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Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
May is when we start leaning into summer mode, thanks to longer stretches of sunshine and lots of celebrations along the way, from Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby to Mother’s Day, spring birthdays, end-of-school events, and more.
And at the end of May, Memorial Day unofficially welcomes the new season. With so much going on, it’s no wonder we need some inspiration in the kitchen.
Luckily, our community of home cooks has us covered—here are the dishes we can't wait to make.
01
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Tahini Butter Cookies
Carson Downing / Food Styling: Kelsey Moylan / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali
May is packed with occasions to bake up something special, and cookies are always the perfect solution—especially when they highlight an unexpected ingredient. “I really want to try these! My family loves everything tahini,” says Senior Editorial Director Diana Moutsopoulos.
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02
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Ooey Gooey Carrot Butter Cake
Allrecipes / Sonia Bozzo
In keeping with the dessert theme and fresh spring flavors, this spin on carrot cake makes a decadent centerpiece for a Derby party, a Mother’s Day brunch, or any other special occasion on your May calendar. Bonus: it features a cake mix shortcut.
Allrecipes community member Sonia exclaims, “I love how easy this is to make and how soft and rich it came out!” Associate Editor Patricia Kaowthumrong says she’s eager to try it out as well.
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03
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Southern Pimento Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Recipe creator QUEENREYNEY says, “This wonderful pimento cheese with jalapeño can be used to spice up grilled cheese sandwiches, as a spread for crackers, or served alongside your favorite fried green tomatoes.” We think it’s perfect for our Derby party, right next to the Hot Browns.
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04
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Birria de Res Tacos (Beef Birria Tacos)
Recently named our most-saved taco recipe, this is as good a time as any to see what the fuss is about, just in time for Cinco de Mayo. “This birria recipe is one of the best I’ve had! This recipe does take some time to make, but it’s worth every single minute. The meat is so tender, flavorful, and delicious, and the tacos are just the best. Leftovers are even better,” says Allrecipes user Ana. Want to make a full spread? Get more Cinco de Mayo ideas here.
If you’re short on time, try our sheet pan tacos, another editor-loved recipe.
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05
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Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Charlie Worthington / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
No matter what time of year it is, an easy dinner recipe is always welcome. As one Allrecipes member said in a five-star review: "I made this tonight following the recipe and it was great, not difficult, and good flavors." We're expecting it'll be a welcome addition to our rotation.
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06
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Zucchini Scarpaccia
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Charlie Worthington / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
A newcomer to the site, this brightly flavored vegetarian recipe is a no-brainer for warm-weather dinners on the porch. Sliced zucchini and onion are mixed into a flour and cornmeal batter for a rustic, oven-baked tart. Just toss together a simple green salad on the side, and you’re set.
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07
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Asparagus Pasta
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Since we can never get enough pasta, why not throw in spring's favorite vegetable, asparagus, for another easy, yet crowd-pleasing meal? You can have this fresh and satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
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08
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Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill
AR Magazine
This no-cook veggie side is a must-make—it looks and tastes like springtime in a bowl and will have everyone asking for the recipe. As Allrecipes user gremolata exclaims, it’s “a fabulous recipe with wonderful ingredients from a master, Chef Virginia Willis!”
Senior Editor Courtney Kassel already can’t stop making a version of this, swapping the nuts and herbs for whatever she has on hand.
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09
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Nonna's Artichokes
Allrecipes Member
The season for big globe artichokes is upon us, and they're ripe for stuffing. What better time to follow 'Nonna's' version than for a brunch or dinner on, say, May 11? Submitted by recipe creator Kim's Cooking Now, this Italian mother-in-law's dish is just what we need to highlight this produce: "Large artichokes are stuffed with a delicious breadcrumb mixture and then simmered in a white wine sauce until tender. Use a nice crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce!"
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10
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Mom's Cucumbers
Allrecipes Member
Similarly, this aptly named recipe is perfect for honoring the mother figures in your life alongside grilled favorites. "These are fantastic! I made a double batch and served them with dinner… I ate the leftovers for lunch the next day. They are delicious and refreshing. A great way to use cucumbers… I wouldn't change a thing," says cookin'gal.
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11
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Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
So what are we grilling now that we’ve dusted off the old grates? Aside from the usual fare, Senior Content Manager Frances Crouter’s grilling season pick is this recipe from Chef John, complete with a vibrant marinade and irresistible accompaniments. “I really hope you give this a try soon,” he adds.
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12
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Scott Hibb's Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Keep the grill on for these ribs that will be the hit of the Memorial Day table or family cookout. According to reviewer Ali, they’re “finger-lickin’ delicious.” And CopperDuck7755 claims, “There is no other recipe out there that can top this one. Follow [it] to the letter. You won’t be disappointed!”
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13
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Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Charlie Worthington / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
When planning a Memorial Day picnic, don’t sleep on this new recipe that arrived just in time to offer up a fun twist on the usual. Caesar-dressed shredded chicken is topped with crunchy lettuce and stuffed into fluffy buns.
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14
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Cowboy Caviar
AllRecipes / Qi Ai
Trust the 200-plus five-star reviews from members who have added this flavorful recipe to their rotation. Simply mix black beans, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and more, and let them all marinate together for an easy make-ahead treat for all your dipping needs. News Editor Bailey Fink states, “This is my must-make for Memorial Day.”
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15
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Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Now for another side dish that will be welcome on any table. Recipe creator Sarah Brekke ensures this is “wonderfully cheesy and flavorful” and notes, “Pickled jalapeños add both a little heat and a little tang.” It’s also Allrecipes Allstar approved—lutzflcat calls it “a keeper.”
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16
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Breakfast Biscuit Bundt Cake
Jason Donnelly / Food Stylist: Holly Pressman / Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Wow any crowd this May with this beauty, whether you need a Mother’s Day breakfast treat or a weekend brunch dish. Add bacon, veggies, pieces of store-bought biscuit dough, cheese, and hash browns together, and let your all-mighty Bundt pan do the rest.
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17
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No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Charlie Worthington / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
We think this treat deserves a spot on our May roundup. Can you blame us? It looks nothing short of magical. Recipe creator Kathryn Hendrix has us sold: “This no-bake millionaire’s shortbread has a buttery, tender base followed by a layer of homemade melt-in-your-mouth caramel and [a dark chocolate topping]. Sprinkle with sea salt to cut the sweetness if you like.”
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18
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Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita
France Cevallos
When we’re done mashing up the Derby and Cinco de Mayo with Blackberry-Mint Julep Margaritas, we’ll switch to another refreshing cocktail to kick things up a notch.
Muddle fresh strawberries and jalapeños to spice up your margarita game for any seasonal celebration with this recipe from Allrecipes Allstar France Cevallos. Or make a big batch to cheers to the summer ahead.
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