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September 4, 2020

Healthy Labor Day Recipes

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Summer is unofficially coming to a close with Labor Day this Monday in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean grilling season is over yet! Keep the outdoor dining going with some of my favorite healthy Labor Day recipes.

September is actually our favorite month to grill. The weather is still warm enough to eat outside, but not so hot that you’re dripping with sweat (especially with the hot grill in the mix)!

healthy labor day recipes

Whether you’re looking for appetizers or side dishes, grilled mains, or dessert/drink ideas that are end of summer friendly, this post has you covered.

I originally published this post a few years ago, but it has been updated with my relevant newer recipes. Enjoy!

Healthy Labor Day Recipes

Labor Day Appetizers & Sides

No BBQ is complete without a few appetizers to munch on while the grill is heating up. Here are a few of my favorites!

Healthier Seven Layer Dip

This dip uses plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo and sour cream for a lightened-up, super flavorful appetizer that tastes just like the original.

healthy labor day recipes - seven layer dip

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This salad is crunchy, tangy, and doesn’t require any cooking. And the grapes add a nice sweetness to the mix!

crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad

Healthy Deviled Eggs

Plain Greek yogurt lightens up the filling while keeping the creaminess – and dijon mustard adds tons of flavor! These deviled eggs are so delicious, and require just 6 ingredients.

healthy deviled eggs recipe

Spicy Hummus Queso Dip

A mix of spicy hummus and cheddar cheese makes this queso creamy, melty, and decadent without being too heavy. Perfect for BBQ snacking!

spicy hummus queso dip

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Is there anything more summery than pasta salad? This is a perfect side dish for a cookout on a hot day!

zesty Italian pasta salad in a bowl with homemade dressing

Lemon Avocado Hummus

Tired of bringing regular ol’ hummus and carrots to parties? This crossover between white bean hummus and guacamole is your answer! It’s super easy to throw together and is a total crowd-pleaser.

healthy labor day recipes - lemon avocado hummus

Mediterranean Sweet Potato & Hummus Bites

These bite-sized snacks are my latest obsession. Roasted sweet potato rounds topped with hummus, tomato, feta, and basil? Yes, please! They’re so easy to make and are perfect for bringing along to a potluck.

healthy labor day recipes - mediterranean sweet potato hummus bites

Quinoa Taco Salad

This taco salad is bright and refreshing, making it perfect for summer and for potlucks. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

quinoa taco salad

Watermelon Rind Coleslaw

If you’ve never used watermelon rind in a recipe before, you’re in for a treat! It adds a nice crunch and freshness to this coleslaw, and cuts down on food waste, too.

healthy labor day recipes - watermelon rind coleslaw

Main Dishes for Labor Day

Here are some of our favorite grilled & grill-able recipes:

Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp

I’m obsessed with chimichurri sauce, and it’s amazing on shrimp. I use some of the sauce to marinate the shrimp, and save the rest to drizzle on top – so much flavor for such little effort!

chimichurri grilled shrimp

Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Pineapple Salsa

These turkey burgers are packed with spicy jerk flavor, while the bright and refreshing pineapple salsa cools them off a bit – this recipe is a great way to dress up regular turkey burgers!

healthy labor day recipes - jamaican jerk turkey burgers

Pesto Baked Salmon with Veggies

This recipe has you baking salmon and veggies on a foil-lined baking sheet – but you could easily turn this into a BBQ game-changer by wrapping everything up in a foil packet and placing it on the grill! Whether you bake or grill it, this recipe is easy and filled with flavor.

healthy labor day recipes - pesto salmon with veggies

Watermelon Chicken with Balsamic Glaze

This grilled chicken has a delicious sweet & salty glaze featuring watermelon and balsamic vinegar. So summery and crave-worthy!

grilled watermelon chicken with balsamic glaze

Grilled Italian Sausage & Veggie Foil Packets

Toss some sausages and your favorite veggies into foil packets for a delicious grilled dinner (+ quick & easy cleanup)!

grilled sausage and vegetable foil packets

Greek Lamb Burgers

Matt and I LOVE these burgers. They have tons of Greek flavor packed right into the patty! Feel free to substitute ground turkey, beef or chicken for the lamb if you’d like. You can use regular buns or serve them up with pita bread to mix it up!

healthy labor day recipes - greek lamb burgers

Roasted Salmon with Watermelon Salsa

Cook this delicious spice-rubbed salmon on the grill instead of in the oven, and you’ve got a perfect Labor Day BBQ main dish! The watermelon salsa is so summery and fresh and adds a great crunch to the dish. This is seriously one of my favorite salmon recipes!

salmon with watermelon salsa

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tacos

Grill up some pork tenderloin for these tasty tacos! Top with homemade salsa verde (recipe included), sliced radishes, cilantro, and/or your favorite taco toppings.

grilled pork tenderloin tacos

Easy Lentil Veggie Burgers

Vegetarians shouldn’t have to stick only to sides or store-bought veggie burgers! These easy 5-minute veggie burgers are the perfect addition to a BBQ spread to make sure everyone has something yummy to eat. They’re so tasty, meat eaters will love them, too!

healthy labor day recipes - lentil veggie burgers

Honey Lime Chicken with Grilled Peach & Corn Salad

This recipe takes lots of yummy summer foods (corn, peaches, grilled chicken) and puts them together for an incredible meal.

honey lime chicken with grilled peach and corn salad

Labor Day Drinks & Desserts

Fun and creative drinks and desserts really take a BBQ to the next level. But they don’t have to be time-consuming or complicated! Here are some of my favorite easy drink and dessert recipes for summertime.

Cucumber Lime Basil Prosecco Spritzer

I absolutely love Prosecco, but it’s nice to mix it up a little from just the basic bubbly!

I love refreshing bubbly drinks, and this one is no exception! It’s light, fresh, incredibly easy, and could totally be made with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.

healthy labor day recipes - cucumber lime basil prosecco spritzer

Fruit Salad with Yogurt Honey-Lime Dressing

This recipe takes fruit salad to the next level with a delicious yogurt & honey-lime dressing. It’s easy, flexible, and absolutely delicious! It’s a great side for brunch or lunch BBQs in particular.

healthy labor day recipes - fruit salad with yogurt honey lime dressing

Zucchini Bread Ice Cream

This dairy-free ice cream tastes like a creamy, cool version of zucchini bread! Perfect for a hot day, plus zucchini is in season during the summertime.

zucchini bread ice cream

Nectarine Popsicles

Who doesn’t love a refreshing popsicle at a BBQ?! Making your own is so simple. Just blend, pour, and freeze.

nectarine popsicles

No-Bake Lemon Bars

These lemon bars are vegan (made with ultra-creamy coconut milk) and don’t require any baking! Even the crust is no-bake, and oh so delicious. Zingy and refreshing!

no bake vegan lemon bars

Watermelon Rosemary Popsicles

The addition of rosemary to these refreshing watermelon popsicles makes them even tastier! The perfect treat to cool down in hot weather.

watermelon rosemary popsicles

No-Bake Blueberry Custard Pie

This blueberry custard pie doesn’t require any baking, so it’s perfect for hot weather. Plus, it’s delicious, and it’ll look so pretty on the table with your Labor Day spread!

no bake blueberry custard pie

What are your favorite things to make for end-of-summer BBQs?

- anne
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you might also like:

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Greek Lamb Burgers with Feta

Healthy Summer Salad Recipes

Healthy Grilling Recipes for Summer

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7 comments
  • Kelli @ Hungry Hobby
    September 1, 2017 · 1:13PM:
    I'm all about the burgers!!!!! happy Labor Day!
    Reply
  • Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups
    September 1, 2017 · 3:33PM:
    All of this looks delicious, but that prosecco spritzer is really speaking to me. Thanks for sharing, hope you have a great weekend!
    Reply
  • Janine September 3, 2017 · 2:04PM:
    Hello Anne! Random question.....I seem to remember that you posted once about running in Seattle? My husband and I are heading there next weekend, and I have a 9mile training run on Sunday morning, just wondered if you by chance have any top-of-mind recommendations for good running spots there. If not, no worries! If so, I don't mind a 4.5mile out and back. Thx!
    Reply
    • Anne
      September 5, 2017 · 9:44AM:
      Yes! The Burke-Gilman trail is lovely (read about it in this post) - check it out! The other runs I've done in Seattle have all been as part of the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon. :) Check out the Rock 'n' Roll course map - that might give you other ideas! I remember we ran on a lovely trail along a lake as part of the race. Have fun!!
      Reply
  • Diego Lopes
    September 5, 2017 · 7:52AM:
    Thank you for sharing this healthy labor day recipes compilation! All of these look super delicious =)
    Reply
    • Anne
      September 5, 2017 · 9:39AM:
      Thanks Diego!
      Reply
  • roadrunner September 4, 2020 · 12:29PM:
    These all look terrific, thanks. I am particularly taken by the variation on taco salad and the lamb burgers. Must try them. Thanks!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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