20 Best Recipes for your Labor Day Cookout

August 24, 2022

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Whether you are heading to the lake, going to the beach, are having a cookout in the backyard; we have the best recipes and drinks for your Labor Day cookout!

Labor Day is typically the last summer get-together before the weather starts cooling off. Spending time with family and friends is a favorite tradition whether it’s at the lake, a state park, or in the neighbor’s backyard for a barbeque cookout. Let us help you plan the perfect meal for your party or the most amazing potluck dish that everyone will remember for your Labor Day party!

We have done the work for you to find the best recipes to please your crowd. Recipes include grilled meats, pasta salads, fruit salads, grilled vegetables, favorite salads, delicious desserts, and even cocktails to get your party started. So grab your grilling tools and fire up that grill and let’s get cooking!

1. Smash Burgers

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Smash Burger Recipe – A juicy burger is a crowd favorite and just what you need for your cookout. The smash burger gives the perfect crispy edge while leaving the tender, juicy inside.

2. Italian Pasta Salad

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Italian Pasta Salad Recipe – A pasta salad is the perfect side to bring to your cookout. This dish has so many flavorful ingredients including salami and fresh mozzarella which is then tossed in a pesto dressing for a light summer recipe.

3. Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe – Fresh sweet corn out of the garden covered in a garlic chive butter. This is one that your crowd will crave!

4. Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe – A juicy tender grilled chicken thigh soaked in a sweet marinade is another delicious option and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

5. Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe – An easy Mediterranean pasta salad bursting with flavors including tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, and Greek dressing.

6. Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe – A classic cucumber and tomato salad which includes avocado and red onion topped with a light and flavorful lemon dressing.

7. Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie

Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie Recipe – Let’s not forget about dessert! The glazed fresh strawberries top the cream cheese filling and the graham cracker crust make this the perfect summer dessert and it’s no-bake.

8. Barbequed Baby Back Ribs

*Photo credit by The Comfort of Cooking*

Barbequed Baby Back Ribs Recipe – The tender, smoky flavor of barbequed ribs is a mouth-watering favorite to please your crowd. These juicy ribs are slow-cooked in the oven and then tossed on the grill to add that great smoky flavor.

9. The Best Potato Salad

The Best Potato Salad Recipe – A classic Southern potato salad with tender potatoes, boiled eggs, and celery. A yummy potato salad complements every cookout as a favorite side dish.

10. Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad

Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad Recipe – A beautiful combination of delicious fruits topped with a sweet honey lime dressing. A perfect blend of a refreshing summer fruit dish.

11. Strawberry Mojito

Strawberry Mojito Recipe – A refreshing summer cocktail lightly sweetened with added strawberries and limes. The fizzy, minty drink will quench your thirst and your guests are sure to enjoy!

12. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe – These juicy, grilled shrimp are marinated in a lemon and herb dressing. They cook super quickly and are full of flavor.

13. Kentucky Coleslaw

Kentucky Coleslaw Recipe – A combination of creamy coleslaw and a vinegar-based coleslaw. The mayonnaise and vinegar provide for a creamy and tangy flavor with restaurant quality.

14. Easy Bean Salad

Easy Bean Salad Recipe – A healthy side dish made with beans and crisp cucumber. The salad is drizzled with a sweetened light vinaigrette and seasoned with oregano.

15. Summer Berry Trifle

Summer Berry Trifle Recipe – This patriotic colored dish is filled with sponge cake is layered with fruit, a sweetened custard, and whipped topping. A light flavorful dessert that will surely satisfy the sweet cravings of your crowd.

16. Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce Recipe – A delicious cut of meat slow-cooked to a tender, juicy perfection and covered with a homemade barbeque sauce. This beef brisket is sure to please your crowd.

17. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad Recipe – A classic crowd favorite to bring to a potluck. This staple dish contains red pepper, celery, and red onion mixed with macaroni and tossed with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.

18. Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad Recipe– A quick, easy salad made with crisp apples, grapes, crunchy walnuts, and raisins and mixed with a homemade dressing consisting of mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar.

19. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe – Who doesn’t love a soft, buttery cookie bar loaded with melted sweet chocolate chips! Your guests will be begging for seconds. Don’t forget about the dessert to please your crowd.

20. Summer Sunset Cocktail

Summer Sunset Cocktail Recipe – A light and fruity summer cocktail filled with vodka and peach schnapps and mixed with orange and cranberry juices. This one is sure to get your crowd relaxed and ready for great conversations.