featured 7166

May Meal Plan: Spring Recipes to Cook This Month

Looking for recipes to cook in May? This May Monthly Meal Plan gathers seasonal ideas for the month: Kentucky Derby snacks and drinks, Cinco de Mayo favorites, Memorial Day menu ideas, and refreshing warm-weather sippers. Use these recipes as inspiration for entertaining or everyday meals all month long.

collage of four food images including a burger, a drink, tacos and cookies with the text may monthly meal plan

2025 Update: This monthly meal plan was first published in May 2018 and has been refreshed with new recipes and updated information to give you even more May-worthy ideas.

May is a fantastic month for food—spring produce is abundant in many regions and entertaining opportunities abound. This roundup highlights recipes for key May events like the Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day weekend, plus easy seasonal dishes and drinks you can enjoy any time this month.

Note: this post is an inspiration list rather than a strict day-by-day menu. If you want full daily meal plans, this isn’t intended to provide that. Instead, think of these recipes as flexible building blocks for May entertaining and weeknight cooking.

What should I cook in the month of May?

What you cook in May depends on your climate and what’s fresh where you live. In many places spring produce is at its peak, which makes salads, grilled proteins, light pastas and fruit-focused desserts natural choices.

Focus on seasonal ingredients: tender greens, early berries, asparagus, young potatoes, radishes and onions. Use those items to craft simple appetizers, fresh sides and lighter entrees that celebrate spring flavor.

What is in season in the month of May?

Availability varies by region, but in May you’ll often find:

  • Early berries (strawberries in many areas), melons, and sometimes early figs
  • Spring greens like spinach and tender lettuces
  • Asparagus, radishes, scallions and young carrots
  • Early new potatoes and onions
  • The first tastier tomatoes and cucumbers in warmer climates

Shopping at your local farmers market is the best way to discover the freshest seasonal produce near you.

More monthly meal plans:

If you want seasonal recipe collections for other months, try these:

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Here’s what I recommend for May, organized around common May occasions and the fresh flavors of the season.

Kentucky Derby Food + Drinks

The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May. If you plan to celebrate, here are bourbon-forward drinks and classic Southern bites perfect for race day.

1
How to make a Mint Julep
A classic Kentucky Derby cocktail: fresh mint, sugar and good bourbon. Simple, crisp and perfect for sipping on a warm May afternoon.

View recipe

2
Mini Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pies
Bite-sized pies that combine pecans, chocolate and a splash of bourbon for a nod to Derby Pie—easy to serve and rich in flavor.

View recipe

3
Deviled Eggs
Classic Southern deviled eggs, creamy and seasoned for a perfect finger food at any gathering.

View recipe

4
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts and Bourbon
A cookie inspired by Derby Pie—browned butter, walnuts and bourbon give these cookies depth and a touch of Southern charm.

View recipe

5
Blueberry Mint Juleps
A fruity twist on the Mint Julep—fresh blueberries brighten the classic bourbon-and-mint combo.

View recipe

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

May 5th is a great excuse to enjoy Mexican-inspired food and vibrant drinks. Here are easy, flavor-forward recipes to try.

9
Caramelized Onion Guacamole
A savory guacamole that swaps fresh tomatoes for sweet, balsamic caramelized onions—creamy and full of depth.

View recipe

10
Skirt Steak Tacos
Marinated skirt steak makes these tacos smoky and tender—perfect with fresh cilantro, lime and your favorite toppings.

View recipe

11
Cointreau Margarita
A simple four-ingredient margarita that’s easy to mix at home—bright, tart and crowd-pleasing.

View recipe

Memorial Day Weekend Food

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Fire up the grill and try these crowd-pleasing mains, sides and finger foods.

23
Pulled Pork Coleslaw Eggrolls
A playful fusion: slow-cooked pulled pork and creamy coleslaw wrapped in crisp eggrolls—great as an appetizer or party snack.

View recipe

24
Cheeseburger Kebabs
A fun twist on burgers—skewered cheeseburger bites with bacon, vegetables and bun pieces for easy grilling and serving.

View recipe

30
Classic Potato Salad
An old-fashioned creamy potato salad made with a handful of ingredients—the perfect potluck side for summer gatherings.

View recipe

Summertime Sippers

As the weather warms, reach for light, fruity cocktails and frozen drinks. These recipes highlight fresh fruit, herbs and easy blends for sharing.

35
Honeysuckle Cherry Smash
A refreshing cherry cocktail with floral honeysuckle vodka—light, fruity and easy to make by the pitcher for guests.

View recipe

37
Spiked Watermelon Limeade
A simple pitcher cocktail of watermelon, lime, mint and vodka—bright, cooling and ideal for backyard gatherings.

View recipe

45
Watermelon Frosé
A frozen rosé cocktail blended with watermelon for a lightly sweet, slushy summer drink that’s easy to share.

View recipe

Whether you’re hosting a Derby viewing party, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, grilling for Memorial Day or simply enjoying warm-weather drinks, these May recipes highlight seasonal ingredients and shareable dishes. Pick a few favorites, shop the farmers market, and enjoy fresh, flavorful meals all month long.