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50+ Of My Best Labor Day Recipes

By: Joanna Cismaru •8/28/22 Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

The end of summer is here, sooner than we’d all like. Thankfully, we’re leaving the summer behind with a big bang by celebrating Labor Day. I love a good Labor Day weekend celebration and I love indulging in some great food such as BBQ favorites, delicious salads, some amazing fruity desserts and let’s not forget some fizzy cocktails.

labor day recipes collage.

Without further ado, here are my collections of my all time favorite Labor Day recipes, everything from breakfast, appetizers, to entrees to salads, desserts and let’s not forget some great cocktails.

Labor Day Breakfast Ideas

A great day starts with a great breakfast and I have the best Labor Day breakfast recipes for you. Make the night before or spend just a few minutes in the kitchen and you can have enough to feed a crowd!

a hand pouring maple syrup over a stack of pancakes surrounded by berries

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Your next breakfast will be a breeze with these Sheet Pan Pancakes! Whip up the batter, pour it into a sheet pan, then be rewarded with piping hot fluffy pancakes for everyone! Set the table with your favorite toppings and enjoy the easy, relaxed morning you deserve.
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syrup being poured over a stack of buttermilk pancakes

Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Forget the store bought pancake mix! These classic Buttermilk Pancakes are so much better! Light, fluffy and super simple – just top them with a bit of butter, maple syrup or your favorite fruit preserves and you're good to go!
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a stack of breakfast burritos.

Breakfast Burritos

These Breakfast Burritos are so hearty, tasty and great to just grab and go in the morning. Freezer friendly and super simple to make, they're loaded with delicious bacon, hash browns, diced tomatoes and perfectly melted cheese. A guaranteed family favorite!
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breakfast quesadilla pieces stacked and garnished with chopped tomatoes.

Breakfast Quesadillas

Combining two of my favorite meals – breakfast and quesadillas! These Breakfast Quesadillas are full of classic, flavor packed morning staples like bacon, eggs and hash browns! It's a filling, healthy and delicious breakfast.
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a stack of belgian waffles on a white plate topped with maple syrup, strawberries and whipped cream

Belgian Waffles

Delicious Belgian Waffles with a crispy exterior and light fluffy interior. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, you'll be piling your waffles high with toppings in no time!
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Labor Day Appetizer Recipes

Appetizers might be my favorite thing about a good Labor Day weekend celebration because you can snack on these dishes throughout the day!

side view shot of a hand scooping up some salsa on a tortilla chip

Homemade Salsa

Homemade Salsa with fresh ingredients and full of flavor, just like the one you’re served at your favorite restaurant! This restaurant style salsa is made with roasted tomatoes and onions which enhances all the flavors. Delicious and simple!
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a stone bowl filled with freshly made guacamole surrounded by tortilla chips

Easy Guacamole

Indulge in this easy and delicious homemade Guacamole, packed with creamy avocados, zesty lime, and flavorful ingredients like red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Perfect as a dip, side, or topping, this versatile guacamole is sure to elevate any meal or snack. Get ready to impress your taste buds and enjoy a taste of freshness in every scoop!
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freshly made pineapple salsa in a white bowl.

Pineapple Salsa

This Pineapple Salsa is balanced with sweet and tangy ingredients, and utterly delicious. The addition of this salsa on the table is sure to blow any standard taco night out of the water!
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freshly made hummus drizzled with olive oil and garnished with tomatoes cucumbers and olives.

Best Ever Hummus

This is seriously the Best Ever Hummus! It's creamy, super smooth, and oh so good. Homemade Hummus is so much better, nothing compares to the taste and quality of homemade and it's ready in just 10 minutes!
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freshly made pico de gallo in a white bowl.

Pico de Gallo Recipe

Get ready to elevate your dishes with this vibrant and zesty Pico de Gallo! It's a fresh, uncooked salsa that's a medley of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and a zingy splash of lime – a perfect burst of freshness for any meal.
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a hand dipping a tortilla chip in a bowl of nacho cheese sauce.

Nacho Cheese Sauce

This Nacho Cheese Sauce showcases how simple ingredients can come together to make a delectable, versatile and flavorful sauce! Made with just 5 ingredients, in just 10 minutes, it's guaranteed to replace any store bought version you can find!
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a hand dipping a piece of bread in a spinach and artichoke dip in a bread bowl.

Spinach Artichoke Dip In a Bread Bowl

Classic Spinach Artichoke Dip In a Bread Bowl! An easy, cheesy, crowd pleasing appetizer, made in under 30 minutes! No crackers necessary!
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side view shot of a hand dipping a tortilla chip into the baba ganoush

Baba Ganoush

This Baba Ganoush requires a few ingredients and does not require a grill or gas stove. Smooth, creamy and silky, this baba ganoush is a delicious traditional Middle Eastern appetizer made with eggplant, tahini, garlic and lemon juice. 
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Labor Day Mains

Whether you choose to grill, bake, or use your trusted Instant Pot, I’ve got you covered with plenty of recipes to choose from.

Close up shot of a blue cheese fried onion burger with a knife stuck in it

Blue Cheese Burgers with Crispy Fried Onion

Blue Cheese Burgers with Crispy Fried Onion – These incredible burgers are topped with tangy, creamy, melty blue cheese and crispy onions fried in butter. It's so easy to make this classic comfort food gourmet!
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side view shot of a greek lamb burger with a knife stuck in the top

Greek Lamb Burgers

These Greek Lamb Burgers are grilled to perfection. They're juicy and flavorful, served on a toasted bun with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese. 
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sheet pan quesadilla cut into pieces on a cutting board topped with pico de gallo.

Sheet Pan Quesadilla

Sheet Pan Quesadilla with chicken baked in the oven, enough to feed a crowd! This giant Quesadilla is stuffed with Mexican seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lots of gooey cheese. An incredibly delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
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sliced carne asada on a plate.

Carne Asada

Whip up this mouthwatering Carne Asada, marinated in zesty citrus and bold spices, for a tender and flavorful grilled masterpiece. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply on its own!
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firecracker salmon on a serving platter garnished with lemon wedges and green onions.

Firecracker Salmon

Sriracha, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes are the perfect combination to perk up your dinner tonight with this tender and flaky Firecracker Salmon! It’s garlicky good with a hint of ginger and full of incredible fiery flavor with just a touch of sweetness to balance it all out.
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closeup overhead shot chicken souvlaki skewers with a little tzatziki on a plate

Chicken Souvlaki

Learn how to make your own Chicken Souvlaki from scratch in the comfort of home. With a small list of ingredients and a few basic steps, you're guaranteed a successful meal no matter your culinary prowess. Featuring lots of garlic, oregano, and fresh lemon juice, the Mediterranean will be calling your name.
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a chicken gyro wrapped in paper and topped with lots of tzatziki sauce with another gyro in the background

Chicken Gyros

This recipe for homemade Chicken Gyros boasts huge flavor with just a few simple steps. Made with a blend of spices with the perfect balance of herbs, smokiness, warmth, and aroma, gyro night can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home! You'll be blown away with your very own creation.
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side view shot of a bbq pulled chicken sandwich with coleslaw on a cutting board

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Dinner can't get easier than this tender, flavorful Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken! Made with a simple spice blend, shredded, and mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on a bun, over potatoes, or even cold with a salad. Now, this is a winner-winner chicken dinner!
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closeup shot of honey glazed pork ribs cut into pieces

Baked Honey Glazed Pork Ribs

Baked Honey Glazed Pork Ribs – This easy recipe includes instructions for both the oven and grill. Enjoy a BBQ favorite any time of the year! Sticky, sweet & savory, caramelized, smoky goodness in every bite. Say hello to your new go-to ribs recipe!
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side view shot of a pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw on a plate

Pulled Pork

This Perfect Pulled Pork is so simple. It's seasoned to perfection with a dry rub mix and slowly roasted in the oven.  Perfect for tacos, burritos, sandwiches or hoagies, this dish is always a crowd pleaser. 
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2 skewers of beef shish kebabs on a plate next to a bed of rice on a black plate.

Beef Shish Kebab

These skewered Beef Shish Kebab's are one very impressive way to serve both meat and vegetables. Marinated in an abundance of mouth-watering flavors, they are especially perfect for an outdoor BBQ gathering. Everyone will love and appreciate the single serve portions of these colourful skewers.
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chinese chicken skewers on a plate topped with green onions

Chinese Chicken Skewers

A delicious Asian inspired recipe for Chinese Chicken skewers that’s going to knock your socks off! Simple but full of flavor!
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bbq ribs on a baking sheet.

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

These Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are fall off the bone tender, delicious, and super sticky from a delicious Whiskey BBQ sauce. But most importantly they will be on your dinner table in under an hour!
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side view shot of pulled pork topped with coleslaw on a bun

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

Easy and quick Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork done in a fraction of the usual time. Juicy pork shoulder cooked in the most delicious BBQ sauce and loaded with tons of flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or your holiday entertaining. 
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brown sugar balsamic pulled pork in a bowl

Brown Sugar Balsamic Pulled Pork

Brown Sugar Balsamic Pulled Pork is all you've ever needed but didn't know you were craving for dinner. It's got oodles of depth, a beautiful crust, and all that tender fall apart protein you've been looking for. Whether you're eating it fresh or the next day, you'll be one happy camper.
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Labor Day Salads

Of course no Labor Day menu is complete without a good salad to go with your burgers or ribs. Here, I picked my favorite salad recipes, which I’m sure you’ll enjoy!

creamy cucumber salad in a big bowl with a serving spoon.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This easy Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe with onion is quick, refreshing, and bursting with fresh dill. With just a couple minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, you just might want to enjoy this delicious side dish as a whole meal.
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side view shot of a bowl full of greek salad

Greek Salad

This Greek Salad is a classic salad of cucumbers and tomatoes loaded with feta cheese and olives. Perfect as a side dish or as a meal on its own and ready in just 10 minutes!
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side view shot of a bowl of kfc coleslaw

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

This KFC Coleslaw recipe is a copycat version of the takeout classic. Minimal ingredients and almost NO prep work, this coleslaw is perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks!
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freshly made and tossed italian pasta salad in a bowl.

Italian Pasta Salad

Brimming with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this Italian Pasta Salad is a culinary ticket to the Mediterranean. It's a simple, yet unforgettable dish that promises to dazzle your palate and become a staple at your dining table!
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side view shot of a bowl full of macaroni salad

Macaroni Salad

My Macaroni Salad recipe is tossed with fresh, crunchy veggies, a homemade creamy dressing, and my secret ingredient: bacon. It's always a hit at the dinner table on a busy week night, a potluck, or a sunny summertime BBQ.
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close up of potato salad in a white bowl.

Classic Potato Salad

This Classic Potato Salad is super creamy, crunchy and absolutely delicious. It's the perfect side dish for your summer BBQs or any protein packed entree, super easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes.
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side view shot of a bowl full of mexican street corn salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

To make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad, you'll need to char the corn to get that smoky flavor, then mix it together with the rest of the ingredients. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad, from the crunchy corn to the creamy avocado and tangy cotija cheese, makes it a summer favorite that's perfect for any occasion!
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deviled egg macaroni salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon in it.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad tastes just like deviled eggs, super creamy and loaded with celery, olives, pickles and red onion. Quick, delicious and ready in only 30 minutes!
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asparagus and peas pasta salad in a white pasta bowl.

Asparagus and Peas Pasta Salad

This fresh Asparagus and Peas Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish to take to any potluck, or for any busy weeknight meal. It's loaded with healthy green vegetables and covered in the most delectable and creamy homemade dressing that everyone will rave about.
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blt pasta salad in a bowl.

BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Salad is reminiscent of the classic sandwich, but in salad form! Crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes and crunchy croutons are tossed in a homemade buttermilk dressing. This is a simple salad with big flavor!
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Labor Day Desserts

Got a sweet tooth? No worries! With these easy Labor Day Desserts, you can relax and enjoy the weekend! All you really need is your appetite!

side view shot of cherry sheet cake pieces dusted with powdered sugar

Cherry Sheet Cake

This Cherry Sheet Cake is perfect for the summer! Cherry-studded, sweet, delicious – makes for a perfect afternoon snack or dessert. 
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overhead shot of cherry cobbler in a pan with pieces missing. A serving spoon is resting in the empty pan space

Cherry Cobbler

This easy homemade Cherry Cobbler recipe is made with fresh cherries and a soft rise-to-the-top topping. Served with a scoop of ice cream it'll be at the top of your dessert go-to list!
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a coconut cream pie in a pie plate with a piece missing.

Coconut Cream Pie

Homemade Coconut Cream Pie filled with the most delicious coconut filling. Creamy coconut filling set beautifully in a flaky homemade pie crust, topped off with delicious whipped cream and sprinkled with toasted coconut, makes this recipe a definite family favorite!
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Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a staple for your holiday table! It's super simple to make and a favorite with kids and adults alike. This American classic is made with sour cream, miniature marshmallows, sweetened coconut, pineapple, mandarin and maraschino cherries. The flavors are absolutely incredible!
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banana pudding in a pan with a portion taken out of it.

Banana Pudding

This Banana Pudding knows no bounds when it comes to comforting, flavorful decadence. Creamy, luscious pudding and fresh bananas all layered between crisp, golden chessman cookies. This dessert is so much more than your average pudding!
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a few beignets with powdered sugar on a plate.

Beignets

Nothing beats homemade Beignets! They're soft, pillowy, fluffy and airy, not to mention totally scrumptious. Close your eyes, take a bite and enjoy! 
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fruit salad with lemon dressing in a bowl.

Summer Fruit Salad with Lemon Dressing

This This Summer Fruit Salad with Lemon Dressing is super healthy, delicious, refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. It's absolutely jammed pack full of fresh fruit that is paired with a fabulous sweet tangy dressing, and best of all, this salad really is as good as it looks!
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apple crumble in a baking dish with a serving spoon inside.

Apple Crumble

Crispy, sweet and nostalgic Apple Crumble made completely from scratch! This delicious dessert doesn't need an explanation, but I must say, it's one that is on the top of my list for homemade apple treats.
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overhead shot of a blueberry cobbler in a baking dish with a a serving spoon taking a scoop out

Blueberry Cobbler

There is nothing quite like a homemade Blueberry Cobbler! Using fresh or frozen blueberries, you can enjoy this treat any time of the year. Warm, saucy blueberries spiked with fresh lemon zest, a golden brown buttery topping; this time grandma will be asking for your recipe!
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Labor Day Cocktails

After you’ve eaten all these great foods, you need something to wash it all down. For this, my friends, I have some amazing cocktails that not only are they super easy to make, but they’re incredibly delicious!

a gorgeous pitcher of freshly made white sangria

White Sangria

The quintessential summer cocktail: Sangria! This White Sangria recipe is the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day. After you've slurped up the whole glass, you get to enjoy some sangria marinated fruit! Does it get better than that?
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sideview shot of 2 glasses filled with red sangria and a pitcher in the background

Red Sangria

It's time for a big pitcher of Red Sangria! Loaded with fresh fruit, this is the cocktail you need to add to your summer arsenal. Easy to customize, substitute ingredients, and impossible to mess up. Time to raise your glasses and say salud to this refreshing Spanish treat!
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two glasses filled with paloma and garnished with grapefruit slice.

Paloma

This Paloma cocktail is definitely becoming the favorite drink of this summer! A refreshing combination of sweet and sour, with a fizzy flair and a gorgeous citrusy twist.
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two glasses with gin fizz and garnished with lemon slice.

Gin Fizz

This bubbly Gin Fizz cocktail is bursting with fresh lemon flavor and fizzy soda, perfectly sweetened with simple syrup.
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a rainbow of jello shots in small plastic cups

Jello Shots

Does anything scream party more than Jello Shots? Not in my world! Made with vodka and any flavor of jello you love best. Using just 3 ingredients, this recipe couldn't get any easier. Whisk it, set it, and, after a few of these buzz-worthy treats, forget it.
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two gin and tonic glasses garnished with lime wedges

Gin and Tonic

One of the simplest and most classic cocktails: Gin and Tonic. With notes of juniper, citrus, and a hint of floral aroma, this refreshing two-ingredient cocktail is begging for a place in your hand.
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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

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