20 Recipes to Cook in May

May is a great time to switch things up in the kitchen. The weather is warmer, fresh produce is easier to find, and the month is full of reasons to cook something special. With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, meals start to feel lighter and more relaxed.

Assorted berry muffins in paper liners on a baking tray with the text "Cook in May: Recipes to make" overlaid at the top.

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest food holidays in May. It’s a good time to plan a nice breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Think homemade favorites, picnic-style sides, or anything that feels a little extra. It’s also the perfect excuse to cook something simple that still feels thoughtful.

May also brings Memorial Day, which kicks off grilling season. That weekend is all about cookouts, outdoor meals, and getting together. Burgers, hot dogs, sliders, and easy make-ahead sides like pasta salad or baked beans show up a lot. It’s not just about the food—it’s about being outside and keeping it easy.

Cinco de Mayo falls early in the month and is a good reason to try bold flavors. Chips, salsa, tacos, and spicy dips often show up on tables. It’s casual, fun, and ideal for a spread you can share.

Fresh fruit starts to show up more in May. Strawberries, blueberries, and even the first peaches in some areas are all worth using. It’s a good month for no-bake desserts or chilled pies that don’t heat up the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Recipes to Cook in May

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil with Mayo, aka Grilled Mexican Street Corn or Grilled Elotes, is sweet, smoky, creamy, & tangy. #corn #elotes #streetcorn #recipes #grill — Grilled Street Corn on the Cob

No Cook Strawberry Cheesecake

A quick and easy cheesecake that requires no cooking. It's light, creamy, and refreshing!

make this recipe

Ultimate Blueberry Cheesecake

The Ultimate Blueberry Cheesecake is full of sweet, juicy blueberries in every creamy bite!

make this recipe

Three Viral Smash Burger Tacos with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. — Smashed Burger Tacos

Close-up of crispy golden onion rings, a bottle of sauce, and part of a burger with lettuce, tomato, and cheese on a wooden board. — Beer Battered Onion Rings

Oven Fried Onion Rings with Copycat Outback Blooming Onion Dipping Sauce. Healthier onion rings are crispy, crunchy, and paired with an amazing spicy sauce for dunking! — Oven Fried Onion Rings

Grilled chicken skewers garnished with chopped green onions and a lime wedge, served on a white plate over a brown napkin. — Bang Bang Chicken kabobs

Bowtie Pesto Pasta Salad combines Caprese salad and basil pesto with pasta for a quick, easy, and delicious pasta salad. — Bowtie Pesto Pasta Salad

Brain Boosting Super Salad (with Lemon Vinaigrette) is full of superfoods that will make your body and your brain healthy! — Brain-Boosting Super Salad

side dish — Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad

Margarita Bars

Margarita Bars are sweet and tart lime bars with a buttery and flaky crust

make this recipe

Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting- a light lemony cake smothered with Raspberry Lemon Frosting that is slightly tart & sweet.

make this recipe

Corn Salad Sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and jalapenos are tossed together with creamy mayo. — Corn Salad

Skinny Cake Batter Ice Cream — Skinny Cake Batter No-Churn Ice Cream

Golden-brown topped Homemade Sausage Cheddar Biscuits on a baking sheet, showcasing a crispy, melted cheese exterior and chunks of savory sausage. — Sausage Cheddar Biscuits

pb&j breakfast — Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

Sheet Pan Sticky Chicken with Pineapple and Broccoli

Sheet Pan Sticky Chicken with Pineapple and Broccoli is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken pieces, juicy pineapple chunks, & crisp broccoli florets coated in a delectable honey sauce.

make this recipe

Thai Peanut Chicken Flatbread Recipe

It's easy to cook in a college dorm or small apartment with the help of convenience products and leftovers. The recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.

make this recipe

Conclusion

If you plan to cook in May, think about what’s in season and what fits your mood. Lighter meals, fresh ingredients, and recipes that don’t take much effort work well. The holidays give you a few anchors, but the rest of the month is just as good for trying something new. What’s on your table usually depends on how you like to enjoy a warm, sunny day.