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30+ Quick and Easy Labor Day and End of Summer Recipes
Robyn Stone
Published Aug 26, 2025
Celebrate Labor Day and savor the end of summer with 30+ quick and easy recipes. From mouth-watering mains and seasonal sides to crowd-favorite desserts, these family-friendly meals are perfect for barbecues, picnics, and more!

Favorite Labor Day and End of Summer Recipe Ideas
As summer winds down and Labor Day approaches, it’s time to fire up the grill, toss together vibrant salads, or prep easy meals for your Labor Day celebration. These recipes are quick, delicious, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Many use pantry staples, require minimal cleanup, and can be prepped in advance to make your celebrations low-stress.
Success Tip: Easy Prep for Labor Day
To make your Labor Day or end-of-summer gathering low-stress:
- Plan for make-ahead desserts to keep things cool and easy.
- Marinate meats the night before for quick grilling.
- Prep sides like salads and dips in advance—they taste even better after chilling.
- Use a grill basket for veggies to save time and cleanup.
Appetizers and Dips
These quick starters are perfect for sharing at your Labor Day gathering or as easy snacks for end-of-summer picnics.

Simple Caprese Salad Skewers

Easy Apple Dip Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Classic Deviled Eggs
Main Dishes
Fire up the grill for these quick and easy main dishes that capture the essence of summer barbecues and Labor Day feasts.

Bart’s Best Hamburger Recipe

The Best Pulled Pork Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Skillet Ribeye Steaks Recipe

Chili Rubbed Chicken Skewers Recipe
Easy Side Dishes
These easy sides use end-of-summer produce and come together fast to complement any main dish.

Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Grilled Okra Recipe

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Coleslaw Recipe

Southern Baked Beans Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Caprese Salad

Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

Fresh Peach, Basil and Burrata Salad Recipe

Best House Salad Recipe
Crowd Favorite Desserts
Be sure to include a crowd-favorite dessert that celebrates summer fruits and flavors.

Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe

Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Easy Blackberry Cobbler Recipe

Key Lime Pie Recipe

No Bake Lemon Cream Pie Recipe

Berry Trifle Recipe

Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Enjoy! Robyn xo