Easy Labor Day Recipes for Your End-of-Summer Weekend

Celebrate the last long weekend of summer with these easy Labor Day recipes for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and relaxed dinners with family and friends. From burgers and grilled chicken to summer salads, corn, picnic-perfect sides, and simple desserts, there's something here for every Labor Day menu.

Looking for even more inspiration? Browse our complete Labor Day recipes collection.

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Celebrating the End of Summer

Labor Day weekend always feels like one last chance to linger over the flavors of summer-the tomatoes and corn, peaches and berries, easy grilled dinners, and favorite dishes made for sharing outdoors.

And a delicious Labor Day menu doesn't need to be complicated. I like to think of it simply: choose something for the grill, add a favorite make-ahead salad or picnic side, include something fresh and seasonal, and finish with an easy summer dessert.

If you're planning something sweet, you'll find even more inspiration in our Labor Day Dessert Ideas. And if you're curious about how the holiday began, here's a little history of Labor Day.

Easy Labor Day Recipes

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, gathering around the patio table, or simply making an easy holiday dinner at home, these are some of my favorite recipes for the weekend.

You'll find plenty of late-summer favorites-from burgers, chicken, ribs, and skewers to potato and pasta salads, fresh corn dishes, and desserts filled with peaches, berries, and other flavors of the season.

Labor Day Main Dishes and Grilling

1

Grilled Beef Burgers Recipe

This is my favorite grilled beef burger recipe is easy to make and packed with steakhouse flavor. Make them today or ahead for your next BBQ cookout!

Grilled Beef Burgers Recipe Saved!

2

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 Saved!

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

Homemade Hamburger Buns

Soft, golden Homemade Hamburger Buns with a tender yet sturdy crumb that's perfect for burgers and all your favorite toppings. Make them with bread flour or all-purpose flour and either instant or active dry yeast.

Homemade Hamburger Buns Saved!

7

Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs

Learn how to make deliciously Tender and Juicy Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs on the grill this summer! It's grilling season and nothing says BBQ quite like a fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs made with a homemade dry rub and a mouthwatering basting sauce. 

Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs Saved!

8

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

9

The Seattle Hot Dog

A Seattle-style hot dog is an iconic local favorite topped with cream cheese, caramelized onions, and jalapeños. Simple, savory, and perfect for game day.

The Seattle Hot Dog Saved!

10

Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade

This easy grilled chicken marinade is bright, savory, and just a little sweet, made with lemon, honey, garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. It's a simple marinade for grilling juicy, flavorful chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders.

Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade Saved!

11

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

12

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

13

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 Saved!

14

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 Saved!

15

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

16

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

17

New England Shrimp Rolls

These New England Style Shrimp Rolls are a simple summer seafood sandwich made with tender chilled shrimp, a light lemony mayo dressing, and buttery toasted buns. They're easy to make ahead and perfect for warm-weather lunches, dinners, or casual entertaining.

New England Shrimp Rolls Saved!

Summer Salads, Sides & Appetizers

18

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 Saved!

19

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

20

Classic Potato Salad for Delicious Summer Cookouts

This Classic Potato Salad recipe is creamy, sweet, savory, and perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, potlucks, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 4th of July gatherings. Inspired by my grandmother's potato salad, it's an old-fashioned side dish our family still loves.

Classic Potato Salad for Delicious Summer Cookouts Saved!

21

Creamy Yukon Gold Potato Salad Recipe

A creamy Yukon Gold potato salad made with tender baby potatoes, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. This easy, egg-free potato salad is a lighter summer side dish for cookouts, picnics, BBQs, and gatherings.

Creamy Yukon Gold Potato Salad Recipe Saved!

22

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 Saved!

23

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

24

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 Saved!

25

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 Saved!

26

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 Saved!

27

10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad with a Quick Vinaigrette

If you have 10 minutes, this White Bean Salad is for you. Packed with healthy protein, this creamy salad is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs. And then dressed in a deliciously simple vinaigrette.

10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad with a Quick Vinaigrette Saved!

28

Green Bean Salad Recipe

A vibrant Green Bean Salad with balsamic basil vinaigrette, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, cranberries, arugula, and pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or fresh weeknight meals.

Green Bean Salad Recipe Saved!

29

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 Saved!

30

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 Saved!

31

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 Saved!

32

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 Saved!

33

Easy Homemade Coleslaw

A summer essential, this easy coleslaw deserves it spot on Labor Day tables!

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

34

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 Saved!

Easy Labor Day Desserts

35

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe (Vonnies)

Soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars made in one bowl with plenty of chocolate chips. No chilling or scooping-just mix, spread, and bake in a 9-inch square baking pan.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe (Vonnies) Saved!

36

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 Saved!

37

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 Saved!

38

Fudgy Picnic Chocolate Cake

This Picnic Chocolate Cake is a rich, fudgy, easy one-bowl chocolate cake made with simple pantry ingredients and baked in an 8x8 pan. With chocolate chips folded into the batter, it's delicious without frosting and perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or anytime chocolate cake cravings.

Fudgy Picnic Chocolate Cake Saved!

39

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 Saved!

40

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 Saved!

41

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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42

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.

Get the Recipe

43

No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

This easy No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey-no ice cream maker required. Enjoy it as is or add crumbled brownies, cookies, nuts, or chocolate for a delicious homemade frozen treat.

No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream Saved!

44

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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45

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

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 Saved!

47

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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48

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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More Labor Day Weekend Ideas

Keep planning your end-of-summer weekend with these reader favorites:

• Foil Packet Dinners for Grilling, Campfires, and the Oven
• Easy Labor Day Dessert Ideas
• Celebrating Labor Day: Then and Now

However you spend the long weekend, I hope there is something delicious on the table, time to enjoy the lingering days of summer, and good people to share it all with.