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Start planning your Labor Day festivities with this list of recipes from appetizers, desserts, mains, and sides. There are so many ideas to choose from. Whether you are celebrating with just a few or looking for some tasty Labor Day cookout ideas, you are sure to find recipes for everyone.
These Labor Day menu ideas will guarantee that your holiday party is a hit. From juicy grilled mains to easy Labor Day side dish recipes and of course desserts, this recipe collection has everything you need to create a spread that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a celebration of achievements in campaigning for workers’ rights. It became a federal holiday created by the labor movement that is traditionally celebrated on the first Monday in September. A three-day weekend and patriotic holiday, Labor Day honors the workers who fought for economic freedom for the working class. And it’s often celebrated with lots of delicious food (keep reading for my top 80 Labor Day food ideas).
Tips for Making a Labor Day Feast
- Fire up the grill! Some of the best foods to serve on this holiday are those you can throw on the grill. And I have selected some of the best Labor Day grilling ideas that will be a sure hit at your get-together. Choose a few different foods to get the most use out of the grill, including meats, veggies, and even fruits. For even more grilling ideas, visit my grilling recipes page.
- Plan ahead. To ensure a great time for everyone, plan your meal out ahead of time. This will give you the chance to come up with Labor Day menu ideas that will accommodate everyone. If there is a dietary restriction, you can make alterations to a portion of food you plan on cooking.
- Make recipes ahead of time. Make easy Labor Day recipes easy on yourself by prepping as much as you can ahead of the party. If you have pasta salad, desserts, prep, and marinating to do, spend the day or two beforehand preparing. This simple step makes a world of difference, and you’ll be able to enjoy entertaining instead of just cooking.
- Suggest a potluck. Invite your guests to bring a dish to your Labor Day BBQ. Choose a few recipes you’d like to make and communicate what else to bring so the entire spread doesn’t fall on you. You can also suggest making mains and letting the guests bring appetizers, sides, and Labor Day desserts.
- Set up an appetizer bar. Make up a few different finger foods that guests can nibble on throughout the day, like dips, bite-size items, and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. You can focus on socializing and grilling up the mains stress-free when you have delicious Labor Day appetizers nearby.
- Include a drink table. Have a small area where you can serve just drinks with ice and cups, a cooler with canned and bottled drinks, carafes of beverages, and adult drinks nearby, too!
How to Plan a Menu for a Labor Day Cookout
It’s no surprise that food is a big part of Labor Day festivities. From backyard BBQs to relaxed gatherings, you can make the most of the long weekend with sure-to-please recipes and simple tips to keep stress at bay.
- Tally up the guest count. You’ll want to know how many people plan to attend and if they will be eating. This will help you decide how much food to make without having an abundance of leftovers.
- Choose your recipes. Pick which recipes you want to make and how to combine the prep work. You’ll be able to utilize your time better when you prep for multiple dishes at the same time (i.e. chop up all the veggies since you already have the cutting board out).
- Select cooking methods. After choosing the recipes, decide how they should be cooked. Do you want to grill, cook on the stovetop, or have no-bake recipes, or a combination? Determine which methods are needed for your recipes and set up a plan to execute them best.
- Plan how food will be served. If you include a variety of hot and cold dishes, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and at the right temp. Use ice where needed and steam tables to keep hot foods hot. If food is served outside, consider also getting mesh covers to eliminate pests around the food.
Traditional Labor Day Food Ideas
- Potato Salad. Not many cookouts go without a good potato salad! This recipe has a bright citrus dressing, fresh herbs, and onions with the best flavors of summer.
- Grilled Burgers. Firing up the grill and cooking up burgers is the best way to celebrate. You can grill beef burgers, or switch it up and try a chicken burger. Don’t forget your vegan friends with a good chickpea burger option.
- Fruit. It wouldn’t be Labor Day without fresh fruit served in various ways. Make a fruit salad or have a little fun with fruit kabobs with berries and melon. Throwing some fruit on the grill is also one of the best Labor Day grilling ideas. The heat brings out the juicy sweetness and makes them so irresistibly delicious.
- Grilled Vegetables. If you are grilling at your holiday cookout, then vegetables are easy to add to the menu. Grill up corn, kabobs, tomatoes, and even onions. It’s another one of those super easy Labor Day recipes that anyone can do.
- Hot dogs. Kid-friendly, easy to grill, and one of the most common and traditional option when looking for Labor Day cookout ideas. It’s always a favorite and thankfully, we have lots of good options for better-for-you hot dogs.
Best Labor Day Recipes
Planning your Labor Day festivities will be a breeze with these tips and ideas on creating a cookout menu that you and your guests will love. Below is a list of Labor Day menu ideas from appetizers, grilled mains, side dishes, and Labor Day desserts for that perfect note to end your holiday on.
Labor Day Appetizers
Start the party with a bang. These Labor Day appetizers are unique, tasty, and just so good to nibble at throughout the day. You won’t regret making extras because these small bites and finger foods are perfect for keeping everyone just satisfied (but not overly stuffed) until the main course.
Appetizer
Lebanese Spinach Pies
This authentic Lebanese Spinach Pies recipe (called fatayer) is made with a simple homemade dough recipe and the best zingy spinach filling!
2 hours 50 minutes
Appetizer, Dips, Snacks
Cucumber Bites
Cucumber Bites topped with whipped feta and fresh dill, making them a fun and fancy finger food appetizer for parties.
10 minutes
Appetizer, Brunch
Avocado Deviled Eggs
5 Ingredient Avocado Deviled Eggs with lime and cilantro – a lightened up spin on the classic deviled egg recipe, made with avocado instead of mayo.
52 minutes
Appetizer
Taco Cups with Chicken and Cheese
Crispy wonton taco cups filled with juicy chicken, fresh salsa, & cheddar cheese make for an amazing appetizer or simple weeknight meal. Ready in under 30!
25 minutes
Appetizer
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
These Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect to serve as appetizers at your next holiday gathering. They are flavorful, cheesy crowd pleasing finger foods
25 minutes
Appetizer, Entree
Greek Meatballs
Oven-baked all beef Greek Meatballs stuffed with feta cheese served with a homemade Tzatziki sauce! Perfect appetizer or main course!
35 minutes
Appetizer
Pizza Bites
These homemade pizza bites are the perfect snack, appetizer and even dinner! The dough is made with Greek yogurt and packed with protein!
30 minutes
Appetizer
Caprese Skewers
Fresh and flavorful mini Caprese Skewers – juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. A perfect appetizer!
10 minutes
Chips and Dip
If there’s chips and dip at a party, you know where to find me. My Labor Day menu isn’t complete without a good list of different chips and dips. And variety is key. Because some people will go for the chunky salsa, while others will hover over the creamy chicken dip. Whatever your choice of dip is, you will love these easy Labor Day recipes.
Appetizer
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect game day appetizer. You'll love this cheesy, spicy chicken dip with chips, veggies, and more!
35 minutes
Appetizer, Dips
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe is an easy and healthy snack to make with a few ingredients. It's rich and creamy with the best flavor!
15 minutes
Appetizer
Guacamole Dip with Corn
This easy and delicious guacamole dip is topped with perfectly grilled/roasted corn. Quick to make and made for sharing, it's a great summer appetizer!
20 minutes
Dips
Peach Salsa
This homemade peach salsa hits the spot on hot summer days. Serve with fish or chicken, or simply scoop up with tortilla chips—yum!
15 minutes
Appetizer
Cream Cheese Spinach Dip
This Cream Cheese Spinach Dip is a rich creamy dip that is a made with greek yogurt instead of sour cream – great with bread and crackers!
25 minutes
Appetizer, Snack
Homemade Pita Chips
All you need is 3 ingredients to make my homemade pita chips recipe – perfectly baked in the oven and seasoned wonderfully – you won't miss the bagged kind!
20 minutes
Appetizer
Pasta Chips
Pasta Chips are the latest TikTok trend made with cooked pasta that's drained and tossed with olive oil, cheese and spices- perfect appetizer
30 minutes
Appetizer, Snack
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Quick and easy to make, these air fryer zucchini chips are a great healthier option for an appetizer. Served with a creamy sour cream dip.
18 minutes
Labor Day Grilling Meats
A well-deserved Labor Day weekend should be celebrated! Load the grill with your favorite foods that will serve a crowd of any size. The great thing about grilling is that you can cook your entire meal outdoors, making it not only delicious (because those char marks…yum!) but super convenient. Check out these protein-packed Labor Day grilling ideas that make an excellent main course for your holiday.
Dinner, Main Dish, Tutorial
Grilled Steak
Learn how to grill steak perfectly on an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill with this easy to follow step-by-step tutorial that makes juicy tender grilled steak!
45 minutes
Entree
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Juicy yogurt marinated chicken! You can grill, bake or air fry this yogurt marinated chicken breast it is a great recipe to make year round!
1 hour
Entree, Sandwich, Sandwiches
Grilled Turkey Burgers
Perfectly seasoned these grilled turkey burgers are juicy, full of flavor, and perfect for BBQs! The grill adds a smoky flavor to the turkey – yum!
15 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Main Dish
Grilled Cod
Deliciously moist grilled cod with a simple seasoning ready in just 15 minutes! Plus, helpful tips for keeping your cod from sticking to the grill!
15 minutes
Main Dish
Grilled Beef Kabobs
These grilled beef kabobs combine marinated sirloin, sweet bell peppers, and crisp onions for a tender, delicious "fall off the skewer" grilled steak kabob.
2 hours 18 minutes
Main Course
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs are flavorful & easy to make! The chicken is marinated with bright Mediterranean spices on a skewer with fresh veggies.
1 hour
Entree, Main Dish
Salmon Kabobs
These salmon kabobs are marinated in a tangy mustard sauce and grilled with zucchini and onions. Perfect over a flame for summer grilling!
1 hour 5 minutes
Entree, Lunch, Sandwich
Juicy Grilled Chicken Burger
This juicy grilled chicken burger is made with a secret ingredient, Greek yogurt! Create flavorful moist chicken patties right on the grill!
25 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Grilled BBQ Shrimp
These Grilled BBQ Shrimp skewers are juicy, smoky, and fun on a stick! My homemade bbq seasoning makes for a crowd-pleasing grilled shrimp recipe.
34 minutes
Entree
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Grilled lemon chicken is a tender, juicy and savory grilling recipe that is perfect for summer. It's light, healthy and beaming with Mediterranean flavor!
55 minutes
Grilling Fruits and Veggies
Even though the meat often takes center stage on the grill, don’t neglect those crispy vegetables that are begging to go on the heat. Grilling veggies (and fruits for that matter) brings out so much juicy, sweet, and delicious flavor. I rounded off my favorites that would make an excellent addition to your Labor Day menu, but if you want the complete list, be sure to check out my round up of vegetables to grill.
Side, Side Dish
Grilled Vegetables
This grilled vegetable platter is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish perfect for sunny days and BBQs!
45 minutes
Side
Grilled Onions
Learn how to make perfectly grilled onions every time with this easy-to-follow recipe! Grilled Vidalia onions go great on burgers, and taste amazing!
22 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled Pineapple is a must-have for summer grilling! This tropical fruit is juicy, has the best smoky-sweet caramelization, & easy to grill!
25 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Grilled Tomatoes
Grilled tomatoes are a juicy, smoky, and delicious add-on to any BBQ! The char from the grill elevates the tomatoes making a great side or accompaniment!
13 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Main Dish
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Balsamic marinated grilled Portobello mushroom steaks! Delicious grilled Portobellos make for a great addition to any BBQ!
22 minutes
Side Dish
Grilled Green Beans
Grilled green beans are the perfect side dish for any meal! Tender and crisp with a smoky char and bursting with flavor. You'll be hooked!
25 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Grilled Potatoes
Grilled baby potatoes are seasoned to perfection with a smoky finish. Crispy outside with a smooth and creamy inside these grilled potatoes make a great side!
30 minutes
Side Dish
Grilled Zucchini
Learn how to grill zucchini with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Grilling zucchini makes for an easy side dish that adds vegetables to a bbq!
10 minutes
Dessert, Snack
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
This summer, add grilled fruit kabobs to your bbq spread. These bbq fruit skewers are fun for the whole family and fruit on the grill is delicious too!
12 minutes
Labor Day Side Dish Recipes
Side dishes can round out your Labor Day menu and make it the cookout of the year. Choose a few easy sides to complement your Labor Day grilling ideas and add lots of flavor, color, and textures to your spread. I offer a variety of Labor Day side dish recipes here so you’re sure to find the perfect ones to pair with other food on your holiday menu.
Entree
Cauliflower Potato Salad
This Cauliflower Potato Salad is made with cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb keto friendly summer salad – just as tasty as the original recipe!
35 minutes
Side Dish
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Quick and easy to make, these Instant Pot baked beans are rich in flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. This is one delicious veggie side dish!
1 hour 10 minutes
Side Dish
Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini Casserole layers tender zucchini with a creamy sauce and a golden cheesy breadcrumb topping for a comforting summer side dish!
1 hour 5 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Macaroni Egg Salad
Simple and easy to make, this no mayo macaroni egg salad is made with yogurt for a lighter and healthier summer side dish that's still creamy
27 minutes
Side Dish
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
These Garlic Roasted Potatoes are perfectly baked in the oven. They're crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and loaded with a cheese and garlic flavor
1 hour
Salads, Side Dish
Mediterranean Rice Salad
This Mediterranean Rice Salad is a great way to bulk up a salad or use leftover rice – easily customizable and ready in minutes!
15 minutes
Entree, Main Course, Side Dish
Ratatouille Recipe
Ratatouille is a visually stunning end-of-summer meal that is easy to prepare and so good! Enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish or as a side with chicken, shrimp, or other protein.
1 hour 5 minutes
Entree, Side Dish
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is easy to make & topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. It’s a kid favorite but sophisticated enough for adults!
45 minutes
Fresh Labor Day Salads
When I’m brainstorming Labor Day cookout ideas, crispy and fresh salads are an absolute must! Whether it’s a classic green salad or a bright fruit salad, these light yet delicious salads add a burst of freshness to your spread. You simply can’t have a fun gathering without at least a few of these Labor Day menu ideas on your table.
Salads
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad made with fresh dill, sour cream, and onions! This summer salad is ready in 5 minutes and is perfect for BBQs and picnics!
5 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Fresh Garden Salad
Enjoy a delicious, simple, and fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing customized with your favorite veggies.
10 minutes
Salad
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Simple Watermelon Cucumber Salad tossed with feta cheese and a light balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with fresh basil for a refreshing summer fruit salad.
10 minutes
Salads
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Make this Mediterranean Chopped Salad for a large crowd. It's full of veggies, chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives and tossed in a lemony herb dressing!
15 minutes
Dessert
Fresh Fruit Salad
This Tropical Fruit Salad is easy to make and is packed with fresh kiwi, mangoes, pineapple, and berries. Plus, my "secret sauce" adds an interesting twist!
5 minutes
Salads
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
This Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad requires 4 simple ingredients and is paired with a fresh dill & lemon vinaigrette! It's the perfect avocado salad recipe!
10 minutes
Salad
Peach Salad
This simple and delicious Peach Salad is loaded with texture and flavor. Quick to make with fresh ingredients, it's a tasty summertime recipe!
10 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Easy Mexican street corn salad with frozen corn, cotija cheese, lime, & cilantro. This elote salad is mayo-free, big on flavor and perfect for get-togethers!
15 minutes
Salad
Spinach Strawberry Salad
Spinach Strawberry Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with crumbled feta, crunchy almonds, and a fresh basil vinaigrette.
10 minutes
Salad
Avocado Mango Salad
This Avocado Mango Salad is made with fresh mango and avocado and lime dressing. Perfect for a quick snack or to serve with fish or chicken!
10 minutes
Easy Labor Day Recipes
While a lot of the recipes in this collection are fairly easy, these are super easy and fuss-free. These Labor Day food ideas are excellent for last-minute get-togethers that will still deliver tasty results but in half the time. Think of this short but mighty list as your BFF for those impromptu gatherings rather than full Labor Day cookout ideas.
Appetizer
Cucumber Sushi Rolls
These gluten-free cucumber sushi rolls are so easy to make and they are such a colorful and pretty appetizer. Filled with fresh veggies and a seasoned cream cheese.
15 minutes
Appetizer, Sandwich
Pinwheel Sandwiches – 4 ways
Looking for lunch ideas? These pinwheel sandwich recipes are easy to make and have some untraditional fillings that are sure to be a hit.
10 minutes
Appetizer
Sheet Pan Nachos
This easy Sheet Pan Nacho recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with beef, beans, and cheese and is loaded with all your favorite nacho toppings.
25 minutes
Appetizer, Main Course
Buffalo Chicken Salad
This delicious low carb Buffalo Chicken Salad is great to serve as an appetizer or a main dish. It is quick and easy to make with leftover shredded chicken!
10 minutes
Salad
Chickpea Salad
This fresh and delicious vegan Chickpea Salad is quick and easy to prepare. Loaded with simple healthy ingredients and dressed in a simple lemon dressing.
10 minutes
Main Course
Sheet Pan Pizza
Easy to make, this crispy sheet pan pizza is loaded with fresh and flavorful toppings. An effortless way to enjoy a homemade pizza!
25 minutes
Main Course
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These chicken fajitas are baked in the oven on a sheet pan for a fuss free family meal that is full of flavor. Made with an easy homemade fajita seasoning.
25 minutes
Dinner, Entree
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
With classic seasoning and a perfectly crispy skin, this air fryer whole chicken recipe will be a sure favorite for family and guests alike!
1 hour 10 minutes
Main Course
Oven Baked Cod
Oven Baked Cod with Green Beans and Tomatoes that you can easily whip up in 15 minutes on a busy weeknight and customize with any seasonings!
20 minutes
Labor Day Desserts
It would be a shame to skip dessert at a cookout, especially Labor Day weekend. In my opinion, ending your party with something sweet is a must. If you’re having a potluck, ask your guests to bring a dessert and send them this list. But even if you’re in charge of Labor Day desserts, these are tasty and easy options that will satisfy your and your guests’ sweet tooth cravings.
Dessert
Mason Jar Ice Cream
This easy mason jar ice cream recipe uses 4 ingredients for a delicious soft serve ice cream. No ice cream maker required, and it's fun for the whole family!
2 hours 5 minutes
Dessert
Watermelon Fruit Pizza
Fresh and fun, Watermelon Fruit Pizza with a ricotta and cream cheese icing sweetened with honey and topped with fresh fruit! A yummy watermelon dessert!
15 minutes
Dessert
Vegan Lemon Bars
These vegan lemon bars are creamy, chewy, and absolutely delicious – made with an oatmeal walnut crust and fresh lemons, they make the best lemon squares!
50 minutes
Dessert, Snack, Tutorial
How to Make Popsicles
Learn how to make popsicles from scratch and try these three fruit popsicle flavors: strawberry, mango and kiwi. It's an easy healthy recipe that kids will love!
4 hours 5 minutes
Dessert
Greek Yogurt Brownies
Made with no oil and less butter, these Greek yogurt brownies are a tasty and healthier alternative. Simple to make and just as delicious!
40 minutes
Dessert
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Cups
These No Bake Cheesecake Cups are a lightened up recipe of the classic dessert that is light on calories and fat; easy to make and perfect for entertaining!
20 minutes
Dessert
Easy Apple Crisp
For a quick and cozy treat, try this easy Apple Crisp recipe – the perfect fall dessert made with juicy apples, cinnamon and an oat topping!
50 minutes
Snack
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip is made with only five ingredients in just 5 minutes. It's easy, healthy and great for dipping with fruits
5 minutes
Dessert
Strawberry S’mores
This Strawberry S'mores recipe is a twist on the classic s'mores summer snack but with added strawberries – a quick dessert recipe that is very kid-friendly
7 minutes
Refreshing Labor Day Beverages
The best part of the Labor Day menu is the refreshing drinks that accompany the appetizers, burgers, sides, and all the other mouthwatering Labor Day food ideas. Sure, you can grab your favorite drinks at the grocery store, but with a little planning and effort, you can make your holiday weekend extra memorable and refreshingly delicious.
Beverages
Fruit Cubes
Make refreshing fruit ice cubes this summer to drink with water, lemonade or any other beverage. They are easy to make, customizable and jazz up your water!
5 minutes
Beverages
Mint Lemonade
Quench your thirst with Mint Lemonade – a zesty and refreshing blend of tangy lemon, cooling mint, and a hint of sweetness.
20 minutes
Beverages
Raspberry Iced Tea
This Raspberry Iced Tea combines the refreshing flavor of iced tea with the sweetness and tartness of fresh raspberries for an easy summer drink!
10 minutes
Beverages
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
If you love the Starbucks Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte, try this sweet refreshing homemade version made with simple ingredients in 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Beverages
Chia Fresca
Chia seeds in water with lemon and honey is a refreshing and healthy drink. This hydrating chia fresca is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
10 minutes
Beverages
Homemade Lemonade
There's nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a pitcher of simple homemade lemonade. Make your own lemonade recipe from scratch and enjoy within minutes
15 minutes
Snack
Lebanese Fruit Cocktail
Lebanese Fruit Cocktail combines chopped fresh fruit in a floral-infused strawberry juice and tops it with creamy ashta and chopped nuts.
20 minutes