Labor Day Food Ideas

Why settle for traditional Labor Day grilling ideas when you can make an authentic Middle Eastern recipe as tasty as this? This savory, snackable main uses zesty, grilled chicken to take your classic cookout food to the next level.

If you’re hunting for perfectly portioned Labor Day meals, this tender, grilled game hen will simplify your plating in no time. Your guests will love every bite of this juicy, heartily seasoned chicken dish.

This tangy, rich chicken recipe is my go-to for Labor Day BBQ recipes. This simple grill recipe will satisfy everyone at your party with citrusy lemon, creamy Greek yogurt, and garden-fresh herbs.

Seasoned with my zesty and fresh Easy Shrimp Marinade, this flavorful shrimp recipe is great if you are in need of Labor Day menu ideas for a crowd. Everyone will love the smoky undertones of this simple seafood dish.

Few recipes hit the mark for holiday grilling recipes like this succulent burger dish. Crispy bacon, juicy beef, and creamy avocado make this savory main course a staple for any Labor Day BBQ menu.

Bell peppers, baby bella mushrooms, and succulent shrimp transform this seafood skewer into one of my ultimate cookout recipes. Easily servable and delectably light, this colorful meal takes the hassle out of meal prep.

Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and B12, this fresh seafood recipe perfectly adds is not only quick and easy to make but also a feast for the eyes. This buttery and rich dish pairs with countless other Labor Day cookout side dishes with only six minutes on the grill.

This year, go beyond hot dogs with a tender, rich main with all the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors you love from your grill. Prepared with my Turkey Tips Marinade, this recipe will delight your tastebuds with its exquisitely caramelized exterior.

Mexican food lovers will adore this five-star take on classic steak tacos. My mouthwatering marinade uses deliciously bold, simple ingredients to make every bite explode with rich flavors—especially when served with fresh cherry tomato pico de gallo and guacamole!

This light grilled fish recipe comes with a luscious Mahi Mahi Marinade that perfectly pairs with my sweet and spicy Pineapple Mango Salsa. If you prefer a recipe that cooks in minutes, try this one. It won't disappoint.

Add this grilled flank steak salad to your Labor Day menu for a meal-worthy dish that is packed with summer flavors. Juicy, tender steak marinated in my Flank Steak Marinade is paired with crisp romaine, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and cherry tomatoes, then tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing.

Moist, flavorful, and oh-so-tasty, this simple skewer recipe balances tender chicken with peppery red onions and light bell peppers for an unmatched Labor Day meal. You can even marinate your chicken beforehand to give your skewers an extra herby, bright taste.

These Air Fried Cornish Hens are great for a few reasons. First, they cook faster than their oven-baked or grilled versions, saving you valuable time. Second, their smaller size makes for a perfectly portioned meal that is both convenient and visually impressive. Not to mention, thanks to the air frying technology, you’ll achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior in no time.

If you are a fan of deli salads, add this Barefoot Contessa classic to your Labor Day Party Menu. This restaurant-quality salad combines fresh roasted shrimp, zesty orange juice, and salty capers for an incomparable balance of light and savory flavors. Serve it as an appetizer with toasted bread or a main course with a simple salad on the side for a summer dinner guaranteed to impress!

This Mediterranean pasta salad is an essential addition to all your fan-favorite recipes for Labor Day. Natural garden ingredients bring shrimp’s delicate, succulent flavors to life, paired with a tasty blend of flavorful herbs and rich lemon dressing.

Wondering what to make for a Labor Day cookout that’s easy to make and even easier to carry? This protein-packed pita wrap recipe takes only thirty minutes and uses herby, smooth Tzatziki to infuse every bite with rich Greek flavors. It is an easy-to-transport dish too! Simply prepare and store all components of the recipe individually and assemble them when you make it to your destination.

Wings aren’t just for the Superbowl. These crisp and juicy chicken wings—basted in a rich, spicy hot wing sauce—are the perfect bite-sized dish when served alongside my salty and light Blue Cheese Dressing Without Sour Cream.

Rich, flavorful, and savory, this must-have taco recipe makes an excellent pairing with iconic Mexican recipes, like Corn Tortillas, Cherry Tomato Salsa, and Guacamole. An ideal recipe for a crowd, your dinner guests will love building their tacos with this melt-in-your-mouth dish.

An American classic, chicken legs are a staple among end-of-summer foods. Thanks to the air fryer, you can cut your cooking time in half while still getting that irresistibly crispy skin and tender meat. Plus, they are easy to make and perfectly seasoned, offering a great alternative to traditional grill recipes.

If you are in need of creative and unique Labor Day food ideas, look no further than this cold soup recipe. This cool, refreshing dish combines smooth Greek yogurt, ripe avocado, and fresh cucumber for a puréed mix you can serve in a glass. Creamy and light, this easy dish also makes an impeccable presentation with roasted shrimp, fresh dill, and crushed red pepper.

One of the best labor day recipes for a crowd, this simple dish transforms sweet corn (even corn on the cob!) into an authentic Mexican side everyone will love. Made with tangy sour cream, light cotija cheese, and smoky chile powder, it is the most popular party dish on the blog.

If you love easy, photo-ready picnic sides, this healthy deviled egg recipe will have even your pickiest friends asking for more. Made with creamy avocado, smoky paprika, and tangy Dijon mustard, it is a healthier alternative to mayo-laden deviled eggs.

This simple Turkish staple uses a sumptuous blend of ripe tomatoes, tender white beans, and zesty sumac to impress even the biggest foodies. A great way to use ripe summer tomatoes, this gorgeous salad is a fantastic dish to serve alongside everything from grilled seafood to roasted chicken.

Briny pickle relish, robust green onion, and tender red potatoes make this recipe one of my personal favorite Labor Day cookout sides that I make every year. Perfectly cooked red potatoes drizzled with a delicious creamy dressing, this easy potato salad transports easily, making it ideal for Labor Day picnics and potlucks.

Take your macaroni salad to the next level with this bright and savory Mexican blend. Add a dash of crisp jalapeno and herby fresh cilantro, and your pasta salad will be the talk of the party.

End the summer with a bang with this ultimate summer salad! Made with refreshing watermelon, cool cucumber, and tangy feta cheese and drizzled with sweet Honey Lime Dressing, this watermelon gets better as it sits. Comes together in 15 minutes, it is the perfect side salad for outdoor entertaining.

Fresh herbs and tangy Greek yogurt make this simple dish one of my favorite healthy Labor Day recipes for a party. Serve this crisp veggie mix as a side, a condiment, or even as a veggie-fresh topping for all your favorite BBQ recipes.

Garden-fresh and brilliantly colored, this 10-minute side made with summer tomatoes complements any potluck spread. What better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer than with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and crisp cucumbers?

If you’re a fan of Italian food, this summery caprese pasta salad will astound you with its zesty, herbaceous flavors. Drizzle your fresh mix with homemade Pesto Vinaigrette, and you’ll feel like you’re eating on the Mediterranean coast.

Few Labor Day picnic side dishes are as versatile as this. Serve this hearty, appetizing bean dip with tortilla chips, as a side, or even straight out of the bowl. No matter how you serve it, your guests will love the fresh flavors of this iconic bean salad.

This heirloom tomato salad is the perfect way to balance elegant eats with simple meal prep. The combination of fresh basil leaves, sweet tomatoes, and rich burrata is a match made in heaven. With only 15 minutes of prep, this summer tomato salad is a great way to add a pop of color to your holiday table.

This 15-minute avocado salad made with sweet mangos, Chili Lime Dressing, and fresh cilantro is a must when planning your Labor Day picnic menu. Mixed with creamy avocados, this brilliant assortment makes a perfect pair with any potluck dish.

Smooth, sweet, and colorful? This layered salad recipe perfectly balances all the flavors you love—sweet, savory, tart, and spicy—with only 15 minutes of prep time.

This tender corn salad tops all your favorite Mexican ingredients—black beans, crisp corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and spicy jalapeño peppers—with a garlic lime dressing that brings every bite to life.

Looking for easy Labor Day recipes that won’t take hours to prepare? This 15-minute classic makes a sweet, crisp pair with dozens of meaty mains, from traditional burger recipes to light seafood classics.

Crunchy cucumbers, grassy dill, and sweet red onion are the keys to this delicious summer salad. Toss this sunny mix with my creamy, tzatziki-inspired dressing, and you won’t believe how many compliments you’ll get on your Labor Day lunch.

Irresistibly fresh and lightly sweetened, this gourmet beverage uses lemonade and freshly squeezed lemon juice to achieve its summery taste. Garnish this tasty drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary, and your bar will be photo-ready in no time.

If you’re looking for a cold drink that perfectly pairs with any traditional Labor Day menu, this light, citrusy recipe is just what you need. With just ten minutes of prep time, you’ll have a brilliant spread packed with ruby-red strawberries, garden-green basil, and juicy limes. Serve it by itself for a kid friendly beverage, or add a splash of vodka or gin to turn it into a delicious cocktail.

Even kids can enjoy the luscious, sweet taste of frozen drinks with this non-alcoholic recipe. Tropical, smooth, and sweet, this tasty pineapple drink even comes with instructions on how to make it with rum for adults looking to celebrate the long weekend.

Fresh strawberries and fresh basil are the key to making this 10-minute cocktail explode with a ripe, fruity flavor. This refreshing recipe pairs with all your favorite Labor Day weekend meals, making it an ideal cocktail for any cookout party.

Everyone will want a sip of this richly colored, sweet Labor Day drink. Made with fresh Blueberry Puree, orange liqueur, and refreshing lime juice, this photo-ready cocktail will be the hit of any Labor Day get-together.

Bubbly, sweet, and bright, this mango-infused drink is a must-have for anyone who loves a little sparkle in their glass. Be sure to garnish each glass with ripe blackberries and cooling mint for a gorgeous presentation.

Add CAVA-copycat cucumber mint lime drink to your Labor Day menu for a refreshing sip of cucumber, fresh mint, and lime. Make a whole pitcher to serve alongside any of the recipes I listed here.

You don’t need to buy a grocery store pie crust for this dessert. This scrumptious treat is made with my foolproof Homemade Galette Dough that anyone can make. Topped off with Honey Ice Cream, it is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. And before you ask, even though I used peaches, any of your favorite stone fruits will make a delicious substitute.

With just three ingredients, this light and creamy dessert dip makes the ultimate pairing with any fresh Fruit Salad. It is possibly the easiest Labor Day dessert you can whip up in less than 5 minutes. One scoop of this tangy, sweet recipe, and you’ll never be at a loss for healthy crowd-friendly dessert recipes again.

Creamy ricotta, ripe blueberries, and zesty lemon make this 30-minute recipe the best way to round off your Labor Day weekend menu ideas. Served in bite-sized phyllo cups, this dish is as pretty to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Seven ingredients and one bowl are all you need to make this healthy take on brownies. Fudgy and rich, you can even take this chocolatey dessert to the next level by adding tart, dried strawberries, and chocolate chips.

Chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist the cool, creamy taste of this frozen dish. Refined sugar-free and a cinch to make, this delectable treat is especially tasty when served with warm and nutty Pecan Shortbread Cookies.

If you’re wondering what to eat on Labor Day that’s both snack- and kid-friendly, this cool treat will perfectly round off your menu with sweet vanilla yogurt, ripe strawberries, and crunchy nuts. Plus, you only need three ingredients!