30 Light Memorial Day Recipes

Traditionally on Memorial Day weekend, my friends and I always get together and grill in one of our yards. Being in the backyard with friends, smelling the deliciousness coming from the grill, and hearing the kids playing out back – it doesn't get better than that! This year, I feel like Memorial Day weekend came super early. The only definite plans I have this weekend is going to friend's wedding, aside from that we really have no plans, but I'm really ok with that too! Since the beach opens this weekend, and I am only 10 minutes away, I just might spend the day there!

Whatever happens, I thought I would put together some of my favorite (light) recipes for backyard grilling to kick start the summer. Let's start with desserts first!

These Red, White and Blueberry Yogurt Cupcakes taste too good to be under 100 calories!

Red, White and Blueberry Trifle is a beautiful, guiltless dessert that will make your Memorial Day gathering proud.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is the perfect combination of sweet and tart.

Skinny chocolate chip cookies made with absolutely no butter or oil sandwiched together with fat-free frozen yogurt and colored sprinkles make these Skinny Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Sandwiches – a great way to kick off summer.

If you need a last minute EASY dessert, try these Red, White and Blue Fruit Skewers with Cheesecake Yogurt Dip – no cooking involved!

Frozen Banana Popsicles are an easy, fun summer treat for the kids and grown-ups too!

No cooking required for Watermelon on a Stick. Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the best desserts.

If you want something quick and easy for dessert, Grilled Pineapple is wonderful!

What can be a better way to start off the Memorial Day festivities than with a glass of Freshly Brewed Ice Tea with Fresh Mint

Iced Green Tea Mojito the perfect cocktail to welcome the start of summer and the start of your party.

This Skinny Shrimp Salsa is the perfect light appetizer, just set out some baked chips!

Southwestern Black Bean Salad – this salad makes enough to feed a crowd as a side dish or to start the party off as an appetizer if you serve it with chips.

Guilt-free Grilled Potatoes are made right on the grill. Perfect along side a burger this weekend!

Summer Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes and Zucchini is the perfect macaroni salad without a ton of calories or fat.

Southwestern Black Bean Quinoa and Mango Medley perfect as a side dish and for the vegetarians at your party.

Asian Cabbage Mango Slaw. A light, fresh, crisp slaw goes great with fish, pork or even burgers.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, a protein packed salad with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Baby Red Potato Salad is great if you're not a fan of the traditional potato salad loaded with mayonnaise.

If you love pesto as much as I do, you'll love these Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kabobs.

Another recipe using my skinny homemade pesto are these Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers – delicious!

Lemon slices in between pieces of salmon make these Grilled Salmon Kabobs pretty as well as delicious!

The spicy, salty, sweet combination of the creamy chili sauce is what makes these Bangin' Grilled Shrimp Skewers soooo delicious.

The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers are perfect for your vegetarian guests.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork will have your house smelling incredible while it slow cooks all day!

If you're looking for a new way to enjoy a burger, try this Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger.

Homemade blue cheese dressing makes these Buffalo Turkey Burgers with Blue Cheese Broccoli Slaw amazing!

No one will know these Turkey Burgers with Zucchini are loaded with extra veggies.

Salsa Verde Burgers (MY FAVORITE) are topped with pepper jack cheese, salsa verde and avocado...delicious!

You won't miss the meat after one bite of this Spicy Black Bean Burger.

Why not make your own barbecue sauce this year. Homemade Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce is a great balance of sweet and spice; perfect on chicken, pork or beef.

What are your plans this weekend? Whatever they are, hope you enjoy!!