Is it even Labor Day long weekend without a spread of epic delicious summer food? If you are wondering what to make for your end of summer party, cookout, picnic, or barbecue, then you have come to the right place. We are sharing over 60 of our best and most popular Labor Day recipes including everything from the best labor day main dishes (hello burgers and skewers!), summer salads, sides and snacks, dessert and drinks (give me all the berry treats please), and more!
Popular Labor Day Recipes
Classic Juicy Hamburgers
Better than the steakhouse, these classic juicy hamburgers are perfectly seasoned, so flavourful and delicious. A go to Labor Day recipe.
Macaroni Salad
Classic macaroni salad is a creamy and delicious pasta salad that is easy to throw together. It's the perfect side to bring to a summer potluck or BBQ.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Easy Greek chicken souvlaki skewers marinated in garlic, fresh herbs, lemon and bay leaves for that classic Mediterranean flavour. Grill in under 15 minutes. Serve alongside some easy homemade Tzatziki Sauce.
Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil
Easy, garlicky and buttery grilled shrimp boil with prawns, corn, baby potatoes and sausage, seasoned and tossed with parsley takes just 20 minutes to cook. It's the perfect Labor Day recipe.
Gourmet Hot Dogs
Juicy and delicious Gourmet Hot Dogs loaded with a variety of toppings will take your next backyard BBQ or potluck to a whole new level. Try them all!
Avocado Hummus
Quick and easy avocado hummus is creamy, smooth, healthy, and delicious. Loaded with chickpeas and avocado, it's the perfect blend of hummus and guacamole.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn (elote) is a delicious corn on the cob loaded with a cheesy sauce elevated with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful. One of my favorite Labor Day recipes.
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad is delicious, wholesome, and easy to make. Make it up to three days ahead for your summer picnics and cookouts. You can't get more classic than Italian Salad on Labor Day!
Sheet Pan Nachos
Oven-baked loaded sheet pan nachos are a crowd pleaser for an easy weeknight dinner or a crave-worthy appetizer to serve at a summer party.
Blueberry Crisp
Blueberry crisp with a sweet blueberry filling and a buttery, crispy oat topping, is a delicious, fruity treat that's ready in just 45 minutes.
Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Garlic shrimp skewers are delicious and full of fresh flavor. These quick and easy kabobs can be grilled, baked or air fried for an easy summer dinner. One of my favorite Labor Day recipes.
Labor Day Main Dishes
Delicious, moist and juicy Mediterranean chicken patties have everything you want in one bite: protein, veggies, herbs, and they're quick and easy to make. You can also try your hand at homemade hamburger buns to serve these patties in.
Greek salmon is delicious, flaky, and tender. This healthy oven-baked salmon is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is ready in just 20 minutes.
Slow cooker BBQ ribs are juicy, saucy, and tender -- the meat literally falls right off the bone. Add this easy recipe to your list of crockpot recipes.
These 15-minute fish burgers with creamy slaw are juicy, flakey, and packed with flavour. So easy that it's the perfect summer weeknight meal!
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
This refreshing and light, easy Greek chicken gyros is packed with tender souvlaki chicken, Greek Salad, and homemade Tzatziki Sauce, all wrapped in Pita Bread.
Ground beef tacos are delicious, authentic, and so easy to make. They're savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh. The perfect recipe for a Labor Day Mexican fiesta.
Quick and easy shrimp cakes are juicy, tender, delicious, and flavorful. They're made simple with a food processor and your choice of three cooking methods.
Easy Greek souvlaki beef shish kebabs are marinated in a garlicky lemony olive oil marinade and threaded with fresh vegetables. Cook on the grill or oven. Serve them wrapped inside some Pita Bread.
This hearty classic meatloaf with a caramelized glaze will nourish your body and soul. Feed the whole family with a simple yet flavourful classic.
Mediterranean turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and delicious, loaded with garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. The perfect summer weeknight meal.
Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
Juicy and tender teriyaki chicken skewers with pineapple, bell peppers and red onions are sticky, sweet, savoury, and tangy. So flavourful and delicious. Serve over some steamed rice or easy coconut rice.
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
Greek-style spinach and feta turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and flavourful, loaded with spinach, feta and fresh Mediterranean herbs and is so easy to prep. Serve it with Tzatziki Sauce.
Juicy and tender grilled cajun shrimp skewers are garlicky, lemony, and packed with flavour with a cajun marinade. Ready in under 30 minutes including prep. Serve it with a fresh Mediterranean chickpea wedge salad on the side.
Quick and easy pesto penne pasta is a simple and light Italian pasta dish made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes. Serve this recipe hot or cold. If you like this recipe, you can also try Mascarpone Pesto Pasta.
Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Mexican pulled pork tacos with juicy and tender traditional carnitas wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Skillet Neapolitan Margherita Pizza
Quick and easy skillet Neapolitan margherita pizza has an iconic thin and soft crust with a perfectly crisp exterior, and simple and fresh toppings.
Homemade chicken shawarma (donair) with juicy tender chicken marinated in Middle Eastern spices and wrapped in Pita Bread is easy to make at home. Serve it Tahini Sauce.
Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw
Quick and easy shrimp tacos with lime crema slaw are ready in less than 30 minutes and are packed with flavourful crispy shrimp and creamy cabbage slaw.
The Best Summer Salads for Labor Day
Fresh, crisp, classic coleslaw salad is a must-have recipe for a summer barbecue or picnic, or as an easy make-ahead lunch. Make it in less than 10 minutes. Is it even a collection of Labor Day recipes without coleslaw?
Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Quick and easy tomato and mozzarella caprese salad is a fresh, light, and delicious summer salad, made with just a few simple ingredients in 10 minutes.
Easy homemade potato salad is loaded with baby potatoes, eggs, and green onions and tossed in a mayo sauce and is a go-to for summer barbecues and picnics.
This creamy cucumber salad is the easy, refreshing snack and side dish your summer cookouts have been missing. Make it ahead with just 5 minutes prep. Another one of the classic Memorial Day recipes.
Loaded with fresh ingredients, strawberry avocado salad with poppy seed dressing is the ultimate summer salad -- light, vibrant, fresh, sweet, and tangy.
The perfect Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, romaine lettuce, olives and feta cheese tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
Chicken Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing
Chicken garden salad with ranch dressing is fresh, healthy, hearty, and colorful. It's a filling and wholesome lunch or dinner that is versatile too.
Thai mango salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that makes a great summer lunch or side dish. Easy to throw together in 10 minutes.
Peach arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette is an easy delicious summer salad made with a handful of simple ingredients that packs on lots of flavor.
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Quick and easy Mediterranean orzo pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables and herbs is tossed in a Greek lemon vinaigrette. Healthy, light and delicious.
Take fresh-off-the-grill corn on the cob and turn it into a light, flavourful summer corn salad, topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and cheese. You can also try a Mexican Street Corn Salad for Labor Day
Labor Day Sides and Snacks
Buttery and salty grilled corn on the cob with beautiful char marks, delicious flavor, and the best texture is the easiest recipe to throw on the grill.
Fresh mango salsa is sweet, tangy, and delicious. It's a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up with just 6 ingredients and in under 10 minutes. So much fun on Labor Day.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar
Quick and easy, creamy stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar is a delicious and comforting one pot 20-minute meal packed with three types of cheese.
This easy and delicious 7 layer dip is the perfect dip to serve at your next party, made with layers of beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and more.
Easy Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple. It's one of my favourite Easter appetizers of all time.
Whip up classic smooth and creamy hummus dip at home in just 5 minutes, by combining chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in the blender. Serve it with veggies or crackers, or use it in a vegan hummus wrap.
Classic deviled eggs are a simple, easy, and healthy appetizer to make when you need something quick for brunch, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or Easter.
Crispy baked coconut shrimp is a delicious appetizer that is easy to make in 30 minutes. They are more flavourful, tastier and healthier than takeout.
Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein.
Super crispy air fryer french fries are tender and fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Make this healthier french fry in just 12 minutes!
Crunchy, cheesy, and paired with an awesome dipping sauce, these baked mozzarella sticks are just as amazing as what you would find in a restaurant.
Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy, delicious, flavorful. Serve as an appetizer or side dish. They are salty, savory, and sweet, with a hint of spice.
Incredibly tasty, this easy and basic guacamole takes less than 5 minutes to make. It is the perfect dip for a Mexican-inspired Super Bowl party.
Summer Desserts and Drinks for Labor Day
Blueberry Pie with Lattice Top
Summery classic blueberry pie is made with the perfect flaky pie crust, a jammy blueberry filling with a hint of lemon, and sealed with a lattice top.
Homemade strawberry lemonade is refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make. This sparkling summer drink is loaded with fresh strawberries and lemon.
Homemade strawberry frozen yogurt is a delicious, refreshing, healthy dessert made with 4 simple ingredients, no refined sugar, and in less than 5 minutes.
Easy peach cobbler is packed with sweet and juicy fresh peaches and topped with a buttery, golden topping. Make it with just 15-minutes of actual prep work.
Homemade strawberry popsicles are healthy, refreshing, and sweet. Made with just 4 ingredients, they're packed with fresh strawberries and no refined sugar.
Fresh strawberry pie is a delicious, summer dessert loaded with juicy strawberries and homemade strawberry glaze with no jello, in a flakey pie crust. The best summer dessert idea.
Blueberry oat squares are sweet, buttery, and delicious, with three mouthwatering layers. With just 15 minutes of prep, they are the perfect treat.
Smooth, sweet and refreshing 3-ingredient peach sorbet can be made with just a few minutes prep and without an ice cream maker! It's dairy-free and vegan.
Easy lemon blueberry bread with lemon glaze is soft, moist, and delicious. This quick bread with fresh blueberries and lemon is the perfect summer dessert.
Homemade peach iced tea is healthy summer drink — refreshing, peachy, sweet, and perfect. It's loaded with real fruit and vitamins and easy to make.
Easier than pie, this strawberry galette with a buttery flaky crust and a sweet and tart strawberry filling is a beautiful treat to serve this berry season.
Mousse-like, creamy mango cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, light cheesecake filling packed with mangos, and mango swirled on top is so easy to make.
Delicious blueberry cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with cinnamon sugar, loaded with fresh blueberries, and topped with cream cheese icing.
This blackberry milkshake is thick, creamy, and smooth. You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to make at home with 3 ingredients in under 5 minutes.
This 3-ingredient Strawberry Sorbet is a refreshing, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free frozen treat to enjoy on a hot day. Plus, no ice cream maker required!
Labor Day End of Summer Party Tips
- Plan your menu ahead of time. If you plan your menu early, you can prepare a complete shopping list, and can starting thinking about some tasks that you can do ahead of time. Some recipes, like the skewers and patties, need to be marinated for at least an hour in advance (with better results overnight!), some can be made a day or 2 ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and some can made much further in advance and frozen. Check individual recipes for full storage instructions.
- Prep as much as possible. Once you have decided on what you are going to serve on Labor Day, try to prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Some things that you can do to save you time are chopping up ingredients or preparing salads and dressings and separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Set the table the night before. Planning a fun summer backyard party or picnic? Get out all your summer plates before you put them into storage and set your table early in the morning or even the night before so that you have one less thing to worry about on Labor Day.
Did You Make Any of These Labor Day Recipes?
Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of Labor Day recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
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Labor Day Menu
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Over 60 best most popular Labor Day recipes including main dishes (hello burgers and skewers!), summer salads, sides and snacks, dessert, and drinks. One of my favorites are Classic Juicy Hamburgers.
Ingredients
Hamburger Patties:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (or cold water)
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or cooking spray oil
Assemble the Burgers:
- 4 hamburger buns, sliced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise, divided
- 4 pieces of lettuce
- 4 slices tomato, ¼-inch thick
- ½ cup red onions, sliced
- ½ cup pickles, sliced
- ¼ cup ketchup
Instructions
Prepare the Hamburger Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, parsley, pickle juice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce (optional), and salt and pepper. Stir well with a spatula to combine everything together (or use your hands to press the ingredients together to evenly combine).
- Shape the ground beef mixture into a firm ball. This helps the beef mixture bind together to yield firm patties. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture onto a large piece of parchment paper. Flatten the ground beef with your hands into a square that is ½-inch thick (approximately an 8x8-inch square). You can also roll it out with a rolling pin.
- Use a 4-inch wide circular mold (or the rim of a round bowl) to cut out 4 hamburger patties (¼ pound each). Add the scraps evenly amongst the 4 patties.
Grill the Hamburger Patties:
- Brush oil over the grill pan and heat pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes until the oil starts to sizzle and shimmer. Place patties spaced apart on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature for the patties reaches 160 F. It takes about 10 minutes total.
Assemble the Hamburgers:
- Slice the hamburgers and toast the slices on the grill, if desired.
- On each hamburger bun, spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise onto the bottom half of the bun. Top with a piece of lettuce and a grilled hamburger patty. Top the patty with 1 slice of tomato, 2 or 3 slices onions and sliced pickles. Add a tablespoon ketchup on the top half of the bun. Place the top half of the bun on top to assemble the hamburger.
- Serve with a side of crispy french fries.
Notes
- Plan your menu ahead of time. If you plan your menu early, you can prepare a complete shopping list, and can starting thinking about some tasks that you can do ahead of time. Some recipes, like the skewers and patties, need to be marinated for at least an hour in advance (with better results overnight!), some can be made a day or 2 ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and some can made much further in advance and frozen. Check individual recipes for full storage instructions.
- Prep as much as possible. Once you have decided on what you are going to serve on Labor Day, try to prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Some things that you can do to save you time are chopping up ingredients or preparing salads and dressings and separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Set the table the night before. Planning a fun summer backyard party or picnic? Get out all your summer plates before you put them into storage and set your table early in the morning or even the night before so that you have one less thing to worry about on Labor Day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Various
- Cuisine: Various
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