We have entered prime summer, friends! Here are 16 Healthy Labor Day Recipes to bring to your sun-soaked beach cookout or epic backyard BBQ!
16 Healthy Labor Day Recipes
While the weather sure doesnโt feel like it, the summer is drawing to a close. But, donโt be sad – it ainโt over yet friends! Weโre smack dab in the middle of the best stretch of summer right now. If youโre not on vacation yourself, your boss probably is (so letโs hear it for the 6-hour workday!). Spend some time savoring the slower pace that the August heat seems to dictate. Get those toes in the grass – or the sand – or at least some open-toed shoes.
I love any excuse to eat and relax with friends – and Labor Day is prime cookout territory. The last thing you should do in preparation for your end-of-summer feast is stress about what to bring to the BBQ. Thatโs my job. Iโve included a few healthier ideas that still manage to pack mega-flavor. Itโll be back-to-school time soon enough. So soak up those summer rays with your family and your besties – and eat like champs, of course! Here are 16 healthier recipes to enjoy at your Labor Day cookout!
Salads
1. Greek Pasta Salad
All the colors of summer. All the flavors of a clean, bright, savory Greek salad. Whatโs not to love?! Pasta will travel well to the cookout and wonโt wilt like a traditional salad in the summer heat. Yay! GET THE RECIPE
2. Panzanella Salad
This colorful summer salad is deceptive. It is so easy to make that you might just think the taste will be one-note. However, something magical happens when you mix fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and mozzarella with croutons. So, get ready for the magic! GET THE RECIPE
3. Japanese Caprese Salad
An Italian classic, augmented by Japanese flavors. Aside from impeccably fresh ingredients, the real secret is the Japanese shallot dressing. A little sweet, a little salty – and all good! GET THE RECIPE
4. Kani Salad (ใซใ ใตใฉใ – Japanese Crab Salad)
This is one of those recipes that reminds me of summers spent with my mother, visiting relatives in Japan. A time when every taste was new and exciting. Well, this classic creamy and umami cookout side dish isnโt new – but it may end up being more popular than the burgers! GET THE RECIPE
Mains
5. Balsamic Chicken
Get your chicken breasts marinating ahead of time in this sweet and brigh sauce. Then later in the day, toss them on the grill and voilร ! Done. A very low maintenance bit of YUM at your backyard soirรฉe! GET THE RECIPE
6. Beef Yakitori With Soy Marinade
Where my carnivores at!? This grilled Japanese treat is for you! Hearty beef and veggie skewers are never a bad thing when grilling out. The soy, sake and mirin tare (marinade) is simple to make – yet tastes like you employed a difficult and time consuming kitchen alchemy. Shhh… Our secret! GET THE RECIPE
7. Easy Seafood Paella
Oceanic and smoky flavors dominate this Spanish classic. Your guests donโt need to know how easy it was to whip up this impressive looking seafood loaded rice dish. But do yourself a favor – spend a few bucks on good saffron. I promise – once your guests dig in, and the oohs and mmmmms start, youโll be glad you did! GET THE RECIPE
8. Vegetarian Chili
You will not miss the meat with this thick and hearty vegetarian chili. Packed with veggies and two types of beans, your guests at the Labor Day bash donโt need to know how healthy it is. The empty bowls will tell the tale of itโs deliciousness though! GET THE RECIPE
Desserts
9. Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp
Rhubarb and strawberries are a classic pairing in spring and summer desserts for a good reason. Theyโre absolutely stunning together! Tart and sweet has never tasted so good as it does covered in decadent crumble. I use less butter and sugar in this recipe, but youโd never know that. Mega-delicious! Warning: one serving may not be enough. GET THE RECIPE
10. Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake
If summer had itโs own seasonal cheesecake, it would be this light and fluffy Japanese version. Way less dense than the New York version, this is still a hedonistic dessert. It just wonโt weigh your guests down. You may want to make two (or three). They never last long at my place! GET THE RECIPE
11. Sweet Potato Croquettes
Sweet potatoes? YES!! Iโll never forget the shock on Benโs face when he took a bite of one of these crispy root-veggie loaded croquettes drizzled with condensed milk. After a sip of coffee to wash it down, he said, โTastes like Vietnamese-coffee-flavored donut holes.โ He then proceeded to devour half the tray in one go. A victory in my book! GET THE RECIPE
12. Apple Crumble Mug Cake
Not a great baker, but still want to come correct with the desserts at your Labor Day bash? No problem at all! Head to the microwave. (Yes, Iโm serious.) Sweet and tart apple crumble topped with ice cream is an all-pro dessert. New achievement level: unlocked. GET THE RECIPE
Drinks
13. Rooftop Lemonade
This fizzy vodka cocktail sports a tangy freshness from both lemonade and cooling cucumber slices. Great on a rooftop, great in a hammock on the beach, great in the backyard, orโฆ. Oh – just great! GET THE RECIPE
14. Fresh Ginger Moscow Mule
A hint of throat-burning ginger mixes with verdant basil and tart lime juice in this Moscow Mule recipe. Itโs easy to see why this fresh, quenching classic cocktail has stood the test of time. Careful – these go down EASY! GET THE RECIPE
15. Watermelon Smoothie
Youโll probably be catching some rays at the Labor Day BBQ. Re-hydrate with this fruity flavor bomb! Itโs light, invigorating and a little tart. Btwโฆ This would probably taste amazing with a splash of rum or vodka. Just sayinโ. GET THE RECIPE
16. Lemongrass Iced Green Tea
The weather on Labor Day weekend is usually reminiscent of Southeast Asian weather. Hot + humid for sure. Hereโs an iced tea recipe that has the floral, citrusy and almost spicy undertones you might get in a refreshing Southeast Asian elixir. No airline miles required though! Enjoy it in the backyard or the park with family and friends. Happy Labor Day! GET THE RECIPE
