Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, is upon us. (How is that possible?) It’s the last barbecue weekend before school gets back into full swing (for some, it’s been in full swing for a while!) and a sweet end to what has hopefully been a delicious summer.
Whether entertaining this weekend or simply in need of fresh inspiration to make the most of the late summer bounty, the following collection of recipes is sure to help — and squeak out every scrumptious last bite of summer!
Leaner Pulled Pork Barbecue
This easy-to-make recipe can be adjusted to any number of diners and offers a leaner spin on what has long been a crowd favorite. Top with your favorite slaw for an extra delicious bite!
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Cumin Lime Coleslaw
Thanks to its crisp texture, vibrant flavor and impressive versatility, this super simple side dish might just become a new favorite way to eat your veggies.
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Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Feta Salsa
Using feta creates a tasty twist to the traditional capers salad, and pairs beautifully with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
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Best Grilled Caesar Salads
Cool, crisp romaine is quickly seared and then brushed with a classic, creamy Caesar dressing for salad that is sure to become a family and entertaining favorite.
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Easy Cheesy Pepper Poppers
A flavor-packed appetizer that can also be served as a tasty side dish, these 3-ingredient bites are quick to assemble and bake to golden, cheesy perfection.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad
Popular Mexican street fare is reinvented as a flavor-packed salad that’s quick to prepare and always a hit!
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Grilled Chicken Wings
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, grilled wings are fuss-free and finger licking good. A choice of flavorings will satisfy every taste preference.
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Classic Wedge Salad
Crisp, cold, and loaded with flavor, a well-constructed wedge salad complements virtually any meal – and can be the meal with the addition of a favorite protein.
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Easiest Marinated Grilled Veggies
Enjoy summer's bounty in the simplest of ways with a quick and easy marinade and a simple grill.
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Small Batch Ranch Dressing (or Dip)
This small batch recipe is endlessly versatile, fresher tasting than store-bought, and ideal for dipping your favorite fresh veggies!
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The Staycation Burger (a deliciously simple pork burger with options)
One bite of these easy-to-make patties could make you rethink your usual burger. The base recipe has become regular weeknight fare in our house, and the optional pineapple onion jam offers a restaurant-worthy upgrade!
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Roasted Eggplant Salad with Smoked Almonds & Goat Cheese
This unique salad offers a little something smoky/salty/tangy plus a hint of crunch to balance the creaminess of the roasted eggplant. Stir cooked pasta into the eggplant mixture for a pasta salad version!
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Slow Grilled Baby Back Ribs
The cooking time for these crowd-pleasing ribs is long but the effort is minimal – and the results are nothing short of finger-licking good!
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Cilantro Lime Edamame & Black Bean Salad
Quick to prepare and brimming with zippy flavor, this colorful salad can be served as a versatile side dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips.
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Hanger Steak with Romesco Sauce
A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is bursting with flavor, and a romesco sauce that is vibrant and endlessly versatile.
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Grilled Zucchini with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Syrup
Three key ingredients take zucchini to new heights in this convenient and economical side dish that is destined to become a seasonal standout.
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Snappy Honey Grilled Shrimp
A flavorful 3-ingredient marinade makes this lightly spicy recipe as easy as it is delicious. For added heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne to taste.
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Grilled Shishito Peppers
Serve these sweet and (almost always!) mild Japanese peppers as a quick, easy, and surprisingly popular appetizer or side dish.
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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
An economical can of beans teams up with fresh veggies and a flavorful vinaigrette in this versatile, plant-based salad that can be adapted in countless ways. No cooking required!
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Corn Fritters with Smoked Paprika Aioli
Golden corn fritters are a deliciously easy way to repurpose leftover corn and there’s no need to deep fry. The simple sauce is optional but takes the fritters to the next level!
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Tuna, Tomato & White Bean Salad
A handful of pantry staples meets sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs in this protein-rich, flavor-packed salad. Something a little different to add to the usual potluck items!
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Easy Baked Beans
These baked beans pair perfectly with all of the traditional Labor Day fare, or any time you need a side dish that's loaded with flavor!
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Blue Cheese (or Feta) Turkey Burgers
This easy, make-ahead recipe is sure to become a favorite for casual entertaining and special occasions. The quick, no-bake homemade crust adds something special (and allows for a gluten-free option).
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Mix & Match Grilled Seafood Packets (aka Ocean Packets)
Customize these individual packets based on preferences and or allergies, for a meal that's easy to make and fun to eat!
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Sandy’s Tomato Pie
This seasonal favorite is loaded with flavor and fabulous texture. There's an excellent gluten-free option as well!
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California Potato Salad
Buttery avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a bit of crisp bacon will shake up your potato salad routine for a light yet filling spin on the classic dish.
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A Third – A Third – A Third Chicken
Equal parts of three basic ingredients create the most flavorful, versatile marinade. Make the recipe once and you’ll never forget it!
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Easy Fruit & Yogurt Popsicles
Two basic ingredients are all you need for wholesome, creamy, refreshing popsicles that can be customized to taste and use your favorite end-of-summer fruit.
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Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
Guaranteed to be the hit of the party, my favorite Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake includes fudge filling, chocolate crunchies, and all.
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No-Bake Refrigerator Peanut Butter Oat Squares
A wholesome, no-bake recipe with peanut butter and chocolate (what’s not to love?), these chewy bars never last long!
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Easy Mud Pie
This easy, make-ahead recipe is sure to become a favorite for casual entertaining and special occasions. The quick, no-bake homemade crust adds something special (and allows for a gluten-free option).
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Blueberry Peach Pound Cake
A handful of basic pantry ingredients and fruit are all you need to whip up this fabulous pound cake. The flavors improve as the cake sits so it's perfect to make-ahead of time.
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Summer Shandy (Cocktail or Mocktail)
Equal parts light beer and lemonade create the easiest drink and can be modified in several delicious ways. Mildly sweet with a hint of tang and so very refreshing for the summer!
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Honey Deuce
A cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open played over Labor Day weekend, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this refreshing drink!
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