Labor Day Weekend Recipes & What to Cook This September (2024)

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Labor Day Weekend Recipes & What to Cook This September (1)

September is when summer and fall produce collide at the farmers’ market. It’s the best of both worlds, which is why this list is a long one. I propose that we make good use of all the tomatoes, corn and peaches while we still can.

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and we’re also celebrating our daughter Grace’s second birthday! We’re ordering pizza and serving it with , Mediterranean Bean Salad, Blueberry Cake and a strawberry cake just like it (requested by the birthday girl), plus Peach Crisp with peaches from our neighbor.

For more Labor Day recipes, check this roundup! You’ll also find loads of seasonal recipes below.

Apples

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I made this salad last night ahead of time, and added the toasted seeds and cheese (gruyere) at serving time. It’s so delicious! I also traded the tarragon for mint. I will use this recipe whenever I get kohlrabi in my CSA box. Thanks!” – Erin

More apple recipes »

Berries! Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Strawberries

Summertime Fruit Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This fruit salad is amazing! Definitely the highlight of my brunch, loved by all. Used basil, not mint. Spectacular flavors!” – Liz

More blueberry recipes » (also blackberries, raspberries and strawberries)

Broccoli

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“I made this last night. Followed the instructions precisely. Divine. I think it’s worth taking the time to roast the veggies. It’s going in my “make again…and again” file.” – Laureen

More broccoli recipes »

Cabbage

Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“SO GOOD! I made these tonight for dinner. Everyone (husband, 2 teenage girls and me!) loved them. It took a bit to assemble each one, but my youngest daughter made the peanut sauce while I assembled and it worked out.” – Michelle

More cabbage recipes »

Carrots

Healthy Carrot Muffins

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“I made this recipe as directed and they came out incredibly delicious. I will definitely keep the recipe and add it to the repertoire! Thanks!” – Maryel

More carrot recipes »

Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

Gluten free and easily vegan

“These tacos are perfection. I made the recipe for the first time for a dinner party (taco bar, vegan option (using vegan mayo)) and it was a smashing success. It’s always risky to make a new recipe to feed guests, but the rave reviews were spot on. These are going into my weeknight rotation. Thank you!” – Rachel

More cauliflower recipes »

Corn

Garden-Fresh Corn Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan

“Oh my gosh I love this salad. I never review anything but it is just so good! The taste of summer in all of its raw herby goodness.” – Tess

More corn recipes »

Cucumber

Greek Wedge Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I made this last night and it was SO good- loved the dressing especially. I skipped the shallot and marinating part because I was short on time and it was fine without. Used fresh tomatoes and cucumber from my deck pots. You give The Mixx a run for their money. Definitely will be making again :)” – Emily

More cucumber recipes »

Eggplant

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“I made the vegan version of this recipe the day you posted it. I didn’t have orzo so I used small penne. It was delicious! I will be roasting eggplant again! And the roasted tomatoes were also amazing–roasting enhances their flavor. The lemony dressing is very good and compliments all of the tastes in the dish. We were mmmm-ing and wow–ing as we ate. Thanks! I know I will make this again and again.” – Julie

More eggplant recipes »

Fennel

Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel and Honeycrisp

Gluten free

“Not sure why I waited so long to try this one – just exceptional. Made it for a supper club last night and it was such a hit. The fennel is such a perfect touch – cannot wait to use it more often. Luckily, I have enough ingredients to continue whipping this up throughout the week. Can kale salads please be your biggest chapter in the upcoming book? My absolute favourite!” – Emily

More fennel recipes »

Grapes

Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie and Fresh Thyme

Just vegetarian

I need you to try these crostini and let me know how you like them!

That’s my only recipe with grapes so far. More to come.

Green Beans

Blackened Green Bean and Quinoa Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This might actually be my favourite grain salad ever. The combination of textures is phenomenal– definitely don’t skip the toasted almonds! It’s a little bit involved but if you multitask it comes together fairly quickly. I’ve made it several times now and will definitely continue to do so as long as I can get fresh sweet corn!” – Elinor

That’s my only green bean recipe! Here are some great green bean recipes at Love and Lemons »

Greens

Greek Lentil Salad

Gluten free and vegan

“I made the Lentil salad tonight for my husband and I and we both loved it. I used green lentils as the black weren’t available. The dressing was great – I would use that again in a variety of things. My kids sampled it too (ages 10 and 9) and declared they would bring it to school in their lunches. Overall a hit with my family.” – Lisa

More salad recipes »

Herbs

Watermelon Salad with Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Gluten free and easily vegan

This recipe is brand new. Please make it and report back!

More basil recipes » (also cilantro and dill)

Kale

Kale Pecan Pesto

Gluten free and easily vegan

“You’re probably tired of hearing this, but OMG, this recipe is sooo good. I’m not a fan of most pestos, but this is fresh, herby, and rich. I would eat this straight out of the food processor bowl even if I didn’t have a spoon! Thank you for yet another outstanding recipe.” – Patricia

More kale recipes »

Melons

Gluten free

“I added pine nuts and pickled onion…..yum yum. Didn’t need the dressing. Love your site as I’m trying to clean up my eating but love food so it has to taste great! Your recipes fit the bill!” – Karen

More watermelon recipes » (also cantaloupe and these honeydew margaritas)

Peaches

Simple Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread

Vegetarian and delicious

“Kate, I love this recipe! It’s such a good, quick, summery dinner. I popped it in the oven after a late night at work last week (when I was starving!) and the timer went off just after I had changed into some comfy clothes.

Everyone: if you’re having a “sweets” craving, trying drizzling a little honey over the entire assembled dish. NOM.” – Jennifer

More peach recipes »

Pears

Pear, Raspberry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Just vegetarian

“This morning I was frantically running around the kitchen in desperate search for a healthy lunch to pack. So you saved me! It took me 4 minutes to prep all of this and take it to-go. Now I’m sitting quietly at my desk waiting for lunch time. Is it here yet?” – Sylvia

More pear recipes »

Peppers

Vegetable Paella

Gluten free and vegan

“Wow – This dish is amazing! The smoky rice and colorful veggies make this recipe pop both in flavor and aesthetically. My first time making Paella and it came together easily. I was even successful with the socarrat. Thanks for another delicious recipe :-)” – Dani

More bell pepper recipes » (also jalapeños)

Plums

Plum Crisp

Gluten-free and easily vegan (see notes)

“I made this as a dessert for a ladies group dinner and everyone LOVED it! Thank you.” – Daniela

More plum recipes »

Pumpkin

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“I just made these and I can’t believe how amazing they turned out! Until now most of my healthy baking attemps were more or less a failure.. These little guys however are super fluffy, not too sweet and the warming spices are just right for rainy days. Thank you, I love it!
I’m excited to try out your zucchini bread which is gonna ne next :)” – Janina

More pumpkin recipes »

Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Gluten-free and vegan

“I made these exactly by the recipe and they turned out great. I used a heavy bottomed glass to smash them and it was easy. I sprinkled with fresh rosemary and thyme and they were mmm.” – Becky

More potato recipes »

Radishes

Fresh Herbed Avocado Salad

Gluten free and vegan

“I made this tonight and it was so delicious! The flavors were just the right mix. Definitely adding it as a regular dish I make. Thank you!” – Nicole

More radish recipes »

Summer Squash

Best Vegetable Lasagna

Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)

“Hi Kate, Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. This is one of my favorites, and make it probably way too often, not that anyone complains. I always used Ricotta until this recipe and really like the cottage cheese instead. Healthier and it really does add flavor. This is my go to site whenever I need a recipe” – Jennifer

More zucchini recipes » (also yellow squash)

Tomatoes

Heirloom Caprese Salad

Gluten free

“I made this delicious and beautiful salad. I usually make little towers with the tomatoes, cheese and basil but this was so much better and the flavors married better. Using the heirloom tomatoes was a wonderful new element and added more flavor and of course the presentation was almost too pretty to eat! Thank for a new twist on an old favorite.” – Gayle

More tomato recipes »

Don’t forget to tag your Instagram recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.

More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!

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Labor Day Weekend Recipes & What to Cook This September (2024)

FAQs

What do Americans eat on Labor Day? ›

Traditional Labor Day food ideas
  • Pork ribs. A classic from the southern states, barbecue or oven-baked pork ribs is a Labor Day staple. ...
  • Grilled skewers. Skewers of any sort are perfect for an end-of-summer bash. ...
  • Hot dogs. Hot dogs are a U.S. tradition for many summer holidays. ...
  • Hamburgers. ...
  • Chicken wings.
Aug 18, 2022

What to make this week for food? ›

Our Best Weeknight Dinner Recipes
  • Sheet-Pan Feta With Chickpeas and Tomatoes. ...
  • Rotisserie Chicken and Greens Pasta. ...
  • Gochujang Buttered Noodles. ...
  • Baked Cod With Buttery Cracker Topping. ...
  • One-Pot Miso-Mascarpone Pasta. ...
  • Crisp Gnocchi With Sausage and Peas. ...
  • Honey-Glazed Mushrooms With Udon. ...
  • Broiled Salmon With Chile, Orange and Mint.

What are 3 common foods people eat on Labor Day? ›

Chicken, burgers, foil packs, grill skewers—you name it, we got it. Whether you're celebrating the labor movement, your love of BBQ-ing, or your last three day weekend for a while (yeah, us too), we've got something for everyone. Check out our 50 Labor Day recipes for ideas—don't let your summer end without a bang.

What is the most eaten food on Labor Day? ›

Of course, no Labor Day menu would be complete without hot dogs and burgers. Ahead, you'll find tons of creative variations on the classic cookout foods, like bacon-wrapped hot dogs, cheeseburger salad, and a recipe for homemade chicken burgers topped with buffalo sauce.

What are September foods? ›

Recipe inspiration and tips for what's in season in September at farmers markets and in CSA shares. The September produce guide features apples and pears, concord grapes, figs, kale, okra, plums, peppers, tomatillos, tomatoes, and winter squash.

What is the most popular fall food? ›

Top 10 most popular autumn recipes
  • Pumpkin soup. Food doesn't get much more autumnal than pumpkin. ...
  • Pumpkin pie. ...
  • Best apple crumble. ...
  • Butternut squash & sage risotto. ...
  • Dorset apple cake. ...
  • Coconut & squash dhansak. ...
  • Squidgy pear & chocolate pudding.
Oct 4, 2023

What food is celebrated in September? ›

September
  • National Cherry Popover Day - September 1.
  • National Gyro Day - September 1.
  • National Grits for Breakfast Day -September 2.
  • National Blueberry Popsicle Day - September 2.
  • National Welsh Rarebit Day - September 3.
  • National Macadamia Nut Day - September 4.
  • National Cheese Pizza Day - September 5.

What do most Americans do on Labor Day weekend? ›

Even today, many Americans continue to celebrate Labor Day with parades and parties — festivities outlined in the first proposal for a holiday, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

What is the common food associated with Labor Day cookouts and picnics? ›

One thing's for sure – Labor Day is synonymous with grilling! Backyard barbeques are a staple activity, with burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and chicken being popular choices. The smoky aromas of grilled meat and vegetables are definitively summer.

What are traditional ways to celebrate Labor Day? ›

Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades and parties – festivities very similar to those outlined by the first proposal for a holiday, which suggested that the day should be observed with – a street parade to exhibit "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, ...

What to cook when no time? ›

27 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time
  • Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles. ...
  • Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad. ...
  • Cacio e Pepe. ...
  • 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce. ...
  • Italian Chopped Salad. ...
  • Easiest Garlic Bread Pizza. ...
  • Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls. ...
  • Chicken Cucumber Avocado Salad.
Nov 8, 2023

What are the best things to buy over Labor Day? ›

The Best Labor Day Deals of 2023: Shop Fashion, Beauty, Cleaning and Mattresses. End summer with a bang for your buck (and a new vacuum). These Labor Day sales offer the steepest discounts of the year.

What are some meats that people might grill on Labor Day? ›

For beef, you can't go wrong with classics like ribeye or New York strip steak. Pork lovers might opt for tenderloin or baby back ribs. Chicken thighs are a popular choice for their juicy and flavorful meat, while salmon or shrimp are excellent options for seafood lovers.

Do people cook out on Labor Day? ›

Generally considered the summer's final hurrah before we move into the fall season, Labor Day weekend proves to be an ideal time for a backyard cookout.

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