Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re probably already thinking about what to bring to that cookout, BBQ, or potluck gathering. Or maybe you’re hosting this year and want to have a variety of options that friends and family of all ages can enjoy. The key is to keep things simple, delicious, and family-friendly. These ideas are perfect for feeding a crowd, and the best part is they don’t contain common allergens like peanuts or tree nuts. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and travel well, so you don’t have to worry about any spills or messes in the car on the way to your celebration.
1. Snack Attack: Veggie & Fruit Skewers
- Why you’ll love it: These are fun, colorful, and super easy to make. Kids love the idea of eating food on a stick!
- Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper chunks, grapes, pineapple chunks, and strawberries.
- How to make it: Simply thread the fruits and veggies onto skewers, alternating colors to make them visually appealing. You can also take a small container of yogurt or hummus for dipping.
2. Appetizer: Caprese Salad Bites
- Why you’ll love it: Classic flavors in a bite-sized, easy-to-transport form.
- Ingredients: Grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze.
- How to make it: Skewer a tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto a toothpick. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
3. Main Dish: Grilled Chicken & Veggie Foil Packs
- Why you’ll love it: No mess, no fuss! These foil packs are customizable and easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- How to make it: Cut the chicken and veggies into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place everything on a sheet of foil, fold into a pack, and grill for about 20 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven if you prefer and want to get them made ahead on time..
4. Side Dish: Quinoa & Veggie Salad
- Why you’ll love it: It’s light, refreshing, and can be made a day in advance.
- Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- How to make it: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Let it chill in the fridge before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
5. Side Dish: Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Why you’ll love it: A summer staple that’s naturally allergen-free and loved by all ages.
- Ingredients: Corn on the cob, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- How to make it: Brush the corn with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until slightly charred. You can also add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
6. Finger Food: Mini Turkey & Cheese Sliders
- Why you’ll love it: These are bite-sized and perfect for little hands!
- Ingredients: Mini slider buns (Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are an amazing choice!), turkey slices, cheese slices (use dairy-free if needed based on guests’ needs), lettuce, and mustard.
- How to make it: Assemble the sliders with your preferred toppings. Pack them in a container lined with parchment paper to keep them from getting soggy. You can even wait and add the mustard and assemble with the buns until you get to the party.
7. Dessert: Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
- Why you’ll love it: A naturally sweet treat that’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Ingredients: Mixed summer fruit (like watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, and strawberries), honey, lime juice.
- How to make it: Toss the fruit together in a large bowl. Drizzle with a mixture of honey and lime juice just before serving.
8. Dessert: Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats
- Why you’ll love it: A twist on the classic that’s free of nuts and always a hit with kids.
- Ingredients: Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and margarine (again, use dairy-free options if needed).
- How to make it: Melt the margarine and marshmallows together in a pot, stir in the cereal, then add the chocolate chips. Press into a pan, let cool, and cut into squares.
9. Drink: Sparkling Berry Lemonade
- Why you’ll love it: Refreshing, colorful, and easy to make in large batches.
- Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, mixed berries, and honey or agave syrup.
- How to make it: Mix the lemon juice and sweetener in a pitcher. Add the sparkling water and berries just before serving.
10. Drink: Iced Herbal Tea
- Why you’ll love it: A non-caffeinated option that’s both cooling and hydrating.
- Ingredients: Herbal tea bags (like hibiscus or peppermint), honey, lemon slices, and mint leaves.
- How to make it: Brew the tea and let it cool. Add honey to taste and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves. Serve over ice.
These recipes are not only delicious and perfect for one last summer bash, but also designed to be easy, keeping your busy schedule in mind. They’re simple to prepare, travel well, and most importantly, they’ll be a hit at any Labor Day gathering. Whether you’re hosting or attending, these dishes will ensure you have a fantastic and stress-free weekend celebration.
Happy Labor Day!
-LS