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!
Chicken, burgers, foil packs, grill skewers—you name it, we got it. Whether you’re celebrating the labor movement, your love of BBQ-ing, or your last three day weekend for a while (yeah, us too), we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our 50 Labor Day recipes for ideas—don’t let your summer end without a bang.
Summer Desserts and Drinks for Labor Day
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, theyre 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! Its 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. Its 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 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. Its 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.
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.
Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple. Its 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, theyre 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.
History of the Holidays: Labor Day | History
FAQ
What are 3 common foods people eat on Labor Day?
What are some meats that people might grill on Labor Day?
What to eat on Labor Day?
Greek Pasta Salad – This orzo pasta salad is made with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and is tossed with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onions. Fresh salads are an absolute must for any Labor Day menu. Whether it’s a classic green salad or a bright fruit salad, these crisp and flavorful dishes add a burst of freshness to your spread.
Is Labor Day a holiday?
This holiday has become a celebratory leisurely day where Americans enjoy a long 3-day weekend. Labor Day is a traditional summer activity where grilling and spending time with friends and family are cherished parts of the festivities. What time should I schedule my cookout? This depends wholly on the type of gathering you want.
What is Labor Day & why is it important?
A three-day weekend and patriotic holiday, Labor Day honors the workers who fought for economic freedom for the working class. Fire up the grill! – Choose a few different foods to get the most use out of the grill, including mains and sides.
What should you bring to a party on Labor Day?
This way, you don’t bring something that is already being made. Some ideas to bring are side dishes like pasta salad or mac and cheese. An easy appetizer like a cheese board, guacamole, or another dip is also a good option. You can also suggest bringing a dessert like pie, cookies, or brownies. Why do people cook out on Labor Day?