Stock up on charcoal, fire up the grill, and commit to that healthy reset on Tuesday, because this long weekend is all about these delicious Labor Day recipe ideas.
Even if your kids are back in school, chances are you’ve still managed to hit the pool a bit and keep the summer vibes alive. But, alas, all good things come to an end. And this weekend is our last hurrah so we’re all about celebrating, safely, of course, with food!
Oh, and if you’re thinking about taking your Labor Day cookout on the road, be sure to check out this amazing portable charcoal grill that saved our summer camping trip.
Related: 5 must-have burger grilling tools
Labor Day recipes: Apps and sides
Pasta salad on a stick recipe at Meg’s Everyday Indulgence
Serve up one of these 7 creative and awesome salsa recipes that you can whip up quickly.
How about a dip bar with these super simple, super tasty dip recipes?
We also love these 10 homemade dip or dressing recipes that make for an easy Labor Day party side dish or main when you add veggies.
If Labor Day weekend also means tailgating, you’ll want to whip up these Creamy Chicken Enchilada Potato Skins.
Love all of these fresh summer pasta salad ideas for when you’ve already used up every trick you’ve got. Great for starters, sides, or even main courses!
Too hot to grill everything? These cold noodle dishes from around the globe will hit the spot.
Get your party started right with these 6 make-ahead appetizer recipes that are so easy.
Ten easy appetizers that can double as dinner
Related: 10 of the best grilling hacks for backyard barbecues and grilling.
Labor Day recipes: Main dishes
Vegetarian cookout ideas that even meat-eaters will love | Caroline Siegrist for Cool Mom Eats
6 killer hot dog recipes that go beyond the plain old ketchup and mustard. And speaking of ketchup, and mustard, here are 13 ideas for creative hot dog toppings!
We’ve got some delicious vegetarian cookout ideas that even meat-eaters will love. Also, check out this recipe for vegetarian sliders. Yum.
For a twist on classic cookout fare, try these 9 burger recipes from around the world.
5 easy grilled dinner recipes if you want to do a celebrate for a whole week
The motherlode: 40 summer grilling recipes and ideas.
And if you’re grilling for a crowd, here are tips and 10+ easy grilling ideas for your next outdoor party.
Do something different and grill pizzas for your party. Genius!
Another way to go: 5 easy dinner ideas all using food and produce in season right now.
Make use of tomatoes in season with these wonderful ideas for what to make with a pint of cherry tomatoes.
Related: How long can food be left out during the summer before it spoils?
Labor Day recipes: Drinks
5-Ingredient Lavender Collins recipe | Cali Girl Cooking
Gorgeous botanical cocktail recipes are a perfect send-off to the warm weather. (Sniff.)
10 of the best canned cocktails for those drinking less
Of course, we’re still saying rosé all day with these rosé wine cocktails.
Outrageous lemonade hacks to make yours more delicious — whether for the kids or the adults.
Try your hand at a homemade recipe for sun tea (it’s easy), with some tips to make it even more delicious.
Raise a toast to the end of summer with these sophisticated Margarita recipes.
These creative sangria recipes are perfection (and not a lot of work either).
12 creative frozen cocktail recipes: Boozie slushies, granitas, popsicles, and more.
Related: 13 watermelon hacks and serving ideas.
Labor Day recipes: Desserts
The easiest, most impressive dessert you can make on a grill: the Berry Crisp, above, from our own Jane Sweeney.
13 watermelon hacks and serving ideas: a favorite post with our readers each summer.
A homemade chocolate shell recipe for all that ice cream (of course).
Try a fun summer dessert pizza that will feed a crowd.
These 12 mindblowingly creative ice cream serving tips and hacks turn even a scoop of vanilla into something special,
If you want to lighten things up a bit, these lighter summer desserts are a must try.
And there are even more all-star, no-bake summer desserts here too.
Popsicles aren’t just for kids! These gourmet popsicle recipes are great for grown-ups.
What’s a barbecue without s’mores? We’ve got 9 fantastic s’mores recipes you’ll definitely want to try.
