Labor Day Cookout Recipes
As summer winds down, it’s time to fire up the grill one last time for the ultimate Labor Day cookout. Here’s a menu that will keep your guests coming back for more—from sizzling mains to refreshing salads, crowd-pleasing appetizers, and irresistible desserts. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or bringing a dish to a potluck, these recipes have something for everyone and will make your Labor Day celebration truly unforgettable.
Appetizers
Get the party started with some mouthwatering appetizers! These tasty bites will keep your guests happily munching while the grill heats up. From classic favorites to creative new twists, these starters are the perfect way to kick off your Labor Day celebration.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs are a timeless appetizer, cherished for their simple and irresistible flavor. This recipe includes easy-to-follow steps, eliminating the challenges that most people hate about making Deviled Eggs. Ideal for holidays, picnics, or parties, this appetizer never fails to bring joyful munching. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mango Cucumber Salsa
This Mango Cucumber Salsa offers a delightful mix of sweetness, crunch, and tang, making it a refreshing and versatile condiment. Whether paired with tacos, fish, chicken, or enjoyed with chips, its vibrant flavors shine through. With the option to use fresh or frozen mango, this recipe ensures a taste of the tropics anytime of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)
ANTIPASTA SKEWERS
These easy Antipasta Skewers are a delicious cold make-ahead appetizer that are always a crowd pleaser. Perfect for the holidays, summer parties or watching Super Bowl. Included are secrets for the tastiest and most affordable way to make an appetizer on a stick. (Click Image For Recipe)
Pico de Gallo
This Pico de Gallo recipe is a fast, fresh and absolutely delicious salsa. Works great as a companion to chips or as a condiment with tacos, burritos or any Mexican cuisine. (Click Image For Recipe)
Lemon Dill Hummus
Fresh and delectable, this Lemon Dill Hummus is so easy to make in just about 10 minutes. Works beautifully as a healthy snack, appetizer or condiment. Naturally gluten free and one of my favorite recipes to keep on hand during summer months. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mango Shrimp Salsa
Refreshing and satisfying, Mango Shrimp Salsa is a fruity seafood feast that is perfect for parties or as a meal on hot summer nights. (Click Image For Recipe)
TZATZIKI SAUCE
Creamy and refreshing, Tzatziki Sauce is the perfect Greek condiment with many types of meats or just simply as a dip. (Click Image For Recipe)
Avocado Hummus
An easy and healthy snack or party appetizer. Super tasty and simple to make, it works great with pita chips, veggies or in a sandwich or wrap. (Click Image For Recipe)
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Incredibly fast and easy to make, this Roasted Red Pepper Dip has the sweet charred flavor of roasted bell peppers, the nutty flavor of Parmigiano Reggiano and the peppery profile of fresh basil. Also, this healthy recipe can used as a dip or spread. (Click Image For Recipe)
Main Dishes
These refreshing main dishes take center stage. A selection of summer entrees that combines seasonal ingredients with satisfying flavors, perfect for outdoor dining or casual gatherings.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Family friendly Homemade Sloppy Joes have the perfect balance of sweetness to tanginess and are extremely tasty and satisfying. With a thick from-scratch sauce made the old fashioned way, these sandwiches are perfect as a weeknight meal or easy dinner. (Click Image For Recipe)
Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
This Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs recipe with garlic, lemon and herbs creates the most amazing grilled shrimp. Included are easy steps with your choice of a grilling method to create a family favorite dish. (Click Image For Recipe)
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
This BBQ Chicken Sandwich is an easy recipe made in the slow cooker with Homemade BBQ Sauce, a Simple Coleslaw and pulled chicken. Such an uncomplicated recipe that will make you feel like a chef on game day. (Click Image For Recipe)
Husband Approved Dry Rubbed Chicken
The recipe for Husband Approved Dry Rubbed Chicken makes incredibly juicy and flavor-packed chicken without the use of a grill. BBQ season can be all year now. (Click Image For Recipe)
Grilled Veggie Sandwich
Grilled Veggie Sandwich has grilled yellow squash, portobello mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, zesty hummus, goat cheese, tomatoes, avocados and onions all in a French baguette. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a fast and healthy recipe perfect for lunch or dinners with no cooking. This recipe is light, satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect meal to keep you in your skinny jeans. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mango Shrimp Kabobs
Mango Shrimp Kabobs are an out of this world delicious grilling recipe perfect for a healthy dinner. Mango marinade has lime, orange, garlic and cilantro. Be careful, this recipe is seriously addictive. (Click Image For Recipe)
Best Dry Rubbed ribs
This Best Dry Rubbed Ribs of Your Life recipe creates meat so tender it falls off the bone. These ribs are juicy, packed with flavor and do not require a grill. You will fall in love with these ribs from the first bite. (Click Image For Recipe)
Asian Steak Marinade
Asian Steak Marinade recipe creates tender, juicy and flavorful steak that pairs exceptionally well with Asian Cucumber Salad and Easy Peanut Noodles. This recipe is very quick and easy to make. The best part, it produces steak that very much rivals dining out. (Click Image For Recipe)
Salads
This collection of summertime salad recipes offers a variety of light, flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Tabouli Salad
Tabouli Salad is a light and refreshing grain salad that works beautifully next to all kinds of meats or Mediterranean dishes. Made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, English cucumbers, parsley and mint. This side dish is very easy to make and is delicious during the hottest months of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Heirloom Tomato Salad is an incredibly fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for Spring and Summer meals. Juicy heirloom tomatoes are drizzled with a fresh herb, garlic and red wine vinaigrette. This salad is as appealing to the taste buds as it is to the eyes. (Click Image For Recipe)
Berry Fruit Salad
Berry Fruit Salad with a honey, lime and mint dressing is a beautiful and tasty addittion to summer parties. With strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and dragonfruit, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or fun summer dessert. (Click Image For Recipe)
Italian Potato Salad
Italian Potato Salad is easy to make, healthy and full of the bright and delicious flavors of Italy. This is a perfect make-ahead side dish for picnics, BBQ’s, cookouts or potlucks because it has no-mayo. Additionally, without the garnish of parmesan cheese, this is a gorgeous vegan salad that everyone will love. (Click Image For Recipe)
Macaroni Salad
Creamy, crunchy and flavorful cold Macaroni Salad is an easy and foolproof side dish perfect for BBQ’s and get togethers. Included are tips and secrets to making an irresistible classic creamy pasta salad that is sure to become a family favorite recipe. (Click Image For Recipe)
Summer Pasta Salad
Irresistible Summer Pasta Salad has pan roasted corn, crisp sugar snap peas, savory feta and fresh herbs in a bright homemade lemon vinaigrette. A healthy summer side dish that is very easy to make and is always a hit. (Click Image For Recipe)
Green Bean and Tomato Salad
Green Bean and Tomato Salad uses fresh green beans, lemon and thyme to make a quick and easy cold salad that tastes great along side steak, meatloaf, pork chops and salmon. A side dish that makes eating healthy fun and satisfying. (Click Image For Recipe)
Skinny Red Potato Salad
My most requested side dish for BBQ’s, Skinny Red Potato Salad is an easy and healthy summer classic. With simple ingredients, great texture and the fresh flavor of dill, this potato salad is always a hit. (Click Image For Recipe)
Simple Coleslaw
Simple Coleslaw is an easy and delicious side dish that comes together in minutes. Low-carb and gluten free, it’s the perfect companion to many a dish. (Click Image For Recipe)
Asian Cucumber Salad
Asian Cucumber Salad is one of the easiest side dishes that is made with simple ingredients. This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes and has mouthwatering Asian flavors. One of the best salads to have on a hot summer evening. (Click Image For Recipe)
Delicious Desserts
As the Labor Day festivities wind down, it’s time to indulge in some sweet finales. These dessert recipes capture the essence of summer’s bounty while providing a delightful end to your holiday gathering.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Homemade peppermint ice cream is a luscious frozen treat with the perfect balance of creaminess and invigorating peppermint. Very easy to make, this recipe brings the holiday festivities to any time of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)
Chewy Brownies
These indulgent Chewy Brownies are a chocolate dream come true. They are fudgy, with a perfect balance of chewiness and richness in every bite, ready in a snap and oh-so-satisfying. It’s basically baking up a pan of happiness. (Click Image For Recipe)
Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie
Extra smooth and creamy, Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie is an amazing Icebox Pie. With a graham cracker crust and sweetened sour cream topping, this easy pie is perfect for the Holidays or as a summertime dessert. (Click Image For Recipe)
Lemon Ice Cream
Refreshing, creamy and luxurious, this Lemon Ice Cream is a dream come true for lemon lovers. Made with Limoncello and a custard base that is infused with the bright flavors of lemon zest. This frozen lemon dessert has the perfect balance of sweetness to tanginess all while being extravagantly creamy. (Click Image For Recipe)
Key Lime Pie
One of the easiest desserts for Summer, Easter and Thanksgiving, this Key Lime Pie recipe has a sweet and tangy key lime custard inside a crunchy graham and coconut crust and is topped with a fluffy lime whipped cream. This is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves citrus. (Click Image For Recipe)
Lemon Sheet Cake
Welcome to a citrus lover’s dream! This easy, from-scratch Lemon Sheet Cake recipe is a fluffy and bright dessert that simply sings of citrusy heaven. Topped with a velvety smooth lemon cream cheese frosting that is part whipped cream and part cream cheese. This family favorite dessert has the perfect balance of sweet to tang and is wonderful for holidays, summer BBQ’s or just because. (Click Image For Recipe)
Lemon Sorbet
Homemade Lemon Sorbet is incredibly refreshing with a perfect balance of sweetness to tartness. Very easy to make with the use of an ice cream maker. This is a perfect summer dessert for lemon lovers. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mom’s Frozen Peanut Butter Pie
Mom’s Frozen Peanut Butter Pie is always a hit at family get togethers no matter the time of year. This super easy old fashioned pie is a recipe you can count on again and again to bring smiles to everyone. (Click Image For Recipe)
Haupia Pie with Macademia Crust
Haupia Pie with Macadamia Crust is a cherished Hawaiian dessert. It is rich, chocolaty, coconutty and all with a nutty crust. Eating this is as exciting as going to your first luau. (Click Image For Recipe)
Strawberry Crumble
Strawberry Crumble is a divine dessert with a buttery and crumbly oat pecan topping that uses either fresh or frozen berries. This summertime classic is wonderful for parties, BBQ’s or just as a treat because of its easy and quick assembly and heavenly flavor. (Click Image For Recipe)
