My 55 Best Labor Day Recipes

Now that September is upon us, Labor Day marks the last official reason to fire up your grill. Below are some of my favorite Labor Day recipes to share with friends and family as summer winds down and we all gear up for the holiday season.

I love Grilled Tri Tip with Potato Salad, a big bowl of Cowboy Caviar and Oreo Trifle for dessert. Sometimes I even serve small cups of Oreo trifle already portioned out. The kids love it! And since watermelon is in peak season, pitchers of Watermelon Agua Fresca are the perfect way to keep your pack hydrated.

 

Labor Day Main Dishes

Tri Tip is the hidden gem of California barbecues. This delicious, inexpensive cut is great on the grill or as smoked tri tip. It makes a great centerpiece for your backyard menu and is the perfect way to send off summer. Can’t track down tri tip? Substitute thick cuts of sirloin and cook it the same way.

More reasons to fire up the grill

Grilling and Smoker Recipes

Chili Dogs

Grilling and Smoker Recipes

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Pork, Ham, and Lamb Recipes

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

30 Minute Meals

Grilled Pork Chops

Grilling and Smoker Recipes

Wisconsin Beer Brats

Fish and Seafood Recipes

Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw

Chipotle Copycat Recipes

Chipotle Chicken (Copycat)

Pork, Ham, and Lamb Recipes

Best Barbecue Ribs

Sandwich Recipes

Pork Burgers with Feta Mustard

Fish and Seafood Recipes

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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Labor Day Salads and Sides

Nothing goes with steak like potatoes! I love a cool and creamy potato salad with crunch from celery and a generous pile of hard-boiled eggs mixed in. And all the mayonnaise, of course (or maybe even Miracle Whip).

More delicious side dishes

Salad Recipes

Easy Cold Pasta Salad

Salad Recipes

Seven Layer Salad

Salad Recipes

The Best Macaroni Salad

Salad Recipes

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Salad Recipes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese

Mexican Recipes

Mexican Corn Salad (Esquites)

Salad Recipes

BLT Pasta Salad

Salad Recipes

Greek Salad Recipe

Salad Recipes

Italian Pasta Salad

Salad Recipes

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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Labor Day Snacks

Part salad, part salsa, Cowboy Caviar is like a slightly-sweet black bean salsa. It’s easy to make and always the first dish to disappear! It’s also perfect for your last-minute additions like diced avocado, spicy jalapeños, or finely chopped jicama. It’s okay to use a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing, too!

More dips and snacks

Appetizer Recipes

Dill Dip Recipe

Appetizer Recipes

Taco Dip Recipe

Appetizer Recipes

Veggie Dip

Appetizer Recipes

Beer Cheese Dip

Appetizer Recipes

Knorr Spinach Dip

Appetizer Recipes

Veggie Pizza

Appetizer Recipes

Pigs in a Blanket

Appetizer Recipes

Bruschetta on Baguette

Appetizer Recipes

2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies

Appetizer Recipes

Deviled Eggs

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Labor Day Desserts

Similar to a classic Halloween Dirt Cake, this Oreo Brownie Trifle is ideal for big gatherings. It looks gorgeous in a glass trifle dish or bowl, or double the recipe and layer it in foil pans. It’s easy to make with boxed brownies, but you can also make brownies from scratch if you prefer.

More sweets for a crowd

Cake Recipes

Pig Pickin Cake

Cake Recipes

Chocolate Lasagna

Fruit Dessert Recipes

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Fruit Dessert Recipes

Snickers Salad

Fruit Dessert Recipes

Key Lime Pie

Sweets

Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cookie Recipes

M&M Cookies

Eats

Scotcheroos

Sweets

Congo Bars

Pie and Tart Recipes

Brownie Pizza

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Labor Day Drinks

Watermelon season is in full swing with the best, sweetest melons making their way to your grocery store (or maybe even farmer’s market if you live in California, Florida, Georgia, or Texas).

Just blend fresh watermelon, water, your favorite sweetener, and lime juice for a cool, refreshing beverage. Hide a bottle of tequila nearby for adults who are celebrating their contributions to the workplace this Labor Day!

More hydrating drinks

Drink Recipes

8 Infused Water Recipes

Mexican Recipes

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)

Cocktail Recipes

How to Make Strawberry Margaritas

Drink Recipes

Lavender Lemonade

Drink Recipes

Fruit Punch

Cocktail Recipes

Strawberry Peach Frosé

Cocktail Recipes

Paloma Cocktail

Drink Recipes

Moscato Sangria

Cocktail Recipes

Margarita Slush

Cocktail Recipes

Pink Lemonade Vodka Slush