Summery Party Food for Your Labor Day Weekend Party

Labor Day is the last big holiday weekend of the summer so it's a great opportunity to serve all of your favorite summer foods! If you plan to host a Labor Day cookout or party, plan your menu so you serve refreshing summery party food. Think of foods that are seasonal, colorful, and of course, delicious!

Here are five easy to make Labor Day food ideas to serve at your holiday celebration:

Citrus Salad
This salad is cool, refreshing, and tart. It's the perfect dish for an end of summer cookout or picnic. You can even pack it up and bring it to the beach!

To prepare the salad peel and cut the grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, and mangos into bite sized pieces. Add the fruit to a large serving bowl along with the grapes. Add the sugar and stir to coat all of the fruit pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving to let the sugar absorb into the fruit for the best flavor.

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Tomato & Basil Salad
This is an easy to make side dish that compliments every Labor Day food menu, particularly one with a Tuscan themed twist. Serve this salad as a side with grilled pizza (that you cook on the grill!). Add some red wine and you have a light and delicious meal you can enjoy outdoors this Labor Day weekend.

   

   

In a large serving bowl, add the tomatoes, mozzarella, cucumbers, basil, and onion. Next add ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and ¼ of cup of balsamic vinegar. Mix to combine well. Complete the salad by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

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Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers are a delicious summery Labor Day recipe that you can prepare in advance or make during the party. You can also serve them hot or cold, making kabobs the ideal dish to bring to a potluck Labor Day party.

Ingredients:

Start by first making the pesto. In a food processor, gently pulse the basil, lemon juice, pine nuts, and garlic together (about 1 minute). Then, slowly add in olive oil while continuing to pulse until the mixture is creamy and thick. Pour the pesto into a dish and set aside. Next, season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Place each piece of chicken on a wooden skewer. To cook, place the skewers on a grill or grill pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning once. When the chickens is cooked through place on a large serving platter and pour the pesto over the top evenly. Garnish with some basil leaves, lemon wedges, and enjoy.

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Easy Strawberry Popsicles
You don’t need a Popsicle mold to make this impromptu frozen treat. Try this Labor Day dessert recipe with various types of fruit to make other types of popsicles for your guests.

Ingredients:

Directions:

In a blender, combine the strawberry and sugar until smooth and creamy. Next, strain the mixture to remove any seeds or large chucks. Pour the strawberry mix into paper cups, filling each about ¾ full. Place the Popsicle stick in the center of each cup, then freeze overnight or until complete harden. When ready to serve simply peel off the paper cup and voila!

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Cadillac Margarita
This variation of a traditional margarita is a refreshing and light tequila cocktail that is great for any Labor Day celebration.  

Directions:

Start by salting a lowball glass. Next, add the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice then mix to combine. Top it off with crushed ice and a splash of club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge. 

And don’t forget about some refreshing beverages! Dress up some store-bought pink lemonade with pretty glass bottles and paper straws.