Get ideas to plan a labor day menu to savor! Celebrate the end of summer with over 50 fresh and fabulous Labor Day recipes the whole crew can enjoy together!
Three day weekends are always welcomed to relax and enjoy friends and indulge in all of your summer favorites from easy appetizers, grilled burgers, brats, kabobs, pasta salads, sides and of course, desserts!
Table of Contents
- Labor Day Weekend
- Labor Day Weekend Recipe Ideas
- More Recipe Round Ups You’ll Love
Whether you’ll be entertaining or just enjoying some down time at home, I wanted to share a few of my favorite Labor Day recipes with you!
Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer days, and it often means the season of fresh local produce will be wrapping up soon, too. While we’re lucky here in the Midwest to have our local farmer’s markets bursting with produce for a little further into the fall, many of our favorite summer staples will become less available.
That’s why it’s so much fun to savor the flavors of this weekend! Let’s all enjoy our corn on the cob, fresh watermelon and peaches, and a fabulous array of grilled favorites. Nothing beats these fresh summer flavors!
Labor Day Weekend
Before I share all my favorite Labor Day weekend recipes, I wanted to answer a few basic questions about Labor Day. While most everyone in America knows the meaning of this holiday weekend, I think it’s always a great reminder of what we share historically as a country!
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a day dedicated to our labor movement and the social and economical growth and achievements of American workers.
When is Labor Day?
Labor Day is always the first Monday of September.
When did Labor Day Become a Holiday?
It became an official holiday in 1894.
Is There a Symbol for Labor Day?
Traditionally, it’s a strong arm holding a hammer to represent the strength of the labor movement. The American flag is also representative of this day.
What’s a Traditional Labor Day Activity?
Throughout the country there are often traditional cookouts, parades, and even the start of football season in some areas. Apple picking is also a fun activity to try for this holiday weekend with the family as they are usually in season in September!
What’s the Best Labor Day Food?
Think summertime cookout, barbecue or picnic foods when you plan this menu- I’m going to guide you through all the best options!
“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Labor Day Weekend Recipe Ideas
Traditionally, we love to do a full picnic style array of delicious foods! It’s an end-of-summer party and we want to capture the essence of the season with all the flavors it brings.
I thought it would be helpful to group these recipe links into a few categories. You’ll find them organized in the list below as follows:
- Appetizers
- Main Dishes
- Side Dishes
- Drinks
- Desserts
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Get all the recipes you need to put the most delicious Labor Day menu together! There's something for everyone here, so let's celebrate all the flavors of summer and send the season out with a bang!
Appetizers
Fresh Fruit Skewers
These darling fruit skewers are the ultimate EASY way to serve festive fruit for every occasion!
Perfectly bite-sized and oh-so-charming, you’ll have guests oohing and aahing over your clever display of fruit kabobs.
Watermelon Salsa
Mix it up with Watermelon Salsa! This fruit salsa recipe is bright and colorful. It embraces the fresh flavors of summer blending watermelon with bell peppers, jalapeño, cilantro and lime.
It’s perfect for dipping or for topping tacos, salads and more!
Homemade French Onion Dip
French Onion Dip is an easy crowd pleasing appetizer you can make in ahead in minutes! Caramelized onions are folded into creamy dip for amazing flavor in every bite.
After one bite you’ll ditch the mix forever.
Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe
This Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe is delightfully sweet with a little heat! This easy dip or topping for tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more is full of fresh flavor!
Add Chipotle Corn Salsa to your burrito bowls, nachos and salads for the ultimate Chipotle copycat.
Zesty Pineapple Salsa Recipe
This easy pineapple salsa recipe is vibrant, festive and oh-so-delicious.
The citrus flavor and juicy sweet pineapple plays perfectly against the spicy addition of jalapeño for a flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist!
This brie and preserves appetizer is so quick and easy to make and is a great option is you are entertaining a crowd.
Made with three simple ingredients, baked brie is nestled in phyllo shells and baked before adding your favorite jam. Simple and elegant, these appetizers are a must for entertaining!
Grilled Mozzarella Appetizer
This easy two ingredient grilled mozzarella appetizer is so simple for everyday, but elegant enough to serve guests!
It’s grilled on a cedar plank to add flavor and melt all the amazing flavors together. It is perfect for all of your cookouts and get-togethers!
Baked Brie Bites with Strawberries | Easy Appetizer Recipe
These Baked Brie Bites are a super simple appetizer that’s made with just 4 ingredients and they are ready to serve in less than 20 minutes.
Brie is baked in phyllo shells and topped with sugary strawberries for an easy but crowd pleasing appetizer.
The Best Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe
Homemade Boursin is a soft, creamy cheese blended with garlic and herbs – the most delicious herb cream cheese! This Boursin Cheese Recipe is so irresistible, you’ll want to dip on repeat.
Main Dish Ideas
Juicy Sliders
These juicy little mini sliders are the most delicious way to serve a crowd and cater to varying tastes. Sliders are such an easy dinner or entertaining option and they are so easy to bake right in the oven!
The best part about serving these easy sliders for dinner? Everyone can enjoy more than one!
Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
There’s just something about the textural, sweet and salty flavor of this pineapple shrimp recipe! Pineapple shrimp skewers are perfect for throwing on the grill, bursting with juicy tropical flavor.
The Best Bratwursts
The Juiciest Beer Can Chicken in the Oven (or on the Grill)
The juiciest Beer Can Chicken in the Oven or on the grill is made with a seasoned rub that creates a crispy caramelized exterior that can’t be beat.
The steam from your favorite beer or ginger ale seals in the moisture to make it one of the best chicken dishes you’ve ever tasted!
Walking Tacos | How to Make Tacos in a Bag
Get all the best tips and tricks to create Walking Tacos! If you’ve never had a Taco in a Bag, you’re missing out on all the fun.
This easy Walking Taco Recipe is the easiest way to make your Bag Tacos look and taste oh-so-good for parties, game day and beyond!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kabobs
Learn the BEST tips and tricks for creating the most delectable summertime dinner- lemon garlic shrimp kabobs!
They’re so easy to throw together for the grill, and your hands-on prep and grilling time is under 15 minutes with the easiest shrimp kabob marinade.
Gourmet Burger | The Most Incredible Burger Topping Combination
Elevate your burgers with just a few additions that will turn them into a truly gourmet burger. Find the most delicious ways to create mouthwatering burgers to crave!
Incredibly Easy Chicken Kabobs
Get all the details on the juiciest chicken kabob recipe you’ve ever tasted! This chicken kabob marinade results in a healthy, vibrant summertime favorite for the grill or beyond.
How to Make the Easiest Steak Kabobs on the Grill
Learn the keys to the most delicious steak kabobs on the grill! This steak kabob marinade is bursting with bold, healthy flavor in every bite.
In fact, we tend to use our favorite steak for kabobs instead of traditional grilled steak – it’s just so good this way!
Tender Steak Sandwich Recipe (Flavorful Marinated Steak Sliders)
This steak sandwich recipe is the thing of dreams! Steak is marinated and served with blue cheese, caramelized onions and sun-dried tomatoes and are great to serve to a crowd.
Easy to make, these steak sliders are sure to wow your guests!
Side Dish Recipes
Seafood Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad recipe for a lunch you can enjoy all week or side dish for get togethers!
This Shrimp Pasta Salad is so easy and uses just a few ingredients. It’s the ultimate summer pasta salad!
Vanilla Fruit Salad
This Fruit Salad is a family favorite with a light and flavorful fruit salad dressing. It’s easy and perfect for snacks, sides and school lunches!
Ready to eat in a matter of minutes, this healthy snack can be easily customized to include your favorite fruits.
The Best Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti salad is an incredibly flexible, fast pasta salad recipe that is such a crowd pleaser! Tossed in a savory homemade Italian dressing, this cold spaghetti salad recipe is a keeper.
It’s a recipe your friends and family will ask you to bring again and again.
Mexican Street Corn | Elote Recipe
Easy Mexican Corn on the Cob recipe, also known as elote! This Mexican street corn is made with mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese (or queso fresco) and garlic.
Classic Cabbage Salad
This delicious, refreshing Cabbage salad recipe is the perfect choice for potlucks, barbecues and so much more.
Learn the secrets to the light and tangy cabbage salad dressing in this fresh and fabulous side dish!
Homemade Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
This creamy potato salad recipe with egg is the best way to use up all those extra eggs from the holiday weekend.
This easy homemade potato salad recipe uses a few key ingredients including gherkins and mustard, and one little secret technique! It is a creamy, dreamy deviled egg potato salad to serve to your family and friends.
Amazing Avocado Deviled Eggs
If you love deviled eggs and you love avocado, these Avocado Deviled Eggs are going to blow you away! This avocado egg combination is rich, creamy and satisfying.
The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe
Secrets to make the best deviled eggs. These deviled eggs with relish make a great appetizer year round or you can dress them up to make adorable deviled eggs for any holiday celebration!
Corn Casserole (Cheesy Corn)
Creamy corn casserole made with cream cheese – this cheesy corn doubles as a dip!
It’s a classic side dish that is perfect for parties as a dip or a family-friendly side dish.
Baked Apple Slices
Easy Baked Apple Slices, a 4 ingredient dessert, side dish, or breakfast. This Baked Apple Slices recipe is a delicious way to enjoy your apple-picking bounty.
With fresh apples, butter, cinnamon and sugar served warm and tender for a memorable fall dish!
Basil Lemon Pasta Salad
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing alternative to classic pasta salads. It’s full of fresh flavor and is made in minutes with a few simple ingredients.
Light and Easy Pasta Salad Recipe | Bow Tie Pasta Salad
A light, refreshing pasta salad recipe, perfect for summer picnics and outings. This bow tie pasta salad has the most amazing pasta salad dressing made with lemon and basil. It’s always a crowd pleaser!
Incredible Veggie Pasta Salad
This veggie pasta salad recipe is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and overflowing with nutrients thanks to an array of fresh sautéed veggies.
It’s a vegetarian pasta salad side dish or an incredible lunch you can feel good about!
Mac and Cheese Cups
Perfectly portioned bites of mac and cheese make an easy to serve, easy to eat side dish adults and kids like will love!
Delicious Drinks
Fruity Sangria Recipe
This is the ultimate summer sangria – it’s a fruity sangria recipe you’ll return to time and again.
Make ahead and serve a large number of guests with this classic peach sangria co*cktail that’s so easy to sip!
The Best Spanish Sangria Punch
This Spanish Sangria is the ultimate co*cktail indulgence. Sangria punch serves beautifully for parties, and it’s easy to create a non alcoholic sangria too!
Mojito Receta!
This Mojito Recipe (we call it a Mojito Receta for a little Spanish twist!) is the ultimate refreshing summer co*cktail.
It’s an EASY Mojito Recipe that features the vibrant flavor and fragrance of fresh squeezed limes and mint, balanced with rum, soda and sugar.
Vodka Mojito
Skinny Mojito
Watermelon Mojito
A refreshing Watermelon Mojito recipe with fresh watermelon juice and simple syrup muddled with mint for an incredible easy summer co*cktail.
Mango Margarita
A simple and refreshing Mango Margarita recipe. This co*cktail is full of fresh flavors and it’s so quick and easy to make!
It’s the perfect drink for summer and it comes together with just a handful of ingredients in less than 5 minutes.
Homemade Margarita
Watermelon Margarita
A light and flavorful watermelon margarita recipe made with fresh watermelon in just five minutes.
Get the skinny on this amazing watermelon margarita that comes in at less than 112 calories!
The Ultimate Premium Cadillac Margarita Recipe
Love a classic margarita? Then you’re going to love this smooth, premium margarita with a surprising burst of sweet orange flavor from the addition of Grand Marnier.
Margarita Float
Cool off this summer with one of the best ice cream co*cktails – a Margarita Float!
Easy Paloma Recipe
A Paloma is a popular co*cktail in Mexico, made with grapefruit flavored soda, tequila and lime.
This paloma recipe is a delicious alternative to a skinny margarita that is full of flavor yet low calorie!
Frosé Recipe aka Frozen Rosé
Enjoy your favorite blush wine turned into a refreshingly easy to sip two ingredient Frosé Recipe. It’s a pink wine Frozen Rosé slushy, perfect for any brunches, showers or parties.
These grown up wine slushies take just minutes to make and they are the perfect cooling summer drink.
Delicious Dessert Ideas
There are so many desserts that truly capture the essence of summer! From fruity flavors to the memories of s'mores over a campfire, don't miss any of these options!
Peanut Butter S'mores Pie Recipe
Ridiculously good and incredibly easy peanut butter s’mores pie recipe. You’ll always have a crowd-pleasing dessert on hand with this s’mores pie.
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
This homemade no churn peach ice cream is the summer treat you’ve been craving! Made in just 10 minutes, this fruit ice cream is easy to make and so refreshing.
Simply enjoy it by itself or serve it with a host of summertime desserts.
Fruit Pizza Cookies
These mini fruit pizza cookies are bright, charming, and delicious. Bakery style sugar cookies are made with staple ingredients and decorated with cream cheese frosting and your favorite fresh fruit.
This is a dessert you won’t want to miss!
No Bake Lemon Pie
Light and flavorful easy Lemon Pie, that’s no fuss, no bake and loaded with beautiful berries to capture the true essence of summer days.
Amazing Fruit Pizza
This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is made with a better than the bakery sugar cookie crust, covered in a delightfully sweet cream cheese frosting, and decorated with your favorite fruit.
Made in just 10 minutes hands on time, it's always a crowd pleaser.
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful fruit platter. It’s sweet, yet balanced and made with just three ingredients!
It’s loved by adults and kids alike because it’s secretly a Marshmallow Fruit Dip! Those two fluffy ingredients make the most delicious combination.
Cookie Dough Pie
This cookie dough pie recipe is every bit as delicious as you’re imagining it to be! It’s bursting with sweet and salty chocolate chip cookie dough, a buttery, crispy graham cracker crust, and a layer of decadent chocolate sauce on top.
It’s an unforgettable cookie dough dessert you’ll want to make TODAY!
I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a traditional Labor Day activity in your family? Is it a time you spent together enjoying something special? Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your long weekend!
What are your favorite Labor Day weekend recipes? Leave the link in comments below! I’m always looking for new inspiration myself!
More Recipe Round Ups You’ll Love
- Game Day Appetizers
- Thanksgiving Menu
- Thanksgiving Appetizers
- Pasta Salad Recipes
- Easy Appetizers for a Crowd
- Vinaigrette Recipes
- Cheese Balls
- Strawberry Recipes
- American Burger
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