Labor Day Dishes That Elevated Summer's Final Weekend

Celebrate the long weekend with a feast fit for a king! Here are 25 mouth-watering dishes from "The Labor Day Cookbook" that will transform your barbecue into an unforgettable event.

1. Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

With a smoky-sweet crust, this salmon dish is cooked low and slow, ready in about 40 minutes. The cedar plank imparts a unique flavour, making it a must-try for your Labor Day feast.

2. Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

Bring together creamy filling, fruity topping, and a salty pretzel crust in this chilled dish. Perfect for picnics and outdoor parties, it's a delightful treat for hot summer weekends.

3. Watermelon Popsicles

A frozen treat made with real fruit, these popsicles are ready in just 10 minutes of prep and a few hours of freezing time. They're the perfect refreshing snack for your Labor Day gathering.

4. 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Burger

This no-nonsense main dish boasts six layers of flavour and cooks in about 25 minutes. It's a delicious addition to your Labor Day barbecue.

5. Sugar-Free Coleslaw With Creamy Dressing

Balancing crunch and tang, this coleslaw is a sharp contrast to anything hot off the grill. Ready in about 10 minutes with fresh cabbage and a smooth dressing, it's a healthier side dish option.

6. Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon

Cooked directly on the grill, this salmon dish is ready in about 20 minutes, with charred edges and a tender, flaky center. It's a simple yet delicious seafood option.

7. Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Serve a crowd quickly with minimal cleanup with these sheet pan quesadillas. Packed with beans, corn, and cheese, they're a crowd-pleasing dish for your Labor Day party.

8. Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

This refreshing side dish features a tangy dressing, soft pasta, and crunchy veggies, ready in about 20 minutes. It's the perfect accompaniment to your Labor Day barbecue.

9. Basil Peach Cobbler

Blending sweet, ripe peaches with an herby note and buttery crust, this cobbler bakes in under an hour and makes use of summer's fading fruit basket. It's the perfect ending to your Labor Day meal.

10. Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema

Bring sweet heat to the grill with these peach salmon skewers and their tangy crema. Cooked in minutes, they're a quick and delicious dish for your Labor Day barbecue.

11. Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

These crispy appetizers are perfect for dipping and ready in 10-15 minutes. They're a tasty addition to your Labor Day spread.

12. Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Handheld meals with marinated chicken and fresh toppings, these wraps are ready in about 30-35 minutes. They're a delicious and convenient option for your Labor Day party.

13. Russian Potato Salad

This hearty, creamy side dish is served chilled and anchors the cold corner of the table. It's a traditional dish that's perfect for your Labor Day feast.

14. Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Coming out crispy, juicy, and perfectly sweet-and-spicy, these chicken tenders are ready in under 30 minutes without turning on the oven. They're a tasty addition to your Labor Day menu.

15. Easy Lemon Tiramisu

This cool, no-bake dessert brings sunshine to your Labor Day spread, layering ladyfingers with citrus-soaked mascarpone. It's the perfect ending to your outdoor feast.

16. Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Bring the heat with melty cheese, shredded chicken, and a bold spice kick. This dip serves warm from the oven or keeps bubbling in a slow cooker during the party.

17. Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Simmer low and slow, freeing you up to enjoy the day while the flavour builds. These beans take 6-8 hours but require almost no hands-on time. They're a delicious and easy addition to your Labor Day menu.

18. Red, White, and Blue Angel Food Cake

Celebrate the long weekend with patriotic flair and fresh summer fruit. This angel food cake balances well with strawberries and blueberries.

19. Easy Instant Pot Brisket

Deliver big barbecue flavor without needing hours over a smoker. This brisket turns out tender, juicy, and packed with spice rub flavor.

20. Pickle Pasta Salad

With a bold, tangy crunch, this pasta salad is ready in about 25 minutes and holds well for hours at room temp. It's a tasty and refreshing side dish option.

21. Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

This no-cook side features fresh basil, soft lettuce, and juicy peaches. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a quick and easy addition to your Labor Day spread.

22. Easy 4th of July Flatbread Pizza

With American flag toppings, this pizza is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for feeding a group.

23. Pistachio Ice Cream

This make-ahead dessert has a nutty sweetness, perfect for late-summer evenings.

24. Grilled Scallops

Cooked quickly with a citrusy wine-based sauce, these scallops feel upscale without overpowering the meal.

25. Spiced Grilled Corn

Add bold flavor to your barbecue spread in under 15 minutes. Brushed with seasoning and cooked directly over the fire, it's a delicious and easy side dish.

Enjoy these 25 delicious dishes and make your Labor Day celebration one to remember!