Easy Labor Day Side Dishes

Labor Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy one last tasty barbecue of summer in style. From succulent grilled main courses and refreshing salads, to irresistible desserts and delightful side dishes – Labor Day side dishes will ensure your celebration will be one to remember!

Watermelons, cucumbers and feta in an easy herby vinaigrette is the ultimate summer salad!

Grilled Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are at their prime right now, making them an essential summer vegetable that won’t disappoint! Grilling brings out their sweetness while adding an irresistibly smoky note that really stands out. Grilled heirloom tomatoes make an easy and delicious side dish perfect for any protein, pasta dishes and classic cookout fare like burgers – be sure to give this classic favorite a try soon!

This simple salad makes an inviting centerpiece for Labor Day gatherings. Made with fresh heirloom tomatoes and feta cheese, its combination will delight both guests at your potluck as well as for barbecue dinners at home.

Fresh guacamole is sure to impress at any gathering, and this version made with lime juice and salt makes for the ideal tangy dip! Plus, there are even secret ingredients added in for extra creamy goodness!

At your final barbecue of the summer, this show-stopping entree will surely impress friends and family alike. Packed with sweet-savory flavor combinations that pair beautifully with chicken, pork, fish and veggies grilled over an open fire, this recipe can easily serve a crowd. Simply double or triple for large gatherings!

This dessert is so simple to create, making it one of my go-to summer BBQ desserts. Start by creating homemade biscuits that can be cut in half and topped with macerated strawberries and blueberries, whipped chantilly cream, topped off with the remaining biscuit and more macerated strawberries and blueberries before topping with another biscuit on top for the final layer. I actually find myself making this treat for our own home meals even when we aren’t hosting any parties – definitely something worth trying this year.

Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes

Those looking for an impressive and colorful salad dish should try this easy recipe of Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Pasta Salad. It comes together quickly, and makes an ideal side dish with any summer meal of grilled vegetables or fish. Heirloom tomatoes add both color and flavor; look out for those with unusual colors and shapes at farmer’s markets – they may be sweeter and juicier than supermarket varieties!

This delicious tomato and cucumber pasta salad is both simple and nutritous! Made with whole wheat pasta, heirloom tomatoes packed with vitamins A & C, iron-rich green beans, olive oil & unsalted butter as part of the dressing and healthy fats from olive oil + unsalted butter in its preparation, simply combine all the flavors together before tossing with your vinaigrette for best results.

heirloom tomatoes in this salad are so flavorful, it doesn’t require much in terms of dressing. If desired, adding some sweet red onion slices or fresh herbs for additional zest could give this salad an extra dimension in terms of taste. Crumbled sheep’s milk feta would also add something special.

While your pasta is cooking, start prepping the remaining ingredients. Thinly slice basil and red onion before setting aside. If you can find small heirloom tomatoes to use in this salad, use them. Otherwise any cherry or medium-sized tomato will do; and if mozzarella pearls cannot be found cut any mid-sized mozzarella ball into smaller pieces instead for this salad recipe.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, combine it with tomatoes, red onion, and basil in a bowl and combine using a whisk before seasoning it to your taste with salt and pepper as desired. If possible, cover and allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before refrigerating before serving.

Grilled Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is an elegant classic that’s an ideal dish to bring to Labor Day cookouts as it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. If you want something different for this Labor Day cookout, add grilled ingredients like jalapeo peppers or chopped green chiles for a zestier take on this family favorite dish.

While this recipe is best served during fall and winter when fresh corn is out of season, it’s also an enjoyable way to use up leftover summer corn that has begun losing its sweetness. When selecting canned corn for this dish, be sure to choose one with vibrant hues and fresh, moist husks – any small brown holes could indicate insects which should not be consumed!

When grilling this casserole, be sure to use high heat settings and move the corn frequently so it doesn’t burn. Alternatively, bake this dish instead using a lightly greased baking dish so the casserole won’t stick together!

This simple yet delicious side dish makes an excellent addition to any backyard BBQ or summer gathering. This tasty combo combines yellow and zucchini summer squashes, tomatoes, onion, fresh herbs and bacon into one delicious savory treat! If you prefer lighter fare, just substitute with some grated cheddar instead of bacon!

When selecting a side dish to bring to a party, it’s always advisable to opt for something easy that can be made ahead of time. This quinoa salad recipe allows you to quickly create it before leaving home!

Though this quinoa salad is delicious on its own, you can easily tailor it to suit your personal preferences by adding different vegetables or altering its spices and seasonings. For instance, adding diced chicken makes for a heartier meal or extra vegetables such as zucchini and broccoli can provide additional nutrition benefits.

Greek Pasta Salad

This refreshing salad makes an irresistible Labor Day spread, filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives and plenty of feta cheese. An irresistibly flavorful lemon vinaigrette completes the dish for an amazing salad suitable for family meals, potlucks or picnics alike!

Prep time for this Greek pasta salad is extremely quick and straightforward: simply cook and rinse the pasta according to its package directions before rinsing under cool water for cooling, prep your vegetables, and prepare your salad dressing while the pasta cools off before combining all of the ingredients and tossing well together before garnishing it with parsley for serving! Your Labor Day gathering awaits this delectable Greek pasta salad!

While this recipe calls for classic vegetables like tomatoes, red onion and cucumbers, feel free to swap in other vegetables of your choosing, such as zucchini or baby spinach for cucumber. Or add protein by roasting or sauteeing chicken breasts or cubing steak into the mix! For an even heartier meal try substituting some roasted or sauteed chicken or cubed steak as heartier proteins for this Greek salad recipe – for instance Try substituting for dairy-free feta alternatives such as Follow Your Heart vegan crumbles or VIOLIFE Just Like Feta Block instead!

If you want to prepare this Greek salad ahead of time, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and toss before serving so all areas are coated with its delicious dressing.

The salad can keep in your fridge for up to a week, though for optimal results serve within three days as the pasta soaks up more dressing with every day that passes. Enjoy this Greek pasta salad on its own as lunch or dinner or serve it alongside grilled chicken breast or cold lobster rolls (called New England lobster salad). Alternatively if making enough to feed a larger crowd you could divide into individual meal prep containers and separate out veggies, pasta, feta cheese and dressing before mixing everything together!