Give summer a proper send-off with our favorite Labor Day barbecue ideas. From tender meats to classic picnic sides to grilled desserts, we've got ideas that will keep the grill fired up all day long.
46 Labor Day Barbecue Ideas for Your Holiday Cookout
Updated on Jul. 18, 2025
1/46
Grilled Corn in Husks
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear grilled corn: 196 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
2/46
How to Grill Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 647 calories, 41g fat (13g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 2345mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
Grilling ribs soon? Learn how to grill ribs as we share our step-by-step recipe and the secret to grilling the best-ever baby back ribs.
3/46
Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
This is the only hamburger recipe you need! We’ll walk you through how to make hamburger patties that grill up to juicy perfection.
4/46
Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra-special. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
5/46
Chicken Souvlaki
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a favorite at our house, especially in summer. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches that we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita: 369 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/46
Smoked Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The gorgeous crisp bark and trademark pink smoke ring on these ribs will wow your friends and family. A generous splash of tangy apple cider added during the smoking process helps make them super tender. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked pork: 639 calories, 42g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 2037mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
7/46
Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling isn't just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my vegetarian family members. They love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 748 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1476mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein.
8/46
Chicken and Zucchini Foil Packs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy foil-wrapped dinners cooked on the grill, especially because there are no pots or pans to wash. You can try making chicken foil packs with most fresh vegetables you have on hand. —Dianna Smith, Newport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 302 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/46
Shrimp and Corn Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
10/46
Cuban Sandwich Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom would make these Cuban burgers whenever we visited her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 690 calories, 44g fat (12g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 1706mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
11/46
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate “tastes like summer” salad booster for your next Labor Day barbecue. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
12/46
Italian Sausage Sandwich
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 552 calories, 28g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1532mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
13/46
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
14/46
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 339 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
15/46
Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 555 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
If you’re looking for lighter fare, check out these healthy Labor Day recipes.
16/46
Pot of S’mores
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular Labor Day barbecue treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 584 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
17/46
Grilled Peach Sundaes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s a jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sundae: 486 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
18/46
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 skewers (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for lighter recipes to take to Labor Day picnics—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Hungry for more? Check out our collection of easy Labor Day recipes.
19/46
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
Juicy, saucy barbecue chicken is a highlight of any grilling season. Cut up whole chickens for the best quality pieces, and add a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that’s impossible to resist.
20/46
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
21/46
Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in a tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 570 calories, 40g fat (15g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein.
22/46
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Fruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
23/46
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1203mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
24/46
Grilled Jalapenos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When hosting a Labor Day barbecue, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/46
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 441 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
26/46
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 342 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
27/46
Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks can find me grilling no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 135 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
28/46
Marinated Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these tasty loin chops all the time and my family never tires of them. I whip up this pork chop marinade and let them soak overnight to get them tender. —Jean Neitzel, Beloit, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 452 calories, 32g fat (8g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
29/46
Grilled Steak Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans and a gelatin dessert. —Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 466 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
30/46
Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
They're summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 279 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
31/46
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (1/2 cup glaze)
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream): 164 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
32/46
Grilled Guacamole
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 85 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
33/46
Chimichurri Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 336 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
This flavorful chimichurri steak recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Spoon the bright, zesty, herbaceous sauce over any type of grilled steak, like flat iron, top sirloin, ribeye, flank or skirt.
34/46
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
35/46
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like using Meyer lemons for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
36/46
Spiced Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon. —Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 256 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
37/46
Halibut Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm-weather favorite is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. I sometimes serve the fish wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with the grilled halibut. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1/3 cup mango salsa: 330 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
38/46
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix the fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 1/4 cup salsa: 169 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
39/46
Quick Barbecued Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
40/46
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 spears with 2 tablespoons dip: 160 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
41/46
Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered the techniques, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 300 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
Soaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.
42/46
Hawaiian Burger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 513 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
Say aloha to a dinner with a tropical twist: Here’s how to make a bacon and pineapple Hawaiian burger.
43/46
Simple Pork Chop Marinade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pork chop marinade is so simple that I use it on all kinds of meat. For a more robust flavor, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 362 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
Whisk up just four ingredients for the tastiest batch of marinated pork chops ever.
44/46
Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the zesty taste of this moist grilled tenderloin. The cumin, avocado and jalapeno give it southwestern flair. It's an easy, elegant way to prepare pork. —Josephine Devereaux Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1/3 cup salsa: 300 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
45/46
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband first tried this recipe with plain potatoes. They were so yummy that we then experimented with sweet potatoes. Dipped in Gorgonzola spread, they’re irresistible. —Kristen Minello, Macomb, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving with 3 tablespoons spread: 362 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
If you’re tired of the usual summer side dishes, try these grilled sweet potatoes. The Gorgonzola cheese spread is a perfect match for the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes.
46/46
Pear Crumble
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Originally a pear crumble pie, I shortened this to a crumble when I was too low on time to make a pie crust. I've found canned pears work as well as fresh, so that makes the crumble even easier to prepare. —Kezia Sullivan, Sackets Harbor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein.
No time to make a pie? This pear crumble recipe is quick and easy, and just as delicious!
Labor Day Barbecue Idea FAQs
What should I grill for Labor Day?
A variety of meats and vegetables can be grilled for Labor Day. For some meat ideas, try grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, pork chops, shrimp, sausages, steaks, chicken thighs or kabobs. Want to throw some veggies on the grill? Use heartier vegetables like zucchini, corn, peppers, eggplant, potatoes and onions.
Can I have a Labor Day cookout without a grill?
Yes, you can have a Labor Day cookout without a grill, but you will have to prepare the food indoors first and eat it outside. Cook any of the dishes you would on the grill in the oven or on the stovetop. Hamburgers, sausages, steaks and hot dogs can be cooked on the stovetop, and ribs, chicken thighs and pork chops can be cooked in the oven.
What Labor Day barbecue ideas can be made ahead of time?
Labor Day barbecue ideas that can be made ahead of time are meat marinades, dips, hearty salads and desserts. I like to fully prep these the day before, store them in the fridge, then reheat anything that needs to be served warm or hot.
