With summer winding down the last cookout of the season is quickly approaching, and if summer has to come to an end, we can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a Labor Day bash featuring a few of these easy to prepare and delicious recipes.
In the spirit of the holiday, we've made sure these appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts require minimal effort because Labor Day should be spent relaxing, not sweating over the stove.
Regardless if you're hosting a small socially distanced soiree of your own or if you need a tasty dish to take to someone else's Labor Day festivities, these recipes won't disappoint.
We rounded up 20 recipes, covering you from appetizers to desserts, and we even included some vegan and gluten-free options for your guests with special dietary restrictions.
Let's plan your Labor Day menu!
First things first, start your Labor Day feast off right with these (social distancing) crowd-pleasing appetizers, including creamy dips, finger foods, and other yummy pre-meal palate openers.
Appetizers
Sure, you could put out chips and salsa, but why not step your dip game up a notch by adding guacamole, mango salsa, and everyone's favorite... 7-layer dip. Don't be surprised if this mango salsa, loaded with strawberries, avocado, and plenty of mangoes is the star of your appetizers.
Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
Easy Guacamole Recipe
Our Best Ever 7 Layer Dip Recipe
Corn Dog Muffins
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Mains
Sometimes, the easiest recipes turn out to be the best ones. The Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Hawaiian Chicken Kabob recipes you'll find below are the perfect examples of this. An easy buttery sauce full of garlic, lemon, and herbs with slices of pineapple takes these recipes from basic to full of flavor with little effort on your part.
Easy Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Cheesy 1/2 pounder cheeseburger
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pulled Pork Tacos
Quinoa & Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms
Sides
Regardless of which main dishes you choose, these versatile Labor Day side dishes will work with just about any entree. Since easy is the name of the game for Labor Day festivities, a no-cook option like the Tropical Slaw is a no-brainer to add to your menu.
Tropical Slaw
Herbed Potato Salad Recipe
No Potato Salad Paleo Recipe
Elote Corn (Mexican Street Corn)
Keto Jalapeno Poppers
Desserts
Just as Labor Day weekend finishes off the summer season, a delicious dessert gives your cookout the finishing touch. Summertime desserts should satisfy our sweet tooth, keep us cool in the scorching heat while making the most of seasonal favorites like strawberries, watermelon, and peaches. When it comes to dessert, is there anything better than a no-bake, bite-size treat that can be made in 10 minutes? If you're a strawberry cheesecake fan, you're going to want to add this bite-size version to your Labor Day menu.
Gluten-Free, No-Bake Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Easy Red, White, and Blue Trifles
Paleo Peach Raspberry Crisp
3-Ingredient Easy Watermelon Granita
No Bake Oatmeal Cookies Recipe