Labor Day isn’t just about taking a break from work – it’s also about uniting with friends and family over a delicious spread that celebrates the end of summer. And what better way to bring people together than with an array of mouthwatering side dishes? In this article, I’m serving up 20 Labor Day Sides that’ll have your taste buds forming a coalition of flavor. From creamy potato salads with a twist to grilled veggie medleys, these recipes are here to prove that sometimes, the sides are the real main event. So fire up the grill, dust off your picnic basket, and get ready to create a feast that’ll have everyone at your Labor Day gathering coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Sweet and Spicy Corn on The Cobb
I’m super excited to share with you my recipe for sweet and spicy corn on the cob in the oven! This Korean-inspired twist elevates a classic corn on the cob recipe. The corn is roasted in the oven with husks still intact making this side dish incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savory notes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Corn on The Cobb
Cast Iron Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
As a self-proclaimed macaroni and cheese fanatic, I am excited to share my favorite cast iron skillet macaroni and cheese recipe. Tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of three different cheeses, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice and topped with homemade garlic butter croutons for that irresistible crunch. This cast iron macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food – warm, gooey, and downright delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
Broccoli Bacon Salad
This Broccoli Bacon Salad is a fresh and flavorful salad full of incredible texture. A nutrient packed salad with all of your favorite veggies, it’s assembled in 15 minutes, and makes for a pretty fantastic side dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Bacon Salad
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
This baked beans with ground beef recipe are the best southern baked beans you’ll ever make! It’s easy, delicious, and full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Let’s make this coleslaw pasta salad one of your new favorite summer side dishes that combines coleslaw mix with tender pasta, a creamy salad dressing, and other savory goodies. This rustic, casual side dish is ideal for cookouts, barbecues, or a light lunch. It’s a great base recipe to build on and is a fun alternative to regular macaroni salads.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a beautiful and elegant side dish that is simple to make and will impress your guests. Tender asparagus, wrapped with bacon and simply seasoned goes well with any main dish and is perfectly portioned for either a plated dinner or a family-style one.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad
This Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad is the perfect summer salad. This is an upgraded potato salad, instead of mayo it has a fresh olive oil vinaigrette and lots of fresh herbs. The potatoes are also baked to crispy perfection instead of boiled. Delicious.
Get the Recipe: Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad
Mini Cornbread Muffins
This mini cornbread muffin recipe is the perfect side dish to serve with chili, soup, and more! With a few simple tweaks, Little Healthy Bites made these sweet cornbread muffins a little healthier so you can feel good about serving them to your little ones!
Get the Recipe: Mini Cornbread Muffins
Watermelon Feta Salad
This Watermelon Salad is the perfect refreshing summer salad! It’s made with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish for your BBQ party, you’ll love this salad!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad
Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
If you’re looking for an Italian appetizer recipe that’s fresh, tasty, and easy to make, this burrata with tomatoes and pesto might be perfect for you! It’s a delicious combination of fresh and juicy heirloom tomatoes, tangy olives, aromatic basil leaves, and fresh pesto. Serve it with crispy garlic toast on the side, and you have a gourmet dish that’s incredibly easy to put together. This dish is a rustic, luscious, and budget-friendly delight! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a light and flavorful meal, burrata with tomatoes and pesto is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
Accordion Potatoes
Accordion Potatoes, brushed with herby garlic butter, baked to crispy perfection in less then 30 minutes, then dipped in a Creamy Chipotle Sauce. Try them today to see why they’re the new viral craze on TikTok.
Get the Recipe: Accordion Potatoes
Grilled Peaches
Learn step-by-step how to grill peaches! Grilled Peaches are a healthy summer dessert that’s so quick and easy to make! Naturally gluten-free and vegan, add cinnamon and brown sugar, and serve them with your favorite dairy-free ice cream or whipped cream! Make them without added sugar for a delicious addition to salads or savory recipes!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peaches
Chickpea Pomegranate Goat Cheese Salad
This Roasted Chickpea, Pomegranate Goat Cheese Salad is perfect for a holiday menu. It’s a wonderful combination of crunchy roasted chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, goat’s cheese and fresh greens. This salad is drizzled with an easy to make homemade pomegranate molasses dressing. It’s not only tasty, but it’s also a beautiful salad to look at. It will brighten up dinner party with its festive red and green hues.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pomegranate Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted Sweet Potatoes Slices
These Roasted Sweet Potatoes Slices are delicious, crispy and become caramelized in the oven. They are easy to make for the perfect side dish to a meal or for a healthy snack.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes Slices
Zucchini Muffins
These Vegan Zucchini Muffins are fluffy, tender, moist, and loaded with the hidden nutrients of zucchini – A simple 2-bowl, 8-ingredient recipe with gluten-free options.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Muffins
Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Are you looking for an alternative to coleslaw? If so, this Brussels sprout slaw might be perfect. This shaved Brussels sprouts salad with lemon apple cider vinaigrette is made with one part cabbage to two parts sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Tuscan Pasta Salad
This Sun Dried Tuscan Pasta Salad recipe makes an excellent summer side dish to chicken or a burger. It seriously has so much flavor! Or make this a complete meal by adding in some chicken!
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms
Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms are the perfect side dish or appetizer. This air fryer mushroom recipe leads to super crispy breaded mushrooms. Make these quick and easy breaded mushrooms that are also vegan and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms
Mint Rice
Mint Rice with crumbled feta cheese is a refreshing and savory dish that adds a Mediterranean twist to classic rice, perfect as a side or a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mint Rice
Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad
Get ready to saddle up for a flavor-packed adventure with Delish’s Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad! This vibrant and hearty dish brings together the best of both worlds: the zesty, bold flavors of classic cowboy caviar with the light, fluffy texture of couscous. Perfect as a side for your next BBQ or as a stand-alone meal, this salad is bursting with fresh vegetables, protein-rich beans, and a tangy, refreshing dressing.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad
