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Looking for recipe ideas for your end of summer cookout or party? Here are over 50 healthy Labor Day recipes with everything from burgers and summer salads to desserts and drinks.
We’re nearing the end of summer, which means that Labor Day weekend is right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to start planning your labor day recipes.
I love a good Labor Day party. Pools, warm weather, friends and lots of yummy food… what more could you ask for?!
Now that we have a pool at our house we’ll probably just have some friends and family over and grill out.
Table of Contents
Healthy Cookout Tips
Here are a few easy ways to keep your Labor Day menu light and feel-good, without missing out:
- Lighten up the classics: Make small swaps; Greek yogurt in pasta salad, baked sweet potato fries, or fresh fruit for dessert.
- Healthy grilling tips: Stick to lean proteins, use simple marinades (like olive oil + lemon), and grill lots of veggies.
- Smart ingredient swaps: Try whole wheat buns, skip the mayo for hummus or avocado, and use homemade sauces when you can.
- Portion + Balance: Fill half your plate with veggies, add some protein, and leave space for a fun side or treat.
Need more tips? Check out my full post on 7 tips for eating healthy at a cookout.
Diet Preference Key
DF = Dairy-free GF = Gluten-free V = Vegan
*Any recipe labeled V is also dairy-free.
Side Dishes & Snacks
No Labor Day party is complete without a table full of snacks and sides! These recipes are perfect for grazing before the main event—think crowd-pleasing dips, finger foods, and fresh veggie-packed dishes that everyone will love.
- Yogurt Fruit Dip GF
- Watermelon Fries GF
- Black Bean Dip GF, V
- Guacamole GF, V
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes GF, V
- Vinegar Coleslaw GF, V
- Easy Fruit Salad GF, V
- Pineapple Salsa GF, V
- Black Bean and Corn Salad GF, V
- Easy Corn Salsa GF, V
- Roasted Zucchini and Squash GF, V
Pasta Salads
Pasta salad is a cookout classic and these versions are lighter, fresher, and totally meal-prep friendly. They’re perfect for making ahead and serving cold, which makes them ideal for hot weather hangouts.
Side Salads
These salads are anything but boring. We’re talking crisp greens, juicy fruit, roasted veggies, crunchy toppings, and flavorful dressings that’ll have everyone going back for seconds.
Main Meals
Whether you’re firing up the grill or keeping things simple with one-pan meals, these healthier mains are perfect for feeding a crowd. Plenty of options here for meat lovers and vegetarians alike!
- Vegan Sloppy Joes GF, V
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts GF, DF
- The Best Turkey Burger DF
- Salmon Burgers
- Black Bean Burgers GF, V
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Burgers GF, DF
- Teriyaki Salmon Burgers GF, DF
- The Best Tempeh Veggie Burger V
- Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers GF
- BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches GF, V
- Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken GF, DF
- Grilled Shrimp GF, DF
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs GF, DF
- Grilled Salmon GF, DF
Desserts
End your Labor Day spread on a sweet note with one of these better-for-you desserts. They’re festive, fruity, and made with wholesome ingredients. No one will even miss the store-bought treats.
- Healthy Blueberry Crumble GF, V
- Zucchini Brownies GF, DF
- One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream GF, V
- Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries GF
- Black Bean Brownies GF, DF
- Greek Yogurt Popsicles GF
- Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark GF
- Frozen Banana Snickers GF, V
- Chocolate Strawberry Banana Yogurt Clusters GF
- Greek Yogurt Berry Tart GF
- Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake Bars GF, V
- Lime and Avocado Tart GF, V
- Healthy Peach Crisp GF, V
Drinks
Cool down with one of these refreshing sips! From fruit-forward mocktails to lightened-up cocktails, these drinks are the perfect way to beat the heat and toast the end of summer.
- Skinny Paloma GF, V
- Strawberry Frosé GF, V
- Vodka Cranberry with Lime GF, V
- Skinny Mojito GF, V
- White Wine Sangria GF, V
- Skinny Piña Colada GF, V
How to Plan a Healthy Labor Day Menu
Putting together a balanced, delicious spread for Labor Day doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s how I like to plan things out:
- Drinks for all: I like to offer a fun mocktail, fresh lemonade or even a pitcher cocktail. Hydration and celebration!
- Pick a protein: Grilled chicken, salmon, burgers (including veggie versions!) — I like to start with one or two main options that everyone will enjoy.
- Add at least two sides: Think fresh and seasonal. A pasta salad and a green salad is usually my go-to combo, or something hearty like grilled sweet potatoes.
- Don’t skip the dips: Hummus, guac, or a bean dip are perfect for snacking while people hang out before the main meal.
- Something sweet: I love having a fun dessert on the table — bonus points if it’s no-bake and can be made ahead.
More Collections to Check Out
- 18 Delicious Fall Salads
- 30+ Healthy Apple Recipes
- 50 Healthy Fall Dinner Recipes
- 20 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes
- 30+ Healthy Summer Desserts
- 8 Low Calorie Cocktails
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Labor Day Recipes + The Best Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey, I used 93% lean
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, or tamari
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Hamburger buns
- Toppings of choice: Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onion, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Mix together turkey, egg, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
- Using your hands, form mixture into 5 patties.
- Cook on preheated grill or grill pan until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve immediately on bun with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Worcestershire sauce: If you don’t have worcestershire sauce on hand you can use soy sauce or tamari.
- Low carb option: Serve the burger on lettuce leaves instead of a bun or serve the burger over a salad.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
