Waited until the last minute to plan your cookout menu? Same. Don’t panic. Labor Day is all about casual, grillable eats that you can throw together easily. Appetizers, sides, entrees, and dessert—this collection of Labor Day recipes has it all. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or an intimate gathering for the long weekend, this list has last-minute Labor Day recipes. If you’re running out of ideas, I’ve got you covered.
Cocktails
Sonic Cocktail by Valerie Rice
Says author and chef Valerie Rice, “I hope the Brits don’t mind my suggesting half tonic and half soda water for this cocktail. It’s so light and delicious and has less sugar. Rum, gin, vodka, and white port all work beautifully in a sonic, but my favorite is white port, which adds a wonderful richness and is an awesome less-alcoholic option for day drinking (you’re welcome). These days, most bottle shops carry a good range of organic tonics made without high-fructose corn syrup – make the switch!”
Strawberry Frosé by Eating Bird Food
Say hello to your new favorite summer cocktail! Strawberry Frosé, aka frozen rosé, made with four ingredients and no refined sugar.
Otherwise, here are 21 Labor Day cocktails to cap off the summer.
Appetizers
Caprese Skewers by Love & Lemons
These caprese skewers are such a fun summer appetizer! Topped with a tangy balsamic glaze, they’re light, flavorful, and fresh.
Easy Mango Salsa by Love & Lemons
Change up your salsa game with this sweet and spicy mango salsa recipe! Scoop it up with tortilla chips, or top it onto tacos, burritos, and more.
Bacon and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers by Downshiftology
These bacon and goat cheese stuffed mini peppers are a delicious finger-food appetizer. They’re creamy, savory, and look extra colorful on a serving platter (aka everyone will love them)!
Sides
Classic Potato Salad by The Modern Proper
Creamy and a bit tangy, with ruby-pink radishes for a little crunch, this classic potato salad wins best in show, every time.
Avocado and Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette by Ambitious Kitchen
Gorgeous avocado tomato chickpea pasta salad packed with fresh, delicious mediterranean flavors and a bold lemon basil dressing. This easy vegetarian pasta salad recipe takes just 20 minutes to make and is perfect for a Labor Day party.
Entrees
Shrimp Skewers by Wellness with Edie
These are light, delicious, and celebrate the beauty of summer produce. With seasonal eating in mind, let the vegetables shine.
Fig and Burrata Salad by Camille Styles
This fig and burrata salad is so easy that you might just want to keep it as your little entertaining secret this summer. Because once you whip it up for your friends, they’re going to think you’re a professional.
Summer Peach White Bean Salad by Sweet Potato Soul
With its fresh and flavorful dressing, fragrant herbs, and brilliant texture, expect to add this to your summer rotation for years to come.
Grilled Turkey Burgers by Plays Well With Butter
The absolute best grilled turkey burgers recipe. It’s time to say goodbye to the days of dry, bland, and crumbly turkey burgers, this is the best grilled turkey burgers recipe out there! These easy turkey burgers are super juicy, super flavorful, and super straight-forward. Made with just five simple ingredients, these turkey burgers are great for weeknights and Labor Day alike.
Desserts
Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches by Spend With Pennies
Peaches are brushed with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, grilled until tender and topped with ice cream before serving!
Healthy Blueberry Crumble by Erin Lives Whole
Healthy blueberry cobbler is a decadent dessert that’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and full of flavor. Requiring just 10 minutes of prep time, this is a must-try dish that you’re guaranteed to love!
Leave a Reply