Labor Day recipes
Labor Day is the last big cookout of summer, and these recipes make the most of it. This page has fast grilled mains, late-summer sides built around corn, tomatoes, peppers and peaches, easy salads and simple desserts for a backyard party or a day at the lake. Everything here takes 20 minutes or less to make.
30 recipes, quickest first.
10 minClassic coleslaw
10 minRed, white and blue sangria mocktail
12 minWatermelon feta mint salad
15 minMexican street corn salad (esquites)
16 minGrilled garlic lemon shrimp skewers
17 minFirecracker shrimp
17 minStrawberry lemonade
18 minBroccoli salad with bacon
18 minCowboy caviar
18 minGrilled peach caprese
19 minGrilled lemon dill salmon
19 minGrilled vegetable skewers with herb oil
20 minBBQ chicken skewers
20 minBeer brat sliders
20 minClassic deviled eggs
20 minClassic grilled cheeseburgers
20 minFlag fruit pizza
20 minGrilled bratwurst with beer onions
20 minGrilled chicken thighs
20 minGrilled corn with chili-lime butter
20 minGrilled flank steak with garlic herb butter
20 minGrilled honey chipotle chicken tenders
20 minGrilled hot dogs with a toppings bar
20 minGrilled Mexican street corn (elote)
20 minGrilled pork chops with brown sugar rub
20 minGrilled sausage, peppers and onions
20 minHawaiian chicken kebabs
20 minItalian pasta salad
20 minQuick potato salad
20 minRed, white and blue berry trifle cups
Shop for the produce that is at its peak in late summer and let it carry the menu: grilled corn, tomato salads and grilled stone fruit need very little work. Pick one grilled main, add two sides and a dessert, and do the chopping and dressing in the morning. Leftovers make easy lunches for the start of the school year.
Common questions
What food is traditional for Labor Day?
Labor Day menus look a lot like other summer cookouts: burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, ribs and sausages, served with corn on the cob, potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans. Because it falls in late summer, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches and sweet corn are at their best, so dishes that feature them are popular.
How do you grill corn on the cob?
Husk the corn, brush it lightly with oil and grill over medium-high heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes until tender and lightly charred. You can also grill it in the husk for a steamed texture, which takes a bit longer. Finish with butter, salt, lime or chili powder.
How do you grill peaches?
Choose ripe but firm peaches, cut them in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides with a little oil or melted butter, then grill them cut side down over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until marked and softened. Serve with ice cream, yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
How long can cookout leftovers stay out?
Perishable leftovers should go into the refrigerator or a cooler at 40F or below within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if it is above 90F outside. Food left out longer should be thrown away. Refrigerated cooked meat and side dishes are best eaten within 3 to 4 days, and reheat leftovers to 165F.