives for our country.

From appetizers to desserts, this collection of grilled recipes has everything you need to enjoy the kick-off to the summer season in the most delish way ever!

Grilling is not just an American thing . . . 

Italians love cooking outdoors just as much as Americans and have a lots of traditional recipes for the “grigliata” (‘grill-out’ in Italian).  All of the world’s great cooking traditions began with FIRE.  It doesn’t matter if one believes that Italian cuisine is only about boiling freshly made pasta on a stove alongside slow-simmering sauces for dressing hand-made pasta.  

Italian cooking, as ancient as it is, began with fire.

Grilling over fire is the oldest methods of cooking in the world—and even one of the healthiest.  We, Americans love all things related to grilling out and barbecues, but Italians, especially in the lush spring and summer months, enjoy scrumptious grilled foods; a summer grigliata (barbecue) among friends and family, have long been a tradition in the countryside of Italy.  

As in all recipes, Italians are purists who prepare unadorned grilled delicacies with extraordinary robust flavor accomplished by using the simplest of methods:  Food grilled in Italy is enhanced by the use of herbs placed on or under the food being grilled, a squeeze of lemon juice, a bit of freshly cracked salt and pepper, and the smoky fire.  No heavy sauces are ever used in Italian grilled recipes.   Meats and fish are often marinated in olive oil, garlic and herb based mixtures before setting on the grill in Italy.  

Who doesn’t just love to grill food and to be outdoors in the fresh air?  

We’re so fortunate in the Carolina’s because we can grill outside year-round without freezing our tushies off.  We grill so many different types of recipes, from appetizers to dessert.  So in this post, I’ve put together a fantastic group of truly, truly tried and true recipes that will make your taste buds sing and make your tummies happy!

Starting out with appetizers, this recipe is not only delicious, it’s healthy for us.  It doesn’t fill you up so you aren’t hungry for your entrée or dessert.  I love this recipe that I made a few adaptations from “Cooking Light” magazine:

Appetizers

Grilled, Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Salads

Grilled Salmon Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Blood Orange and Salmon Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Grilled Corn, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Viniagrette

Entrees

Grilled Garlic Butter Blackened Redfish

Perfect Garlic Butter Blackened Redfish

Grilled Swordfish Spiedini with Salsa Cruda

KETO Italian Swordfish Skewers

If you want to serve something different at your next grilling event, why not consider grilling Italian-style with an assortment of speidini.  

The Italian version of savory ‘kabobs’ or ‘skewers’ are known as “spiedini” (which means ‘skewers’).  It is the same easy way to grill chunks of meat, fish, and vegetables.   Spiedini use sticks of metal or wood, but often long twigs of rosemary are used.   

Meat spiedini are the most popular in Italy with high quality, fresh tender cuts of chicken, pork, beef, sausage, or lamb cut into one-inch pieces and placed on the skewers alternating cherry tomatoes, green peppers, onions, bacon or pancetta, some fresh herbs such as sage, bay leaves, or rosemary, etc.  To enhance the flavor, marinate the cut up meats prior to grilling.

Italians also enjoy fish spiedini (spiedini di mare), such as the Swordfish spiedini recipe above. The most preferred fish to grill include used shrimp, scallops, tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish or calamari.  Before grilling, the fish is usually marinated or brushed with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic.  

Grilled Buffalo Beef and Pepper Jack Burgers

buffalo and beef pepper jack burgers

Burgers with Bacon, Basil, and Italian Gorgonzola

WPfullburgtabel

Grilled Prosciutto and Marinated Mozzarella Pizza

photofigpizza#1

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Tuscan Grilled Steak Bistecca Fiorentina

Grilled Pizza Margherita

 
Grilled, Italian Seasoned Salmon Burgers with Garlic Aioli

Delicious Salmon Burgers Garlic Aioli Lent

Italian Grilled Swordfish with Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce

Grilled Italian Swordfish with Cream and Lemon Caper Sauce

Amazing Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Skinny Italian Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled, Basil-Buttered Chicken

15 Outstanding Italian Grilling Rec

Vegetables

Grilled Italian Corn with Garlic-Basil Butter

Grilled Italian Corn with Garlic-Basil Butter

 Desserts

Grilled fruit is wonderful and provides a light, sweet and more healthy end to your outdoor feast.  Especially during warmer weather and when eating ‘al fresco’. Grilling caramelizes fruits’ natural sugars thus creating a more concentrated flavor!  The warm, soft texture of grilled fruit is particularly gratifying without being overly sweet or heavy. Peaches, pears, and apples, in particular, hold their shape nicely for grilling. 

Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream and Sweet Balsamic Syrup

Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream and Sweet Balsamic Syrup

Grilled Amaretti-Stuffed Nectarines

photo: myrecipes.com

Grilling is associated with relaxation and being outside, often with friends and family.  No matter what you choose to grill, keep your grilling feast leisurely, unhurried, and relaxed under summer’s open sky.  

Have a Delicious Memorial Day!

ItalianGrillingRecipes

First posted in 2019 with updates in 2022 post

.


Previous Post: « Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ~ Easy and Delicious
Next Post: Easy Strawberry Salsa »

Reader Interactions

 

I love hearing from you and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you.  

If you’ve made any of my recipes, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community, both here and in the newsletter!”

The kindness of giving a thumbs up 5-star rating is greatly appreciated!

~ Roz

Comments

  1. Larry says

    May 25, 2019 at 8:42 AM

    Great looking list Roz.

    Reply
  2. angiesrecipes says

    May 25, 2019 at 9:03 AM

    Happy Grill Season, Roz! Love your collection of summer recipes, that Bistecca alla Fiorentina looks particularly droolworthy.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 9, 2019 at 12:49 AM

      Oh I agree, Angie. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is one of our favorites. We enjoyed it in Florence when we last visited in 2017. I’m ready to devour one again soon!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  3. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    June 6, 2019 at 9:28 AM

    I went on a pinning frenzy…so many great ideas. The timing is perfect was I just cleaned by grill this week.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 9, 2019 at 12:48 AM

      Thanks Karen, there’s a lot of keepers in this list of recipes and all fairly easy to put together! Hope you are having a wonderful summer!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  4. mjskitchen says

    May 21, 2022 at 9:47 PM

    All of these look fabulous! I haven’t had blackened fish in ages and absolutely love it. What a great idea for Memorial weekend. Bobby loves making it so I’m going to send him the recipe to put a bug in his ear. 🙂 And then the grilled peaches. OMG! We didn’t this once and why we haven’t done it more, I have no idea. Thanks for helping me plan my Memorial Day meal. I hope you have a very enjoyable long weekend Darlin!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 19, 2022 at 1:22 AM

      Hi M.J.,
      I hope that Bobby and you are doing wonderfully! I have been MIA on the blogosphere for a month or so — as always job related. One of these days, I’m going to drive to NM and meet you two and taste some of your fabulous NM chile!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  5. Jan Cook says

    May 22, 2022 at 8:39 AM

    What a great menu for Summer ! I especially love the Bruschetta Grilled Chicken, Butter Basil Chicken and Garlic Basil Butter Corn! And then I see the peaches, my favorite fruit calling my name! Can’t wait to start grilling! Have a wonderful holiday and summer Roz!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 19, 2022 at 1:05 AM

      Hi Jan,
      You picked some really yummy recipes from the list. Hope you’re having a nice summer!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  6. 2pots2cook says

    May 24, 2022 at 7:37 AM

    What a collection! What a delicious food! Perfect for hot days we have!!!!!!

    Reply
  7. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    May 25, 2022 at 11:15 AM

    We love grilling season! Such a terrific list of recipes for us to try — they all look fabulous. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 19, 2022 at 1:01 AM

      It’s such a fun season, plus it’s such a healthy way to cook!

      Reply
  8. Velva says

    May 29, 2022 at 6:49 PM

    Roz, holy cow! Happy Memorial Day. Your grill will be rocking this weekend.

    These are some fantastic Italian recipes for the grill. beautiful dishes.

    Best,

    velva

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 19, 2022 at 12:56 AM

      Thanks Velva, I hope you had a good one as well! I just found your new blog and signed up to get your updates!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  9. Julie says

    June 17, 2022 at 3:17 AM

    I just came across this recipe and I tried out basil buttered chicken last night. It turned out perfect! Thanks for this list, can’t wait to try out more!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 17, 2022 at 2:33 PM

      Julie, Thanks so much for your kind comment about the basil buttered chicken. It’s a favorite of my entire family! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it too. If you took a picture of it, I’d be happy to share it! You might want to try the grilled swordfish with creamy lemon caper sauce. It’s another delicious recipe that readers have tried and written to me about how much their families loved it.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hi, I’m Roz!

Hi, I’m Roz!

Welcome to La Bella Vita Cucina where I share recipes inspired by my family's cucina. Beginning with my Nonna and mother teaching me by their sides and in my family’s restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I've been cooking for over 50 years. Each recipe is tested by time and some serious family critiques. I’m here to help you become a master in the kitchen and to 'wow' those you serve with delightful recipes whether cherished heirlooms or exciting and new. I hope to inspire you with delicious and beautiful recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! Buon Appetito!

Top Food Blog 2021

Looking for something special?

Light & Healthy

KETO Italian Grilled Swordfish Skewers

Instant Pot Pasta e Fagiole Italian Soup ~~ Pasta and Bean Soup

Citrus DeTox Spa Water

Skinny, Creamy Blood Orange Smoothie

Skinny, Creamy Blood Orange Smoothie

Copyright © 2010 - 2022 · La Bella Vita Cucina ·