70+ Best Labor Day Recipes

Meggan Hill

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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.

Miniature Oreo brownie trifles in small clear plastic cups.


 

Table of Contents

  1. Tri Tip
  2. Easy Potato Salad
  3. Cowboy Caviar
  4. Oreo Brownie Trifle
  5. Watermelon Agua Fresca

Tri Tip

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.

Tri-tip slices on a wood cutting board.

More reasons to fire up the grill

Grilling and Smoker Recipes

Chili Dogs

Grilled hot dogs are good. Grilled hot dogs topped with homemade beef chili are even better! Try this Chili Dog recipe the next time you’re craving comfort food, as part of a tailgate menu, or…

2 hours 10 minutes

Easy Potato Salad

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).

Potato salad on a white plate.

More delicious side dishes

Salad Recipes

Easy Cold Pasta Salad

This Easy Cold Pasta Salad has broccoli, bell peppers, zesty Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple and always a favorite! There are tons of fun ways you can change up this salad, depending on…

30 minutes

Cowboy Caviar

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!

Cowboy caviar in a bowl on a white plate with tortilla chips.

More dips and snacks

Appetizer Recipes

Dill Dip Recipe

This Dill Dip Recipe is a sure-fire hit for all your parties from here on out. This super creamy classic uses only dried herbs and spices (a great excuse to raid your spice cabinet) and only tastes better when you make it a day in advance.

5 minutes

Oreo Brownie Trifle

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.

Oreo brownie trifle assembled in a trifle dish.

More sweets for a crowd

Cake Recipes

Pig Pickin Cake

A legendary dessert that’s plated up at pig roasts throughout the South, Pig Pickin’ Cake, aka Pig Cake, is as fluffy, fruity, and fabulous as it gets. And good news—this sunshiny orange and pineapple cake is the easiest thing in the world to make.

1 hour 45 minutes

Watermelon Agua Fresca

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!

Pretty, pink, and refreshingly sweet, Watermelon Agua Fresca makes drinking water feel like a party! The watermelon version is perfect during the summer months when watermelon is in peak season. Low in calories and high in flavor, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation with every sip!

More drinks for the thirsty

Drink Recipes

8 Infused Water Recipes

Stay hydrated with these easy infused water recipes. If you find plain ol’ H2O to be boring, consider making a pitcher of infused water that scores a hint of flavor from fresh fruit, vegetables, and…

5 minutes
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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.

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Comments

    1. Hi Bev, you are so welcome! I will do my best! I’m glad you enjoyed this round-up and I hope it helps you plan your Labor Day menu! – Meggan