Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for one last summer celebration. These picnic-ready recipes are easy to pack, travel well, and taste just as good outdoors as they do at home. From fresh salads and grilled favorites to handheld snacks and fabulous desserts, each dish is made to be enjoyed under the open sky.
Homemade Potato Salad
Indulge in a bowl of creamy potato salad packed with hard-boiled eggs and crisp vegetables. This simple homemade recipe comes together quickly and delivers flavors that put store-bought versions to shame. Perfect for any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad
Betty Crocker Macaroni Salad
This creamy pasta classic combines tender macaroni with sharp Cheddar cubes, sweet gherkins, peas and onion in a rich mayo dressing. Betty Crocker’s nostalgic recipe brings comfort to any table, perfect for summer gatherings or alongside your favorite weeknight main dish.
Get the Recipe: Betty Crocker Macaroni Salad
Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Side That Gets Better With Time
Discover this game-changing coleslaw that stays perfectly crisp for weeks. The secret? A light, tangy oil and vinegar dressing instead of mayo. Make it ahead for gatherings or enjoy crunchy, flavorful coleslaw whenever the craving strikes. Your summer cookouts will never be the same.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Side That Gets Better With Time
Greek Orzo Pasta
This colorful Greek orzo salad combines juicy tomatoes, briny olives and creamy feta with a zesty vinaigrette. Light yet satisfying, it’s the perfect Mediterranean-inspired dish for sunny days when you crave something refreshing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta
BLT Pasta Salad
Indulge in our creamy BLT pasta salad that transforms the classic sandwich into a delicious side dish. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a duo of cheeses are tossed in tangy Ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or enjoy as a satisfying meal on its own!
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops
Dive into summer with this refreshing watermelon feta salad, elevated by golden cornmeal-crusted bay scallops. The sweet-savory combination dazzles with each bite, while a rich balsamic drizzle ties everything together in perfect harmony.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Savor the irresistible combination of juicy, tender meat and crispy skin with these smoked chicken drumsticks. Coated in a flavorful BBQ dry rub and glazed with sweet sauce, they’re foolproof on pellet grills and perfect for your next cookout—even if you’re new to smoking!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Five Guys Hot Dogs
Indulge in restaurant-quality bacon cheese dogs without leaving home. These juicy all-beef hot dogs are perfectly charred, smothered with melty cheese, and topped with crispy bacon—just like Five Guys makes them. Customize with your favorite toppings for the ultimate homemade fast-food experience.
Get the Recipe: Five Guys Hot Dogs
Pineapple-Basil Chicken Skewers
Transport your taste buds to paradise with these tropical chicken skewers featuring a surprising basil twist. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for summer entertaining, they’ll be the star of your next backyard gathering. Fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple-Basil Chicken Skewers
Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with these irresistible spicy basil chicken skewers. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are infused with aromatic basil, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for summer grilling or year-round entertaining. These flavor-packed kebabs will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping
Grilled Flank Steak
This succulent flank steak marinates in bold flavors before hitting the grill for juicy, tender results. Slice it thin to enjoy hot or cold—perfect for elevating tacos, summer salads, or hearty sandwiches with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak
Smothered Beef Skirt Steak Crock Pot Recipe
This fork-tender skirt steak simmers in rich, creamy onion gravy with earthy mushrooms for a hassle-free meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect comfort food for busy weeknights that your family will request again and again!
Get the Recipe: Smothered Beef Skirt Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Easy Steak Sandwich
Dive into this iconic Philly Cheesesteak where tender, seasoned steak mingles with gooey provolone, caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms. Every mouthwatering bite delivers the perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Get the Recipe: Easy Steak Sandwich
Honey Mustard Ham & Cheese Pretzel Sliders
These addictive little sliders combine savory ham and melted cheese on buttery pretzel buns, all brought together with a homemade honey mustard sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Perfect for game day gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Ham & Cheese Pretzel Sliders
Cuban Sliders a.k.a. Mini Medianoche Sandwiches
Savor the irresistible fusion of tender mojo pork, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in these mini Cuban sliders. Topped with zesty pickles and creamy mustard sauce on sweet Hawaiian rolls, they’re perfect for game day gatherings or quick weeknight meals when time is short but flavor can’t be compromised.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sliders a.k.a. Mini Medianoche Sandwiches
Smoked Brisket Sliders
Sink your teeth into these irresistible sliders packed with melt-in-your-mouth smoked brisket. Each bite delivers big barbecue flavor in a perfectly portioned package. Ideal for game day gatherings, casual entertaining, or satisfying those weekend cravings when only smoky, savory goodness will do.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Sliders
Cheeseburger Sliders
Savor the magic of juicy beef and gooey cheese in these irresistible mini delights. These cheeseburger sliders pack all the flavor of the classic favorite into a perfectly portable size that’s won hearts at our family table. A bite-sized sensation you won’t want to miss!
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders
Homemade Lemonade
Beat the summer heat with this effortlessly fresh homemade lemonade. The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors will quench your thirst and brighten your day. Ready in minutes, it’s the refreshing pick-me-up you’ve been craving!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lemonade
McDonalds Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe
Craving that iconic sweet tea from McDonald’s? Now you can recreate their perfectly balanced, refreshing beverage right in your kitchen with simple ingredients. Skip the drive-thru and enjoy this southern-inspired classic anytime the craving strikes!
Get the Recipe: McDonalds Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe
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