35 Easy Labor Day Dinner Ideas to Wow Your Guests

Labor Day is slowly creeping up, which means it’s time to prep for your Labor Day meal. Fire up the grill, kick back outside and enjoy the last celebration as summer comes to an end. Looking for Labor Day dinner ideas? From classic burgers to potato salad and even ranch water, the options are endless. Here are a few easy recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Table of contents

• Appetizers 
• Main dishes
• Side dishes
• Desserts 
• Beverages 

1. Mini corn dogs

Category: Appetizers

Kids and adults alike love this all-American food. Buy a package of corn dogs from the frozen foods section of your local grocery store or put this crunchy corn dog recipe to the test.

2. BLT bites

Category: Appetizers

A twist on the classic sandwich, you’ll need all the usual fixings except the bread for these BLT bites. Hollow out large cherry tomatoes and fill with a mixture of crumbled bacon, finely chopped lettuce and mayonnaise. Serve with American flag toothpicks.

3. Veggie tray

Category: Appetizers

Save time by grabbing a big veggie tray from the produce department. Or make customized ones with unique veggies like radishes, bell peppers and jicama.

4. Gelatin cubes

Category: Appetizers

Layer red, white and blue gelatin in a square pan. Once solid, cut into cubes and arrange on a clear tray for an attractive snack hungry dinner guests will gobble up in no time.

5. Layered taco dip and chips

Category: Appetizers

For this layered taco dip recipe, take a casserole dish or individual cups  and layer the following ingredients:

• 2 cans of refried beans
• 1 cup of cooked chopped chicken or ground beef
• 1 jar of salsa
• 1 16-ounce container of sour cream
• 2 diced avocados
• 1 can of sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 2 medium chopped tomatoes

Serve with corn or flour tortilla chips and watch it disappear.

6. Slow cooker barbecue chicken on buns

Category: Main dishes

Looking for a chicken slider recipe that’s as close to labor-free as possible? This slow cooker chicken recipe requires only a few ingredients and steps.

Place six washed chicken breasts in your slow cooker and top with two 16-ounce containers of your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook on low for at least 12 hours. Serve on buns from the bakery.

7. Grilled steak

Category: Main dishes

Another easy-peasy Labor Day dinner idea is grilled steaks. Cook your steaks to the desired level of doneness and serve with a variety of sauces and baked potatoes.

8. Lemon butter grilled salmon

Category: Main dishes

You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to get this lemon butter grilled salmon. Instead, buy some cedar planks, place the cleaned salmon pieces on top, and grill until the salmon is flaky and thoroughly cooked — about 12 to 15 minutes.

9. Barbecue ribs

Category: Main dishes

Take out your family’s favorite recipe for ribs and make everyone’s tummy happy this Labor Day. These are a crowd favorite, so be sure to make more ribs than you think you’ll eat!

10. Grilled flatbread pizza

Category: Main dishes

Who can resist pizza? Add a grown-up twist to everyone’s favorite food by using flatbread and cooking it on the grill. You can prep a traditional pizza recipe ahead of time and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it, or let everyone add the toppings they want.

11. Grilled eggplant

Category: Main dishes

Give your guests the ultimate Labor Day dinner by grilling eggplant. This summer veggie tastes great by itself or elevate your dinner with this eggplant Parmesan recipe.

12. Chicken wings

Category: Main dishes

You can never go wrong with serving chicken wings marinated in your favorite seasoning or sauce. Try this crispy baked chicken wing recipe packed with flavor.

13. All-American burgers

Category: Main dishes

Burgers are a go-to Labor Day dinner idea because they’re delicious and customizable. Choose your favorite meat or meat alternatives and serve with all the fixings. Try this juicy burger recipe at your upcoming cookout.

14. Pork chops

Category: Main dishes

The key to making the best pork chops is choosing the right marinade. Try this pork chop recipe full of flavor with every bite.

15. Loaded hot dogs

Category: Main dishes

Elevate this Labor Day dinner idea by creating a build-your-own hot dog station. Grill up some hot dogs wrapped in bacon and serve them with toppings.

16. Chicken skewers

Category: Main dishes

Chicken skewers are easy to make and full of flavor. Choose this satay chicken skewer recipe if you want an Asian-inspired flair for your barbecue. You can also opt for a classic marinade with spices like garlic, onion and paprika.

17. Crispy garlic shrimp

Category: Main dishes

You can’t go wrong with this crispy garlic shrimp recipe for your celebration. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

18. Strawberry and spinach salad with feta

Category: Side dishes

To create this summer salad, chop 10 cups of fresh baby spinach with 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1 cup of pecans. Drizzle with a wine vinaigrette dressing.

19. Pasta salad

Category: Side dishes

Whip up one of your family’s favorite recipes or stop by the deli for a pound or two of pasta salad. Get smaller amounts of a couple different ready-made salads or put this refreshing pasta salad recipe to the taste test.

20. Chopped salad

Category: Side dishes

Make this chopped salad ahead of time or let everyone make their own. You’ll need essential salad ingredients like lettuce, spinach, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, olives, peppers and salad dressing. Chop everything into uniform pieces, place toppings in a bowl and mix with a large spoon.

21. Cucumber onion salad

Category: Side dishes

Making this cucumber onion salad requires only a few steps and ingredients. Wash cucumbers well (peel if you want) and slice thinly, then peel and thinly slice a whole yellow or white onion. Put in a lidded container. Make a dressing with 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the veggie mixture, stir, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

22. Corn on the cob

Category: Side dishes

No Labor Day dinner is complete without corn. This corn on the cob recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.

23. Loaded baked potatoes

Category: Side dishes

Sure, roasted potatoes are delicious, but loaded baked potatoes are top-notch! Don’t forget to serve with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chives. You can also use a sour cream alternative that’s equally delicious.

24. Classic coleslaw

Category: Side dishes

Short on time? This coleslaw recipe takes very little effort but is sure to impress your Labor Day party guests.

25. Fruit and cake trifle

Category: Desserts

This fruit cake trifle looks like a million bucks and tastes great, but it’s inexpensive and easy to make. Cut an angel food cake into bite-sized pieces, wash and slice strawberries, wash blueberries, and mix a large container of whipped topping with two packages of prepared vanilla pudding. Grab a large clear glass bowl or individual cups to layer the cake, berries and whipped cream mixture to create this refreshing dessert.

26. Crispy rice bars

Category: Desserts

Channel your inner child and make your favorite cereal treat with a twist — make these crispy rice bars and add red food coloring to one and blue to another. When they’re cool, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut them and arrange them on trays.

27. Novelty ice cream treats

Category: Desserts

For low-fuss desserts, hit up the ice cream aisle at your favorite supermarket and get the fun ice cream treats you usually skip.

28. Rosé push pops

Category: Desserts

Use push pop or popsicle molds to make these grown-up icy treats. Place some fruit in the containers and add your favorite rosé wine. Freeze and enjoy!

29. Strawberry poke cake

Category: Desserts

This strawberry poke cake is a tasty addition to any Labor Day party. Make a large white or yellow cake and poke holes in it with the end of a wooden spoon after it’s cooled off. Prepare a box of strawberry gelatin and pour it over top of the cake. Chill for three hours, then top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

30. Blueberry cobbler

Category: Desserts

Send off the summer season the right way by making this blueberry cobbler recipe. Serve with your favorite ice cream for the most delicious treat.

31. Peach pie

Category: Desserts

Unsure what to serve with your Labor Day dinner ideas? Choose this peach pie recipe made with fresh fruit and cinnamon. One slice is never enough!

32. Strawberry lemonade

Category: Beverages

You can make this from scratch or do it the easy way: use a powdered lemonade mix or frozen concentrate. Feeling a bit extra? Add some sliced strawberries to the pitcher for added flavor. You can also add your favorite type of whiskey for a refreshing cocktail.

33. Cherry sodas

Category: Beverages

Mix your favorite brand of regular or diet cola with grenadine syrup. Serve with a maraschino cherry.

34. Fruit juice

Category: Beverages

Buy extra fresh fruit this summer and make some fruit juice that goes down like water! Blend 8 cups of cubed fruit (we recommend watermelon) with 1/4 cup of sugar and the juice of one lime. Add water as needed until it’s liquid. Serve over ice.

35. Ranch water

Category: Beverages
Cool off in the blazing heat with a pitcher of ranch water. This refreshing cocktail will keep your guests cool and satisfied.

Additional Labor Day food ideas

Looking for more Labor Day dinner ideas? Here are a few resources to help you:

• Labor Day Dessert Ideas for Your Holiday Party
• Labor Day Cocktail Ideas and Recipes for Easy Drinks
• Labor Day Picnic Ideas and Simple Recipes
• Top Labor Day Food Traditions
• Labor Day Menu Ideas for Your Holiday Party
• Labor Day Grilling Ideas

Stock up for your Labor Day dinner

Don’t stress over your Labor Day dinner plans — use Instacart to place your grocery order. Find all the ingredients you need without the hassle of going to the store. A professional shopper will deliver your order to your doorstep.