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Easy Labor Day Recipes for End of Summer Celebrations

ByStephanie Wilson Updated on

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Celebrate the holiday with these easy Labor Day recipes! Whether you're firing up the grill for burgers and ribs, assembling picnic-perfect salads and sides, or whipping up no-fuss desserts, we've got all your dinner plans covered!

For more ideas, see our entire Labor Day recipes collection.

A plate of gnocchi salad with tomatoes and basil, a cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato, and grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and herbs make perfect Easy Labor Day Recipes.

Celebrating the End of Summer

You worked hard for this weekend. These Labor Day recipes for main dishes, salads, amazing sides, and desserts will help you make the most of a fabulous weekend!

You might also like Easy Labor Day Dessert Ideas. Or... read up on the history of Labor Day.

Easy Labor Day Recipes

Here you will find the recipes for the best foods of summer! From grilled chicken to burgers, foil packets, skewers, salads, pasta salads, and of course, a few decadent desserts too. Let's not let summer end without a splash!

1
Side view of hamburger with double patties on a sesame bun with lettuce, mustard, and melting cheese.
www.tasteofhome.com
Smash Burgers
"A Smash burger is exactly what you think it is; balls of ground beef smashed onto a hot griddle. You'll want to smash them pretty thin so they cook quickly, but it also gets you those crispy, browned edges while still keeping the interior nice and juicy. "
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2
Side view of Cilantro Lime Chicken breasts with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on a white plate.
Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken
This easy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a juicy grilled chicken breast recipe marinated with the peppery flavors of cilantro and bright citrus. It is seasoned with Mediterranean flavors, sweetened with a hint of honey, and easy to grill indoors or out!
Grilled Chicken Recipe
3
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Slider close up with a red and white cabbage and carrot slaw.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Incredibly easy, with almost no prep, these sliders are juicy and tender, and almost melt in your mouth. Perfect, easy idea for Labor Day!
Chicken Sliders Recipe
4
A cheeseburger on a wooden board, topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, and tomato-perfect for your Labor Day recipes-with another burger in the background.
www.killingthyme.net
Best Turkey Burger Recipe
"We're calling this the best turkey burger recipe for good reason! These tender patties are made up of just the right amount of spice."
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5
whiteonricecouple.com
Grilled Cherry Tomato Skewers on Toast with Goat Cheese
"They're simple and delicious grilled cherry tomato skewers. But when we were grilling these little red jewels the term "tomato skewers" sounded so mundane. After plucking these super sweet cherry tomatoes from their vines, they were so cute and plump, it sounded more appropriate (and fun) to call them lollipops."
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6
A white plate with skewers of salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil, arranged in a circle around a bowl of green pesto dip. The plate sits on a wooden board.
Easy Salami Caprese Skewers Recipe
These Salami Caprese Skewers are a simple and delicious no-cook appetizer made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and savory Genoa salami. Perfect for summer entertaining, potlucks, or easy snacking.
Caprese Skewers Recipe
7
Closeup view of fruit salad with summer berries and kiwi and mint sprigs
Easy Fruit Salad
This Fruit Salad recipe with sweetened mint is a refreshing and delicious addition to summer gatherings. Simple and ready in minutes.
Fruit Salad Recipe
8
Side view of German Potato Salad in a white bowl with fresh parsley
German Potato Salad
This German Potato Salad is a simple hot potato salad recipe with fork-tender potatoes, savory bacon, and fresh parsley tossed in a delicious tangy dressing you will love.
German Potato Salad Recipe
9
Side view of grilled Greek Turkey Burger on a bun with cucumber slices, tzatziki sauce, tomato and red onion and served with sweet potato fries
Easy Greek Turkey Burgers
Easy Greek Turkey Burgers are the ultimate healthy burger upgrade! These juicy and delicious burgers with Tzatziki sauce have incredible bursts of flavor, are easy to make, and utterly transform your turkey burger forever!
Greek Turkey Burgers Recipe
10
Three grilled sausages with char marks on a grill, surrounded by grilled onion slices, tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and peppercorns. The sausages are garnished with fresh microgreens.
Grilled Sausage with Peppers, Onions and Herbs
This simple recipe for Grilled Sausage with Peppers, Onions and Herbs yields delicious, juicy sausages and tender, charred onions perfect for grilling season! Served either stuffed into a fluffy bun or with cooked rice, grilled sausages with onions are the ultimate Game Day treat!
Grilled Sausage and Pepper Recipe
11
A bowl of gnocchi salad with cherry tomatoes, arugula, red onions, and fresh basil on a wooden board, with wooden utensils and a small bowl of salt nearby.
Gnocchi Caprese Salad Recipe
Inspired by Caprese and panzanella, this warm Crispy Gnocchi Caprese Salad combines pan‑seared gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs and balsamic greens into one vibrant summer bowl.
Crispy Gnocchi Caprese Recipe
12
Closeup side view of a bowl of Instant Pot Potato Salad on a green and white linen with fresh chives
Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad
Summer isn't summer without potato salad, but it can be time-consuming. This Instant Pot Potato Salad is so incredibly easy and time-saving that you will find yourself making it more than once this summer, guaranteed! And yummy? Absolutely!
Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe
13
Side view of Firecracker Chicken Burgers on a bun with Chili Mayonnaise, lettuce, red onion, and tomatoes
Firecracker Chicken Burgers
Taking grilled burgers to a delicious level with these Firecracker Chicken Burgers. It is infused with a delightful blend of chili peppers, shredded cheese, and aromatic spices.
Firecracker Chicken Burgers Recipe
14
A blue plate with white stars holds a vibrant Mexican corn salad with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, black beans, and crumbled cheese. A green napkin and vine tomatoes are in the background.
Easy Mexican Corn Salad
"A quick and easy Mexican Corn Salad will be a favorite side all summer long. It's healthy, a simplified version of elotes, robust with the warm and spicy flavors of cumin and red pepper. Serve warm or cold, it's simply delicious."
Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
15
Front view of tender slow cooker Buffalo chicken and coleslaw on a bun with chips
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the answer to easy, delicious food your people will love. It's tender, mouthwatering, slow cooked chicken tossed in a tangy flavor-packed sauce, and served on buttery toasted buns.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
16
thenoshery.com
Elote Corn (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote corn is Mexican street corn is roasted over an open grill & coated with salt, chile powder, butter, cotija, lime juice, & mayonnaise or crema fresca.
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17
Summer Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots | 31Daily.com
Easy Summer Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a classic and delicious pasta salad recipe every summer cookout, BBQ, potluck, and picnic deserves! Incredibly simple to make, it's filled with fresh vegetables and macaroni tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy homemade dressing.
Macaroni Salad with Shredded Carrots Recipe
18
Top view of BBQ Instant Pot Ribs
Easy Instant Pot Ribs
How to make fall off the bone Instant Pot Ribs. Easy method for baby back or spare ribs. So much faster and the sweet and savory dry rub is to die for!
Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
19
Top view of skewers of souvlaki with fresh dill on a white platter
Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki
If you love Greek street food, this Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is for you. Tender, juicy grilled chicken wrapped in warm pitas is an incredibly simple, delicious and authentic dish to make at home.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
20
Closeup top view of a bowl of Greek Dill Yogurt Sauce with slices of fresh lemon
2 Minute Greek Dill Yogurt Sauce
This oh-so-simple Dill Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and creamy Greek tzatziki-influenced quick versatile dip for all things healthy and all things delicious. Perfect for entertaining and snacking. If you have 2 minutes, and 4 simple ingredients, this dip is ready to go!
Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
21
Top view of Beef Kofta Kebobs on white platter with hummus and tzatziki sauce
Easy Grilled Beef Kofta: Lebanese Street Food
Easy grilled Beef Kofta or Kafta, as it's sometimes called, is a Lebanese style street food that's super simple to make at home. Tender and delicious Kofta Kebabs are made with Middle Eastern spices and are grilled indoors or out in less than 10 minutes.
Beef Kofta Recipe
22
A bowl of colorful cowboy caviar bean and vegetable salsa garnished with a lime wedge and cilantro, served with tortilla chips in a large dish.
Easy Cowboy Caviar
This easy Cowboy Caviar, or Texas Caviar, is a fresh and simple dip or side dish that's ready in 15 minutes or less. Utterly delicious, it's perfect for picnics, BBQs, taco Tuesdays, or anytime you're craving flavor-packed, healthier food!
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
23
Side view of Chicken Burger topped with guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion on a wood board for serving.
Easy Grilled Cheddar Chicken Burger
With Southwest flavors, this easy chicken burger is outstandingly delicious and always on our grill menu!
Cheddar Chicken Burger Recipe
24
A black bean veggie burger with lettuce, a thick slice of red onion, and cheese, served on a bun. The burger sits on a wooden board with fresh basil and sliced red onion beside it.
Black Bean Burger Recipe
These easy black bean burgers are smoky, hearty, and full of flavor. Made with black beans, mushrooms, chipotle, and spices, they're delicious baked or pan-fried and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Black Bean Burgers Recipe
25
Three grilled chicken skewers with barbecue sauce are served on parchment with lime wedges, fresh herbs, a bowl of corn topped with cheese, and a striped napkin on a wooden tray.
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers
These easy BBQ Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and caramelized with a flavorful spice rub and homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes-perfect for grilling season!
BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
26
Grilled shrimp skewers with lemon slices arranged on a white plate make a standout addition to your Labor Day Recipes; a glass bowl with sauce and a spoon is visible in the background.
www.lecremedelacrumb.com
Easy Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
"This easy grilled lemon garlic shrimp is healthy, incredibly flavorful, and quick to make with FIVE simple ingredients!"
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27
Vertical top view of Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
Easy Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
This Mediterranean Charcuterie Board is a simple, delicious meal that's incredibly easy to assemble. Minutes to make and filled with healthy Mediterranean options for all your favorite gatherings, whether for parties, dinners on the patio, or picnics in the park.
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board Recipe
28
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers close up with bell peppers, onion and zucchini.
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is a savory and sweet BBQ favorite. Easy to prep ahead and perfect for Labor Day.
Chicken Skewers Recipe
29
Slow Cooker Ribs So Tender They Fall Off the Bone | 31Daily.com
Slow Cooker Ribs So Tender They Fall Off the Bone
Weekends and summers and game days… and Labor Day… were made for ribs. And Slow Cooker Ribs are the easiest, most delicious, tender ribs you'll ever, ever have.
If a slow cooker isn’t your thing, you might want to try our easy Grilled and Tender Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs. If you’re a pressure cooker fan, see our Easy Instant Pot Ribs recipe for quick-fix ribs.
Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
30
Three ears of grilled corn on the cob garnished with herbs rest on an oval white dish, accompanied by small bowls of salt, red pepper flakes, and a yellow sauce.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Packets is a favorite 3 ingredient summer side dish that is sweet and juicy and smoky with herbs and spices.
Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
31
Zucchini Tomato Bake for Labor Day Foods
www.delish.com
Zucchini Tomato Bake
"This easy side is the most delicious way to use up your summer vegetables."
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32
Side view of Orzo Salad by a window with fresh herbs
Easy Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad is an easy and delicious, colorful salad filled with Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, cucumber, and herbs, tossed in a delicious and simple vinaigrette.
Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
33
A bowl of fresh Corn Salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, greens, cilantro, and grilled zucchini sits on a wooden board next to utensils and a glass of iced tea.
Grilled Corn Zucchini Salad Recipe
This fresh and vibrant Grilled Corn Zucchini Salad is a summer favorite, featuring sweet grilled corn, smoky zucchini, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy feta-lemon dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and weeknight dinners.
Grilled Corn Zucchini Salad
34
Top view of Grilled Vegetables Platter with bowls of burrato cheese on a white background.
Easy Grilled Vegetables with Burrata
Easy Grilled Vegetables with Burrata is a centerpiece of summer grilling. With a simple balsamic glaze drizzled over delicious and slightly charred vegetables, it's a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Grilled Vegetables Recipe
35
Side view of Grilled Corn Salad with olive oil
Grilled Corn Salad with Feta
This easy Grilled Corn Salad is a delicious salad recipe, perfect for summer BBQs and picnics. A simple lime vinaigrette enhances the bright, sweet, and refreshing flavors of this chilled salad.
Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
36
A serving of Sautéed Corn garnished with fresh basil leaves sits on an ornate white platter with a spoon.
Sautéed Corn with Basil and Butter Recipe
This simple sautéed corn with basil and butter is the ultimate late-summer side dish. Fresh sweet corn cooks in minutes, then gets tossed with fragrant basil and a touch of butter for a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Sauteed Corn Recipe
37
Closeup view of Instant Pot Baked Beans
Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans
Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe is the perfect side for summer BBQs or game time food. And cook in a fraction of the time. Smokey, sweet, and tender beans cooked with bacon and pure maple syrup.
Instant Pot Baked Beans
38
Coleslaw with fresh parsley and carrots in a bowl.
Easy Homemade Coleslaw
A summer essential, this easy coleslaw deserves it spot on Labor Day tables!
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
39
Top view of Greek Pasta Salad in a large wood serving bowl
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
A quick and easy Greek Pasta Salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors. If you have about 10 minutes, you can make this summer-perfect pasta salad in no time.
Greek Pasta Salad
40
boston baked beans with spoon
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans
"Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans, an easy and historic crockpot dish rich with molasses, a hint of maple, and smokey with crumbled bacon." A favorite side Labor Day side!
Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe
41
Side view of Tuscan Tortellini Salad in a white bowl with fresh spinach and feta
Tuscan Tortellini Salad
Tuscan Tortellini Salad is a simple pasta salad perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and gatherings all summer. This easy salad is filled with Italian ingredients like tomatoes and salami and is tossed with a homemade Italian Vinaigrette. Utterly delicious!
Turcan Tortellini Salad Recipe
42
Pasta Salad in a White Bowl with salami and vegetables.
Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mediterranean-inspired Pasta Salad is a favorite with salami, peppers, broccoli, zesty Italian dressing, and Feta cheese.
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43
A white bowl filled with quinoa salad, featuring chickpeas, diced tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and herbs, sits on a wooden surface with a blue napkin and wooden utensils nearby. This vibrant quinoa salad is perfect for a fresh meal.
Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Quinoa Salad is a favorite healthy salad, packed with vegetables and herbs, and perfect for lunches, picnics, and sides.
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44
A rectangular no-bake s'mores icebox cake topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate chunks sits on a white marble board, with extra chocolate pieces scattered around. A plant and jars are in the blurred background.
Easy No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake Recipe
A cool and creamy No Bake S'mores Icebox Cake with layers of graham crackers, chocolate, whipped topping, and marshmallow fluff. All the classic s'mores flavors-no campfire or oven needed!
No Bake S'mores Icebox Cake
45
Side view of sliced No Bake Cheesecake with blueberry topping
10 Minute No Bake Cheesecake
This No Bake Cheesecake is a 10-minute, no-bake, foolproof way to make cheesecake, the easy way. And, it's utterly delicious. Utterly simple. And one you'll make often!
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46
Serving of Blueberry Slab Pie on a white plate
Easy Blueberry Slab Pie
This Blueberry Slab Pie recipe is an easy way to make your favorite pie for a season of berries, festivities, and gatherings. Oh-so-delicious, its berry filling is packed with sweet bright flavors and warm spices.
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47
Side view of Coconut Cream Pie on a white plate topped with whipped cream with a bite missing
Easy Coconut Cream Pie
This Coconut Cream Pie recipe is a thick, incredibly delicious creamy pie with high mounds of sweetened whipped cream and toasted coconut. It's dreamy, filled with coconut flavor, and simpler to make than you might imagine.
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48
A berry trifle dessert in a glass bowl, featuring whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, and sponge cake, topped with fresh berries and mint leaves, displayed on a wooden stand near a window with soft natural light.
Simple Berry Trifle Recipe
This simple Berry Trifle Recipe is a super quick and easy layered dessert of fresh summer berries, delicious pound cake, and heavenly pastry cream.
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49
A decadent chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls, sits on a white plate. One slice has been removed, showcasing the rich chocolate filling inside.
No Bake 3 Ingredient Chocolate Pie
This no-bake, 3 ingredient chocolate pie is the easiest pie recipe you will ever make. Creamy, chocolaty, and seriously delicious. It takes mere minutes to make, plus chilling time.
No Bake Chocolate Pie Recipe
50
A slice of basque cheesecake topped with blueberries, a blackberry, and a raspberry sits on a white plate. The rest of the cheesecake, garnished with mint, is in the background on a cake stand.
Easy Basque Cheesecake Recipe
Make this easy Basque Burnt Cheesecake with a rich, creamy center and caramelized top. Follow these effortless, simple steps for cheesecake perfection.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake
51
A plate with a slice of peach cobbler cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a fork. Beside the plate are two peaches, orange flowers, and a striped napkin on a white table.
Fresh Peach Cobbler Cake Recipe
This Peach Cobbler Cake is an easy summer dessert filled with fresh sliced peaches, warm cinnamon spice, and a tender crumb. Baked in a springform pan and perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
Peach Cobbler Cake Recipe
52
Just baked skillet peach cobbler in a cast iron skillet with a garnish of chopped peaches.
Skillet Peach Cobbler
This Peach Cobbler is a quick and easy recipe made with fresh or frozen peaches, pantry ingredients, and ready in 35 minutes. Serve straight from the skillet with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
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53
Berry No Churn Ice Cream in an Ice Cream Dish with Spoon
Summer Berry No Churn Ice Cream
This Summer Berry No Churn Ice Cream is a 4-ingredient, incredibly easy-to-make treat. It's deliciously smooth, creamy, and packed with summer berry flavor.
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54
Scoops of No Churn Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream
No Churn Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream
This creamy No Churn Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream is a decadent treat that's incredibly easy to make. If you're a peanut butter chocolate fan, this homemade ice cream is for you.
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55
Slice of Pear Upside Down Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream
Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe
This Pear Upside Down Cake is an incredibly moist and tender cake with amazing fall-inspired flavors of maple, cinnamon, and cardamom. It's a simple cake with a delicious flavor you'll love during pear season.
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56
Very Close Shot of Single Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffin
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
These Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the perfect way to celebrate zucchini season. Rich and dense and chocolaty muffins are so delicious, you'll want to make a double batch!
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57
A Plum Cake You'll Want to Make Time and Again | 31Daily.com
A Plum Cake You'll Want to Make Time and Again
This is a Plum Cake you'll want to make time and time again. I have... and do. Beginning in September and for as long as the fresh plums show up in my market.
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58
Side horizontal view of peach icebox cake with a serving missing.
Easy Peach Icebox Cake Recipe
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of a Peach Icebox Cake. This no-bake summer dessert is easy to make and perfect for warm weather.
No Bake Peach Icebox Cake
59
Golden-brown blueberry hand pies filled with sweet jam are stacked on parchment paper, surrounded by fresh blueberries, small daisies, and purple flowers on a wooden board near a bowl of blueberries.
Spiced Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Old-fashioned and just sweet enough, these Spiced Blueberry Hand Pies wrap juicy summer berries and warm spices into a golden, flaky crust. A nostalgic treat that's as perfect for picnics as it is for cozy afternoon teas.
Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe

More Labor Day Recipes to Try

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Stephanie Wilson

Cookbook Author, Food Writer, and Chef

Stephanie Wilson is the founder of 31Daily.com, where she shares seasonal recipes, weekly meal plans, and teatime favorites to help readers gather around the table with joy. A certified private chef, cookbook author, and longtime event planner, she brings over 20 years of experience in catering, food writing, and media production—including network television work as a producer, director, and writer. Her work has been featured by Today.com, The Kitchn, Parade, and more.

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