45 Healthy Labor Day Recipes That’ll Keep the Party Going

Minty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the healthy Labor Day recipe that’ll be the talk of the potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario

Go To Recipe

Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

The inspiration for this grilled labor day recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida

South-of-the-Border Citrus Salad

Orange, grapefruit and jicama add color and texture to this out-of-the-ordinary fruit salad. Sometimes I'll toss in slices of mango and cucumber for extra fun. —Mary Fuller, SeaTac, Washington

Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad

Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not
so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting
a healthy Labor Day salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish that is also a healthy labor day recipe. It’s amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio. Don’t forget to check out our favorite crock pot cookout ideas.

Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish

We all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Grilled Mushroom Kabobs

Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the healthy Labor Day recipe. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta

Frosty Watermelon Ice

Here’s a fun twist on watermelon. It’s so refreshing on a summer day, and you don’t have to worry about seeds while you’re enjoying it. It’s truly the perfect healthy labor day recipe. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia

Lettuce-Wrap Burgers

A lettuce-wrap burger offers all the best parts of a burger—a juicy patty, crisp toppings and a delicious sauce—without the bun.

Triple Tomato Flatbread

Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this healthy Labor Day recipe as a way to show off my garden’s plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon

Farmers Market Orzo Salad

Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina

Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops

These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be summer. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

Zucchini Pico de Gallo Salsa

I love veggies and fresh ingredients this time of year. I make big bowls of this healthy Labor Day recipe, which we eat with pretty much everything in the summer when tomatoes are bountiful. My kids love it, though I leave out the jalapeno when making it for them. —Amy Gattuso, Madison Heights, Michigan

Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Relish

My garden produces a nice harvest of tomatoes, scallions, corn, garlic and poblanos, so that's what I use to make relish for this tasty steak. —Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan

Spicy Fresh Tomato and Eggplant Sauce

My garden is overflowing with fresh tomatoes and eggplant toward the end of summer, so I’ve been thinking of ways that those ingredients were used in the old country. A heart gravy (what it’s called in Sicily) for pasta is just the ticket. You can add meat or sprinkle it with Parmesan if you’d like, but it is good on its own. This healthy Labor Day recipe also freezes well. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Fruit Pizza

These pretty fruit pizzas have been a hit every time I’ve served them. They start with premade cookie dough, making them super simple. —Janet O’Neal, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Summer Garden Fish Tacos

I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois

Minted Fruit Salad

Filled with the season’s best, freshest fruit, this healthy Labor Day recipe shouts summer. The hint of mint adds a refreshing note to the colorful melon compote. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

We love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It's equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, Arizona

Best Hummus

Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin

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 this healthy Labor Day recipe because she doesn’t have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois

Chicken with Peach-Cucumber Salsa

To keep our kitchen cool, we grill chicken outdoors and serve it with a minty peach salsa that can easily be made ahead. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas

Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos

I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobello mushrooms turned it into my family’s vegetarian favorite. It’s quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Let this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL

Teriyaki Sirloin Steak

Since a co-worker shared this teriyaki sirloin steak recipe with me, I seldom make steak any other way. It’s an excellent healthy Labor Day recipe for folks like my husband who really savor tasty meat, and it’s earned me many compliments on my cooking. —Nilah Lewis, Calgary, Alberta

Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially in summer. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas

Here’s a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner or healthy labor day recipe. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Grilled Peach Couscous Salad

You’ll feel inspired at the farmers market with the recipe for this couscous salad in tow. Grilled peaches and limes plus a subtly sweet dressing bring pizazz. —Emily King, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls

This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy Labor Day recipe with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad

I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

I love quick and healthy Labor Day recipes, like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you’d think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas

Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous

The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad

For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip

I alter my sister’s healthy Labor Day recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario

Jicama Citrus Salad

Never tried jicama? It is a crunchy Mexican turnip, and I love to use it in this super easy salad. The jicama is ideal alongside the vibrant flavors of the tangerines and shallots. Between the sweet and sour flavors in this salad and its crunchy texture, it's all delish if you ask me. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer and a healthy labor day side. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Shrimp & Nectarine Salad

For a cool salad on a hot summer day, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We love it chilled, but it's delectable served right away, too. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Potluck Antipasto Pasta Salad

I love trying new recipes, and this one for Italian pasta salad tops all other varieties I’ve tried. With beans, cheese, sausage and vegetables, it’s a hearty complement to any meal. —Bernadette Nelson, Arcadia, California

Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette

On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. It’s also a great healthy labor day recipe. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

Ranch-Style Beans

This healthy Labor day recipe is a must-have at barbecues. It seems most people who live here like spicy, flavorful food, and this fits the bill just right. —Wilma Ruth James, Ranger, Texas

Peach Crisp Parfait Pops

My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah