50+ Laid-Back Labor Day Recipes To Enjoy This Weekend
An end-of-summer celebration and a kick-off for the new school year, Labor Day is a great time to gather with family one last time before the busyness of the fall takes over. If you're at a loss for what to grub on this weekend, we've got some ideas.
Check out some of our favorite laid-back Labor Day recipes to enjoy this year, from appetizers to desserts.
Labor Day Appetizers
No big party? No problem! You can still enjoy tasty salads, dips, and other side dishes!
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Grilled Pear Salad with Strawberries and Chevre
Pears are just coming into season here in the Pacific Northwest, making them the perfect addition to Labor Day!
In this salad, pears are grilled and combined with sweet strawberries and salty chevre for an appetizer full of well-rounded flavor.
Ingredients
1 clove garlic, pressed
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey, to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for pears
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 4-oz. package mixed greens, washed and dried
3 large bosc pears, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, for pears
2 cups strawberries, halved
2 oz. chevre cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
Cracked black pepper
Directions
In a jar, combine the garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt. Shake well to mix.
Preheat the grill or a grill pan. Cut the pears into quarters vertically, then cut out the stems and cores. Toss pears with lemon juice in a large bowl. When the grill is ready, drizzle the remaining olive oil on the pears, then place the slices, cut-side down, on the grill. Turn when marked, about 1–2 minutes. When both cut sides are marked, transfer to the bowl.
Spread the mixed greens on a platter, then top with cooled pears, strawberries, chevre, and walnuts. Grind pepper over the salad to taste. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta
Easy to toss together and prep ahead of time, this orzo pasta salad is full of bright Mediterranean flavor that balances out grilled meat well.
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
3 cups water
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup celery, sliced thin
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cut in half
2 cups packed fresh spinach, torn into bite-size pieces
For the Dressing
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Directions
In a medium stock pot, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, stirring often. Remove from heat, drain the pasta well, rinse with cold water and reserve.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic and olive oil. Add the prepped vegetables, olives, feta cheese and cooked pasta to the dressing and mix well. Season to taste with pepper.
Fruit Salad
What's a better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a big bowl of in-season fruit?
Whether you've got a stash of stone fruit or some frozen berries in your fridge from earlier this summer, here are a few sweet and healthy fruit salads to enjoy this Labor Day.
Side Salads
When it comes to side salads, the recipes and basically unlimited.
If you're looking for some salads that are a step up from the ordinary lettuce/tomato/cucumber combination, check out some of our favorite side salads for summer dinners.
25 Side Salads for Summer Dinners
Labor Day Recipes For The Grill
If you're taking Labor Day as the opportunity to get your grill on, here are a few recipes worth trying out!
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Grilled Marinated Zucchini
Now's the time of the year to enjoy zucchini and summer squash!
Grilling up your zucchini gives it a little extra crisp and a slight charred flavor that pairs well with the simple lemon marinade included in this recipe.
Ingredients
1 pound zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
Zest from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Remove the ends from the zucchini and slice them lengthwise into halves or thirds.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, vinegar and spices. Place the zucchini in a large dish or on a rimmed sheet pan and pour the marinade over the zucchini. Let sit for 30 minutes or more, stirring occasionally.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the zucchini slices for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, basting with any remaining marinade when flipping. Serve warm.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Grilled Hot Chicken
If you're looking to kick up the heat this Labor Day, consider this grilled hot chicken recipe!
Pair it will cool potato salad and fresh cornbread.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon plus 1 pinch salt, divided
Vegetable oil for the grill
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 tablespoons Tabasco or other hot sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
Trim the chicken breasts and place on a cutting board. Cover chicken with a sheet of waxed paper and use a meat mallet or small saucepan to pound to an even 3/4 inches thick. Place in a gallon zip-top bag. In a bowl or cup, stir together the buttermilk, smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then pour over the chicken in the bag. Seal the top and massage or shake the bag to coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours.
Remove the chicken from the marinade; drain off and discard excess liquid, then place the chicken on a plate.
Heat the grill to high. Use tongs and paper towels to rub vegetable oil on the grate. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches 165°F. on an instant-read thermometer. Move to a clean plate and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
For the sauce: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for a few seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the tabasco, honey and a pinch of salt until dissolved. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Serve chicken breasts with a drizzle of hot spicy butter, or serve the sauce on the side.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Grilled Pork Chops with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
Sweet and savory blueberry sauce gives these grilled pork chops a summer flair.
Ingredients
4-6 pork loin chops, bone-in or boneless
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup shallots, minced
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons tamari
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
Directions
In a medium-sized skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil and sauté the minced shallots and garlic over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the spices and sauté 1 minute more. Remove the skillet from the heat and place mixture into a food processor. Add the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, tamari and water, and purée the mixture, then add the blueberries and purée until smooth. Set sauce aside.
Lightly brush the grill and the pork chops with a little oil; then season chops with salt and pepper. Grill the chops, covered, for about 6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees F. Baste with the barbecue sauce during the final few minutes.
Remove the chops from the grill and let them rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Dress the chops with the barbecue sauce and serve with additional sauce on the side.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Smoky Shrimp Skewers
Maybe seafood is more your thing. Consider these smoky shrimp skewers that grill up real quick for an easy Labor Day meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 large red bell pepper, cut in 2-inch squares
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
Smoky barbecue sauce, if desired
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and peppers with the oil, garlic, wine and salt. Toss to mix well. Let marinate for 20 minutes, then skewer, alternating peppers and shrimp. Place on a baking sheet or plate.
Prepare the grill for smoking (see Tips & Notes for instructions).
When the grill is ready and the cool side of the grate is oiled, place the shrimp on the grate. Be sure to keep the cool side very cool to allow time for the shrimp to be infused with smoky flavor without overcooking. Cover the grill and smoke for 30 minutes, turning once and keeping tabs on the smoke. Don't let the grill get too hot or the shrimp will dry out before absorbing the smoky flavor. If there are flare-ups or the woodchips start burning too fast, spray with water.
Serve with smoky barbecue sauce, if desired.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs: they're a BBQ staple. But sometimes a plain old hot dog with ketchup is just a little boring.
But what if we told you that hot dogs can be something extraordinary?
Check out some of our favorite hot dog recipes that are inspired by a variety of cuisines and locales!
15 Mouthwatering Hot Dog Recipes For Summer Cookouts
Ribeye Steak
When it comes to grilling, few things feel more special than a juicy, perfectly-cooked ribeye steak.
If you're feeling like enjoying something a little fancier than hot dogs and burgers this Labor Day, check out these recipes.
Burgers
That said, sometimes sticking to the basics is best when you're enjoying a weekend staycation.
Grilling up burgers for dinner is a no-brainer, and these recipes are particularly delicious!
And you don't have to stick to beef burgers, either! Plant-based burgers, chicken, and turkey burgers are on this list, too!
20 Burger Recipes for Backyard Barbecues
Labor Day Dessert Recipes
What's a summer holiday without something sweet to top it all off? Whether you want to savor all the flavors or just want to make something quick and easy to help cool you off after a day of playing in the sun, here are some of our favorite desserts to toss together for Labor Day.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Grilled Pluots
One of the easiest ways to enjoy dessert is to simply grill it alongside your dinner!
Though this recipe calls for pluots, feel free to use peaches, nectarines, or plums!
Ingredients
4 pluots
2 teaspoons water
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup cinnamon-flavored granola (optional)
Directions
Preheat grill to high.
Slice the pluots in half, lengthwise, then twist to open and remove the pit. Set aside.
In a small bowl whisk together the water, cinnamon and marmalade until well blended, then brush the mixture onto each pluot half. Place the pluots, flesh side down, on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, brushing occasionally with more marmalade. Turn the pluots skin side down, brush the flesh with marmalade and grill 2 more minutes until tender and caramelized.
Remove from the heat, place the grilled pluots on a dessert plate, top with ice cream and sprinkle with granola.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Watermelon Mint Frose
Part adult beverage part cooling dessert, this watermelon mint frosé is the perfect way to cool off after spending a warm afternoon outdoors.
To make a non-alcoholic version, simply sub in apple juice or cider for the rosé.
Ingredients
3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups rosé wine
12 large mint leaves, plus more for garnish
Directions
Place the cubed watermelon in a freezer container and freeze. Just before serving, combine the frozen watermelon, strawberries, rosé and mint in a blender. Secure the lid and blend until smooth. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint.
Recipe and photo adapted from Co+op
Ice Pops
Quick and easy to make, ice pops are the perfect cool and refreshing dessert perfect for these last few hot days of summer.
Whether you like them super sweet, a little spicy, or subtle and simple, here are a few of our favorite ice pop recipes and flavors.
13 Refreshing Ice Pop Recipes for Hot Summer Days
Ice Cream Floats
Another super easy to DIY dessert is ice cream floats!
Whether you're sticking to a good old-fashioned root beer float, or you want to do something extra special, ice cream floats are a crowd-pleaser.
Kids (and adults) will love putting their own unique concoction together!