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Hosting a cookout? These Labor Day food ideas cover it all, from tacos and pasta salads to fruity cupcakes and nachos. They’re all tasty and made for sharing.
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If you want your holiday spread to stand out, these recipes are the way to go. They’re easy, tasty, and can encourage you to get creative in the kitchen.
Many of these options can also be made ahead of time and customized according to the ingredients you have on hand.
Big Mac Tacos
Ready to explore a new twist on a fast-food favorite?
These tacos are perfect for outdoor gatherings. You can use any of your favorite cheeses, from provolone to mozzarella.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Red White and Blue Popsicles
Keep things light and refreshing with these popsicles.
They’re probably one of the easiest patriotic desserts you can make for Labor Day, and you only need five simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Red White and Blue Popsicles
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sliders are hearty and great for feeding a crowd without much effort.
This version is made with bacon, turkey deli meat, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese. Serve them with potato salad.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Hot Girl Summer Salad
This salad is ready in just 15 minutes. It’s crisp, filling, and refreshing, with wholesome ingredients like hard-boiled eggs and cucumbers.
You can also use pecans instead of roasted sunflower kernels.
Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad
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Parmesan Potatoes
Make these potatoes and watch them disappear fast from your table.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make them, including parmesan, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
Get The Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Are Labor Day cookouts even complete without pasta salads? This creamy option is a must-try!
You can use any pasta shape or cheese for this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Fruit Kabobs
Making patriotic treats doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these kabobs instead of baking the most indulgent cakes.
This recipe is customizable. You can substitute the ingredients with other colorful fruits.
Get The Recipe: Fruit Kabobs
Dessert Nachos
Nachos are always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll never go wrong with this version.
It comes with berries, cinnamon, almonds, and vanilla ice cream.
Get The Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Can’t get enough of cheesecakes? You have to try this one.
It showcases a mouthwatering filling and lemon blueberry sauce. Make sure to refrigerate it before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Get The Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes Using Cake Mix
These cupcakes can bring a sunny, cheerful vibe to your Labor Day table.
You can make them even without fresh raspberries. It uses raspberry jam, alongside eggs, lemon cake mix, and vanilla.
Get The Recipe: Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes Using Cake Mix
Strawberry Jello Salad
Make this Jello salad and impress everyone at your Labor Day cookout.
It features an irresistible cream cheese layer and a pretzel crust. Feel free to include raspberries and blueberries.
Get The Recipe: Strawberry Jello Salad
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Slow Cooker Jackfruit Tacos
Make these plant-based tacos a part of your Labor Day menu. Go ahead and explore various toppings.
You can include non-dairy sour cream, pickled red onions, and even shredded lettuce.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Jackfruit Tacos
Vegan Baked Beans
This dish is packed with savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.
You can add tofu or vegan bacon to make it even more satisfying. Bake it for around 45 minutes, then pair it with grilled veggie skewers.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Baked Beans
No Boil Mashed Potatoes
This vegan option is just as satisfying and delicious as traditional mashed potatoes, all thanks to vegan butter and almond milk.
It’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get The Recipe: No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Jerusalem Salad
This salad can balance out heavy Labor Day dishes. It’s loaded with English cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, lemon, and olive oil.
You can store your leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad
Grilled Habanero Marinated Chicken Skewers
This recipe combines chicken breasts with orange habaneros, scallions, spices, and seasonings.
It’s filling and fun to make! If you want, you can thread some grilled veggies alongside the chicken.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Habanero Marinated Chicken Skewers
Red White and Blue Ice Cream (No Churn)
If you’re craving an effortless, patriotic treat, look no further than this ice cream.
It only requires five simple ingredients! Once done, top it with fresh berries or more sprinkles.
Get The Recipe: Red White and Blue Ice Cream (No Churn)
Red White and Blue Jello
In search of a colorful make-ahead treat? These Jello cups are so fun and festive, they’ll get the kids super excited.
Serve them in clear glasses to show off the flag-inspired layers.
Get The Recipe: Red White and Blue Jello
Grilled Caprese Pizza
Is it your first time making homemade pizza? Start with this 20-minute recipe.
Aside from fresh tomatoes, you’ll need mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Caprese Pizza
Deviled Strawberries
These vibrant treats taste like mini cheesecakes.
They’ll make a delightful addition to your dessert spread, especially when served with mini tarts and macarons.
Get The Recipe: Deviled Strawberries
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle
Enjoy something hearty and smoky this Labor Day.
This savory creation is made with pork tenderloin, smoked bacon, chipotle powder, and a few other pantry staples.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle
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Chicken Shawarma Wrap with Garlic Sauce
Want to prepare something a little special? Check out these wraps.
They feature an irresistible sauce made with Greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of salt.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Wrap with Garlic Sauce
Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili
Skip the usual hot dogs this time and try this recipe.
It’s savory and slightly tangy, with a classic chili warmth. It’s made with ground beef, tomatoes, and ketchup.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili
Velveeta Rotel Dip
Prepare the most filling Labor Day meals, but don’t forget the appetizers.
This dip will undoubtedly become everyone’s favorite. Serve it with tortilla chips and veggie sticks.
Get The Recipe: Velveeta Rotel Dip
Layered Cheesecake
This showstopping Labor Day dessert is worth the wait! Remember to use full-fat cream cheese for a smoother cake.
Also, make it ahead and store it in the fridge overnight so it fully sets.
Get The Recipe: Layered Cheesecake
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These recipes will light up your Labor Day table. Heading out somewhere?
Choose dishes that travel well if you’re going to a cookout, beach, or park. Pasta salads, dips, and handheld foods like sliders or kabobs are perfect.
25 Labor Day Dessert Ideas That’ll Steal the Picnic Spotlight
Let these Labor Day dessert ideas steal the picnic spotlight at the gathering. Great for picnics, BBQs, and gathering around with friends and family, these desserts are delicious.
Read it here: 25 Labor Day Dessert Ideas That’ll Steal the Picnic Spotlight
25 Labor Day Meals That Keep the Summer Vibes Alive
We all have our favorites to add to our Labor Day meals but changing it up sometimes isn’t a bad idea. These main dish and side dish ideas give you various dishes that you can serve for the gathering as you celebrate the end of summer with friends and family.
Read it here: 25 Labor Day Meals That Keep the Summer Vibes Alive
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more recipes? These options are easy to prep and great for summer’s final celebration: