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Home » Recipes » Seasonal Recipes » Summer Recipes » What to Make for Labor Day
August 15, 2019

What to Make for Labor Day

From the Kitchen of Katie Kick

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Enjoy one last hurrah of summer with a Labor Day BBQ. Wondering what to make for Labor Day? Here are our top favorite recipes for drinks, appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and desserts. There is something for everyone here!

It’s so strange to think that we’ve been back in school for 2 weeks already. Gone are the days of not starting school until after Labor Day. But, sometimes it’s nice to have a long weekend after the transition back to the routines of getting up early, homework, and school sports.

I know we are looking forward to the long weekend for sure! It’s been a busy start to the year already and it will be great to have an extra day to recharge after the busy end to August.

I have no idea what we’ll be making for our Labor Day BBQ yet, but I’v been browsing through my Recipe Archives for ideas. Here are some of the top contenders!

Labor Day Recipes

Labor Day is just around the corner, and what better time for one last summer BBQ before we start settling into the routines of fall. Here are some of our very favorite recipes recipes for drinks, appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and desserts. There is something for everyone here!

Labor Day Appetizers

Here are our most popular summer appetizer recipes to go with your Labor Day menu! For even more ideas be sure to check out the Appetizer section of the Recipe Index.

1

Greek Yogurt Pesto Dip

This simple Greek Yogurt Pesto Dip only requires 2 ingredients - Pesto and Greek Yogurt. Use it as a healthy dip for your favorite summertime grilled veggies.

2

Roasted Tomato Crostini with Walnut Almond Pesto and Goat Cheese

Take advantage of summer's colorful and delicious produce and make this Roasted Tomato Crostini with Walnut Almond Pesto and Goat Cheese. Crostini is a great summer appetizer to serve while sitting out on the patio in the evening.

3

Fresh Zucchini Corn Salsa

Fresh Zucchini Corn Salsa would make a great appetizer or snack, but with the added protein from the black beans, it also makes a perfect light and healthy lunch.

4

Deconstructed Guacamole

This deconstructed guacamole is also perfect for snacking with chips, or for adding on top of tacos, fajitas, grilled meats or a Mexican salad. And it is great for entertaining!

5

Cucumber Feta Rolls

Thinly sliced cucumbers are rolled up with a mixture of feta, sundried tomatoes, greek yogurt, and kalamata olives. The result is a cool, fresh summer appetizer.

Labor Day Drinks

Here are our most popular summer drink recipes to go with your Labor Day menu! For even more ideas be sure to check out the Drink section of the Recipe Index.

6

Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Homemade Watermelon Mint Lemonade is a fun take on the traditional homemade lemonade recipe – and it couldn’t be more summery with it’s gorgeous bright pink color. The perfect fruity and refreshing drink for the whole family on a hot day! *For an adult beverage, add 1 shot vodka or tequila to each glass prior to serving. Do not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21.*

7

Cherry Limemade Slushies

Homemade slushies like this recipe for a Cherry Limeade Slushie are perfect for summer and they're super easy to make! *For adults, you can make some fun Frozen Cherry Limeade Cocktails. Add a total of 4 – 6 shots of vodka or tequila (depending on your personal preference!) to the blender with the rest of the ingredients to make a frozen cocktail. Do not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21.*

8

Strawberry Lemonade or Strawberry Lemon-Limeade

Nothing says summertime like an ice cold glass of fresh squeeze strawberry lemonade. The perfect sweet and tart drink to pair with any summer BBQ. Drink it just like it is, or use it as the base for your favorite adult cocktail *For an adult beverage, add 1 shot vodka or tequila to each glass prior to serving. Do not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21*

9

Sparkling Rhubarb Raspberry Lemonade

A refreshing springtime lemonade made with a flavorful rhubarb-raspberry simple syrup mixed with sparkling water and served over ice.

10

Strawberry Aperol Spritz

If you like strawberry cocktails, you’ll love this Strawberry Aperol Spritz! Aperol is infused with strawberries then combined with prosecco and club soda. Do not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21.*

11

Fresh Pineapple Moscow Mule

A classic Moscow Mule get a fruity twist in this recipe for Fresh Pineapple Mint Moscow Mules thanks to the addition of fresh pineapple juice, pineapple garnish, and a sprig of mint. Do not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21

Labor Day Side Dishes

Here are our most popular summer side dish recipes to go with your Labor Day menu! For even more ideas be sure to check out the Side Dishes section of the Recipe Index.

12

Macaroni Salad

A Macaroni Salad Recipe is the perfect addition to any picnic or BBQ celebration during warmer months.

13

The Best Classic Potato Salad

Summer Potlucks and BBQs don't seem complete without a big bowl of this Classic Potato Salad. Creamy Mayo, celery, onion, hardboiled eggs, and of course plenty of potatoes make up this recipe - in our family's opinion it is simply the best!

14

Zucchini Tomato Basil Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Zucchini Tomato Basil Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a light and refreshing summertime salad.

15

Smokey Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges

These Smokey Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges are full of flavor. They're super simple to whip up and contain only 4 ingredients - Southwestern Pork Rub, Sweet Potatoes, Oil, and Cilantro for Garnish.

16

Creamy Jalapeño BBQ Coleslaw

You can't go wrong with something as classic as coleslaw when you're planning out your Labor Day menu. In this recipe, your typical BBQ Coleslaw gets a makeover with the addition of jalapeño for just a touch of heat for your tastebuds!

17

Bleu Cheese BLT Salad

Chopped lettuce, heirloom baby tomatoes, plenty of bacon, bleu cheese, and cubes of toasted bread make up this Bleu Cheese BLT Salad, a fun take on a classic BLT.

Labor Day Main Dishes

Here are our most popular summer main dish recipes to go with your Labor Day menu! For even more ideas be sure to check out the Main Dish section of the Recipe Index.

18

Easy Smoked Chicken

Easy Smoked Chicken is a great summer meal. The chicken turns out incredibly flavorful, tender and juicy. Perfect for BBQs or any time you want to cook a whole chicken but want to do something a little different than traditional roasting.

19

The Best Smoked Pork Shoulder

Smoked Pork Shoulder is a classic summertime BBQ recipe. Come check out my tried and true method for making Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork along with my 9 pro tips for the best smoked pork – I’m including my favorite pork shoulder brine and pulled pork rub.

20

BBQ Chicken Rub

Homemade BBQ Chicken Rub features a mix of brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a flavorful homemade spice rub.

21

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken is a perfect easy summer grilled chicken recipe. The chicken tenderloins are marinaded in a sweet and savory honey mustard sauce with sprigs of fresh rosemary and lemon juice, then quickly cooked on a hot grill. So good and so easy!

22

Honey Pecan BBQ Sauce Chicken Sliders

We love to make sliders using BBQ chicken or the recipe for Easy Smoked Chicken. Pile pretzel buns high with your favorite BBQ chicken and Creamy Jalapeno BBQ Coleslaw.

23

Mango Habanero Drumsticks

Mango Habanero Drumsticks are full of sweet and spicy flavor thanks the Mango Habanero BBQ sauce and perfect for your Labor Day BBQ celebrations!

Labor Day Desserts

Here are our most popular summer dessert recipes to go with your Labor Day menu! For even more ideas be sure to check out the Desserts section of the Recipe Index.

24

Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Popsicles are a great way to beat the heat this summer. They're a fun and easy snack for kids to prepare that doesn't heat up the kitchen or make a lot of mess. Try these Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles for a fun take on some favorite summer flavors.

25

Peach & Mixed Berry Cobbler with Sour Cream Biscuits

This peach and mixed berry cobbler is topped with homemade sour cream biscuits. This is the ultimate end of summer dessert!

26

Triple Berry Lemon Galette

This berry galette recipe is so colorful thanks to the mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Free-form pies like these are so simple because there is no crimping or perfection intended. Rustic is best and I think the ground almonds and portion of whole wheat flour add to the rustic nature of this crust.

27

Strawberry Fool

Strawberry Fool is such an easy strawberry dessert recipe. It’s basically strawberries and cream taken up a notch! Simple, yet delicious! If you prefer blueberries, give it a try with this Lemon Blueberry Sauce in place of the strawberries.

28

Fresh Strawberry Galette

This beautiful and colorful Fresh Strawberry Galette with Almond Crust emphasizes the sweet juiciness of the strawberries without much added sugar. It is the perfect spring and summer dessert!

What are you planning to make for your Labor Day BBQ?

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Meet Katie Kick

My lifelong interest in cooking has shown me that part of the goodness in life is enjoying delicious food with friends and family. I love trying new foods, discovering new places & things that help my family live the good life.

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Updated: August 31, 2022

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Katie Kick from Good Life Eats in her kitchen

Meet Katie Kick

Hi, I’m Katie! Thank you so much for visiting my corner of the internet. I am passionate about cooking delicious and beautiful, yet accessible, food for my family and friends. I love tasting new foods, discovering new places and things that help my family live that good life.

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