Get ideas to plan a labor day menu to savor! Celebrate the end of summer with over 30 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 countertop with tortilla chips scattered across, topped with fresh 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.

Pineapple shrimp skewers on a white plate.

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 Recipes

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!

Baked apple slices arranged in a white bowl with a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

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!

“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.

We’re celebrating the best of our grilling recipes, sides and desserts. At the end of this collection, you’ll find the recipe for our viral bow tie pasta salad, too. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Appetizers

Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon Salsa

Mix it up with Watermelon Salsa! This fruit salsa recipe embraces the fresh flavors of summer blending watermelon with bell peppers, jalapeño, cilantro and lime. It’s perfect for dipping or for topping tacos, salads and more! Read More

10 mins

Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

There’s just something about the textural, sweet and salty flavor of this pineapple shrimp recipe! Pineapple shrimp skewers are perfect for throwing on the grill, bursting with juicy tropical flavor. Read More

15 mins

More Kabobs

Bratwursts

Grilled Brats

Bratwurst are a classic, delicious and indulgent way to do dinner. They’re perfect in the summer and fall on the grill or in the oven, and they’re so easy to customize for the ultimate weeknight meal or game day party food! Read More

17 mins

Sliders

Juicy Sliders

These juicy little mini sliders are the most delicious way to serve a crowd and cater to varying tastes. Sliders… Read More

10 mins

Beer Can Chicken

Steak Sandwiches

Easy Steak Sandwiches

This steak sandwich recipe is the thing of dreams! Steak is marinated and served with blue cheese, caramelized onions and sun-dried tomatoes and are great to serve to a crowd. Easy to make, these steak sliders are sure to wow your guests! Read More

25 mins

Gourmet Burger

Gourmet Burger

Elevate your burgers with just a few additions that will turn them into a truly gourmet burger. Find the most delicious ways to create mouthwatering burgers to crave!  Read More

37 mins

Side Dishes

Deviled Eggs

The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe

Get the secrets to the best deviled eggs recipe. Once you try this fluffy, creamy, tangy recipe, you’ll never go back. They are devilishly good, and perfect for parties, picnics, Easter and so much more.  Read More

30 mins

Cheesy Corn

Cheesy Corn Casserole

This creamy, cheesy corn casserole is made with cream cheese – it doubles as a side dish and a dip! It’s a classic side dish that is perfect for parties as a dip or a family-friendly side dish.  Read More

18 mins

Baked Apples

Baked Apple Slices

Easy Baked Apple Slices are an incredible four ingredient dessert, side dish, or breakfast. This Baked Apple Slices recipe is a delicious way to enjoy your apple-picking bounty.  Read More

30 mins

Side Salads

Drinks

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice is the ultimate refresher for hot summer days! With just 2 ingredients and the most vibrant color, it’s the sweetest way to start my day. Read More

10 mins

Mint Margarita

Mint Margarita

Why should a minty mojito have all the fun? This mint margarita recipe is full of the tangy, sour bite of limes and matched with the refreshing and icy blast of fresh mint.  Read More

5 mins

Cadillac Margarita

Cadillac Margarita

Love a classic margarita? Then you’re going to love this smooth, premium margarita with a surprising burst of sweet orange flavor from the addition of Grand Marnier.  Read More

5 mins

Paloma

Paloma Cocktail

A Paloma is a popular cocktail in Mexico, made with grapefruit flavored soda, tequila and lime. This paloma recipe is a delicious alternative to a skinny margarita that is full of flavor yet low calorie! Read More

3 mins

Frozen Rosé

Easy Frosé Recipe

Enjoy your favorite blush wine turned into a refreshingly easy to sip 2 ingredient Frosé Recipe. It’s a pink wine Frozen Rosé slushy, perfect for any brunches, showers or parties.  Read More

5 mins

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!

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