Louise and I pulled together this list of 25 easy Labor Day recipes with budget-friendly, and make-ahead ready meals.
These are the kind of Labor Day side dishes and vegetarian cookout recipes our readers rely on again and again. You might also like our cold dinner ideas and Greek yogurt recipes.
When most people think about Labor Day, they picture smoky grills and burgers sizzling away.
But in our kitchen here in Italy, Louise and I have learned that you don’t need a barbecue to put together a spread that feeds family and friends 😋.
Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of Mediterranean-inspired recipes for cookouts, picnics, and weeknight dinners — and some of our biggest crowd-pleasers don’t even touch a grill.
From creamy Greek yogurt salads to hearty bean recipes, we’ve found the dishes that keep people coming back for seconds.
So whether you’re hosting, heading to a potluck, or just want to enjoy the long weekend without hovering over the coals, these recipes have you covered.
Crowd-Pleasing Salads & Sides
Yogurt Pasta Salad: Creamy dressing made with yogurt instead of mayo; high in protein and perfect for cookouts.
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: Salty feta and hearty chickpeas make this more than a side; it’s a filling cold vegetarian dinner.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Light, lemony, and sturdy enough for picnics; serve with crusty bread for a full meal.
Dense bean salad: A hearty mix of beans marinated in olive oil, herbs, and lemon. Keeps well in the fridge and works as a protein-rich side or main.
Yogurt broccoli salad: Crisp broccoli tossed with tangy yogurt dressing, nuts, and dried fruit. High in protein and stays crunchy for days.
Healthy coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots in a light yogurt dressing. Perfect for topping sandwiches or serving alongside zucchini fritters.
Greek yogurt cucumber salad: Cool, creamy, and refreshing; keeps well for 2 days and pairs beautifully with sandwiches or lentil fritters.
Bean & Lentil Salads (High-Fiber)
Chickpea Cucumber Salad: Protein-rich and fiber-loaded; perfect as a meatless main dish or a make-ahead lunch idea that doubles as a party side.
Black Bean & Corn Salad: Doubles as a salad or dip; add avocado before serving for best texture.
Greek Lentil Salad: Lentils bring staying power; meal-prep friendly and great chilled for 4 days.
Three-Bean Mediterranean Salad: A budget-friendly classic with lemon-olive oil dressing; easy to scale for a crowd.
“Tuna-Less” Salad: Capers and lemon give it tuna vibes; pile into pitas or lettuce cups.
Sandwiches & Handhelds
Black bean burger: Protein-packed patties with feta that pan-sear beautifully; one of our favorite Labor Day vegetarian mains for cookouts or portable picnic sandwiches.
Greek zucchini fritters: Crisp and savory; stack into pita bread pockets with yogurt dip for a portable meal.
BBQ Tofu: Sweet and smoky tofu roasted in the oven and layered with creamy slaw. Perfect for buns or wraps and best eaten fresh.
Falafel Pita: Protein-rich falafel tucked into pita with tahini-yogurt sauce. Prep components ahead, then assemble before serving.
Caprese sandwich: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil pesto piled high on crusty focaccia bread. It’s basically summer between two slices.
Vegetarian meatballs: Hearty and savory; serve in sub rolls with marinara and melted cheese. Meal-prep friendly and freezer-safe.
Mediterranean corn fritters: Crispy outside, tender inside; tuck into sandwiches or serve with tzatziki for dipping.
Focaccia Halloumi Sandwich: Pan-fried halloumi and roasted veggies on chewy focaccia. Serve warm or at room temp; holds up well on a buffet table.
Cold Noodle & Rice Salads
Easy Muffins (Make-Ahead Desserts)
Healthy banana Muffins: Moist, naturally sweet, and freezer-friendly; bake ahead and thaw for Labor Day brunch or dessert.
Blueberry Muffins: Bursting with berries and family-friendly; keep in a tin for 2–3 days.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins: A cozy nod to fall; keeps moist and flavorful for up to 3 days.
Labor Day No-Grill FAQ
What vegetarian dishes can I bring to a Labor Day party?
Think big bowls of make-ahead bean salads, pasta salads that keep their shape, or sturdy sandwiches (like Caprese or falafel pita). They’re easy to scale and travel better than delicate leafy greens.
Can I really make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes! Bean and lentil salads actually improve after a night in the fridge (hello, marinated flavor). Pasta salads keep 2–3 days, and muffins freeze beautifully for weeks.
What if I don’t want to spend all day cooking?
That’s the point! These are Labor Day recipes without the grill. Most come together in under 30 minutes, and some are 100% no-cook.
How do I keep food fresh for a picnic?
Our trick: pack dressings and wet fillings separately, then toss or assemble just before eating. We’ve biked across town with these salads and sandwiches and they pass the “will it survive the picnic basket?” test 😛.
If you tried these Labor Day recipes or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
