Happy Friday Reader!

Whether you're throwing the whole bash or just taking a dish to the party I've got recipes to make your Memorial weekend delicious!

And this new salad? Seriously, it's one of the best things I've eaten lately. We've fallen in love with it, and it's going to be front and center in my meal plans this summer.

​Chicken and Rice Salad​

When was the last time something so good for you was satisfying and delicious? Today's the day, my friend! Your taste buds will do a happy dance when you take your first bite of my Chicken and Rice Salad.

It comes together in minutes using precooked ingredients. And the party of flavors and textures makes every bite a little different from the last.

Rotisserie chicken, wild rice, fresh veggies, nuts, greens and herbs tossed in delectable Italian dressing. Perfect for dinner, for lunch or for your next potluck gathering. It's a whole meal in one bowl!

This one's a keeper. Go grab the recipe now!

Get the easy recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad​

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When You're Hosting the Memorial Day Party

There's always grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and those are definitely traditional. But I like to choose main dishes that don't require so much babysitting on my part (or patty forming).

I prefer things that can be made ahead in large batches, kept warm, and everyone can serve themselves.

Opt for less expensive cuts of meat that you can cook in large quantities or recipes that will stretch your meat to feed lots of people.

Buy disposable serveware to save time on clean-up. You're going to be weary when everyone has gone home and a mountain of dishes would be a tragedy! lol

Here are a few of my affordable favorites for feeding a big crowd in the summer.

• ​Pulled Pork Sandwiches - Dress up this two-ingredient crock pot pork with your favorite sauces and toppings. It's a hit every time
• ​Slow Cooker Kalua Pork - This smoky delicious Hawaiian-style "roast pork" will be a huge hit at any party. Use it on sandwiches, or to stuff tacos, or go traditional Hawaiian-style and serve it with macaroni salad and steamed cabbage. Delish!
• ​BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos - If you haven't thought of BBQ in tacos, you need to give it a try. So yum!
• ​Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas - My pictures on this old post simply don't do this recipe justice. It's citrusy, lightly spicy and so scrumptious! It would be great in sandwiches and it's phenomenal in tacos.

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​Baked Bean Casserole (Cowboy Beans or Calico Beans)​

There won't be a bite left in the bottom of the pan when you serve this easy delicious Baked Bean Casserole. It's a hearty and filling dish that is loved by both kids and adults. Ground beef, bacon, onions and a varity of beans in a mouthwatering savory-sweet sauce. So good and it feeds a crowd! Serve it up with simple sides like coleslaw and potato salad.

Get the Easy Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole​

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​Slow Cooker BBQ Country Style Ribs​

For a smaller gathering, these ribs are perfect! These delectably tender country ribs can be made with pork or beef and they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They're smoky and succulent and will be a perfect Memorial Day centerpiece when served up with sides like Loaded Baked Potato Salad or Hashbrown Casserole (Funeral Potatoes). Grab the easy recipe for these show-stopping ribs!

Get the Recipe: BBQ Country Style Ribs in the Crock Pot​

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​Sloppy Joes​

Sloppy Joes can be made ahead in huge batches and kept hot in slow cookers or a portable roaster [affiliate link]. They're easy and everybody loves them. It's a great option for stretching ground beef to feed lots of people. And no one has to stand and shape hamburger patties! lol

Serve sloppy joes with chips and/or potato salad. They're great with Strawberry Cottage Cheese Salad or Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, too.

Get the Easy Recipe: Homemade Sloppy Joes​

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If You're Taking a Dish to the Potluck

If you're not hosting, but you'll be taking a dish to a party or gathering, there are quick and easy options to get you to the celebration on time. Try some of these great sides and appetizers.

• ​Easy 10-Minute Taco Dip​
• ​10-Minute Strawberry Cottage Cheese Salad​
• ​Asian Cucumber Salad​
• ​Easy 10-Minute Mexican Rice​
• ​Mexican Macaroni Salad​
• ​Easy Chocolate No-Bake Cookies​
• ​Magic Cookie Bars​
• ​Easy Coleslaw with Homemade Coleslaw Dressing​
• ​Bell Pepper Salad​
• ​Mandarin Orange Salad | Easy 5-Ingredient Orange Jello Salad​
• ​Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe​

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Have a great weekend! I hope some of these recipes will get you through dinners next week and your Memorial weekend festivities with ease.

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend, Friend!

I hope you get to share a meal with the people you love most (and that someone else does the dishes!) Hugs!

What's For Dinner?

This is the part of the newsletter where I share recipe ideas from some of my best blogging friends and myself to inspire you with what's for dinner at our houses this week. That gives you seven days worth of new recipes to inspire you for your own delicious meal plan. Enjoy!

• ​Taco Pasta Salad from Laura at Little House Big Alaska
• ​Crispy Beer Battered Shrimp from Gen at Two Cloves Kitchen
• ​Mississippi Pot Roast from Glenda​
• ​Pan-Fried Chicken Breast from Rupali at Caramel and Spice
• ​Beef Kabobs from Sue at Sula and Spice
• ​Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch from Lori at A Reinvented Mom
• ​Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole from Kristin at Dizzy Busy and Hungry

My Favorite Kitchen Tools

Visit my Amazon Storefront [affiliate links] to see some of the tools and ingredients I love cooking with at home!