Get ideas to plan a labor day menu to savor! Celebrate the end of summer with over 50 fresh and fabulous Labor Day recipes the whole crew can enjoy together!

Three day weekends are always welcomed to relax and enjoy friends and indulge in all of your summer favorites from easy appetizers, grilled burgers, brats, kabobs, pasta salads, sides and of course, desserts!

A marble surface with tortilla chips covered in watermelon salsa.
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Whether you’ll be entertaining or just enjoying some down time at home, I wanted to share a few of my favorite Labor Day recipes with you!

Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer days, and it often means the season of fresh local produce will be wrapping up soon, too. While we’re lucky here in the Midwest to have our local farmer’s markets bursting with produce for a little further into the fall, many of our favorite summer staples will become less available.

A white platter filled with shrimp kabobs for labor day menu planning.

That’s why it’s so much fun to savor the flavors of this weekend! Let’s all enjoy our corn on the cob, fresh watermelon and peaches, and a fabulous array of grilled favorites. Nothing beats these fresh summer flavors!

Labor Day Weekend

Before I share all my favorite Labor Day weekend recipes, I wanted to answer a few basic questions about Labor Day. While most everyone in America knows the meaning of this holiday weekend, I think it’s always a great reminder of what we share historically as a country!

An oval baking dish with sliced baked apples.
What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is a day dedicated to our labor movement and the social and economical growth and achievements of American workers.

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day is always the first Monday of September.

When did Labor Day Become a Holiday?

It became an official holiday in 1894.

Is There a Symbol for Labor Day?

Traditionally, it’s a strong arm holding a hammer to represent the strength of the labor movement. The American flag is also representative of this day.

What’s a Traditional Labor Day Activity?

Throughout the country there are often traditional cookouts, parades, and even the start of football season in some areas. Apple picking is also a fun activity to try for this holiday weekend with the family as they are usually in season in September!

What’s the Best Labor Day Food?

Think summertime cookout, barbecue or picnic foods when you plan this menu- I’m going to guide you through all the best options!

A white pie plate with a no bake lemon pie topped with berries.

“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Labor Day Weekend Recipe Ideas

Traditionally, we love to do a full picnic style array of delicious foods! It’s an end-of-summer party and we want to capture the essence of the season with all the flavors it brings.

I thought it would be helpful to group these recipe links into a few categories. You’ll find them organized in the list below as follows:

  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • Drinks
  • Desserts

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Labor Day Weekend Recipes

Get all the recipes you need to put the most delicious Labor Day menu together! There's something for everyone here, so let's celebrate all the flavors of summer and send the season out with a bang!

Appetizers

Main Dish Ideas 

Side Dish Recipes

Delicious Drinks

Delicious Dessert Ideas

There are so many desserts that truly capture the essence of summer! From fruity flavors to the memories of s'mores over a campfire, don't miss any of these options!

I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a traditional Labor Day activity in your family? Is it a time you spent together enjoying something special? Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your long weekend!

What are your favorite Labor Day weekend recipes? Leave the link in comments below! I’m always looking for new inspiration myself!

A white plate with a stacked gourmet burger.

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