Labour Day weekend is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, relax outdoors, and fire up the grill one last time before summer fades. Whether you’re planning a big backyard bash or an intimate family dinner, having the right menu is key.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up a few simple and tasty Labour Day recipes that bring bold flavours to your holiday cookout. These dishes offer a fresh spin on classic favourites, making them ideal for celebrating the long weekend with something everyone will love.
Tender Baby Back Ribs
Nothing says long weekend like slow-cooked, smoky ribs. This recipe brings out deep, rich flavour and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Ingredients:
- 3 racks baby back ribs
- Mustard (as a binder)
- Your favourite BBQ dry rub
- Optional dipping sauce: BBQ sauce, a touch of mustard, and a spoonful of mayonnaise mixed together
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or smoker to 250°F.
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs.
- Lightly coat the ribs with mustard, then season generously with dry rub on both sides. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until the seasoning begins to absorb.
- Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 5 to 5 and a half hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. For easier cutting, place ribs meat-side down and slice between the bones.
- Mix up a quick dipping sauce and serve on the side.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buttermilk Herb Dip
These wings are juicy, flavourful, and perfect for sharing. A zesty homemade dip balances the heat and makes them even more irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds of chicken wings
- Brine or marinade of your choice
- Dry seasoning blend
- Wing sauce for tossing
For the dip:
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- If using whole wings, remove tips and separate the flats and drumettes.
- Marinate the wings in your favourite brine or marinade for 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator.
- While they soak, blend all dip ingredients until smooth and chill in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove wings from the marinade, pat dry, and season all over.
- Grill until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toss the wings in sauce and serve hot with the herb dip.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Fast, easy, and packed with flavour, grilled shrimp skewers are a great option for lighter eaters or anyone who loves seafood.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, chili powder, ginger, and salt. Set aside a small amount for basting after cooking.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side, brushing with the butter mixture as they cook.
- Once cooked through and pink, remove from grill and brush with the reserved sauce.
Grilled Corn in the Husk
A simple, satisfying side that pairs well with almost anything. The grilled husks lock in flavour and moisture while the cheese and herbs add a tasty finish.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husks on
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
Instructions:
- Gently pull back the husks without removing them and remove the silk.
- Soak the corn in cold water for 20 minutes, then pat dry.
- Mix the butter and parsley, then spread over each ear of corn. Fold the husks back over the corn and tie with string if needed.
- Grill over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, turning often.
- Carefully peel back the husks and sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Grilled Summer Vegetables
A vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables, grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and finished with a simple herb dressing. This easy side adds colour, texture, and a healthy balance to your Labour Day plate.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds or strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large pieces
- 1 red onion, sliced into thick rings
- 1 small eggplant, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the vegetables directly on the grill or use a grill basket to prevent pieces from falling through the grates.
- Grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from the grill, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
Celebrate the Long Weekend with Flavour
With these easy and flavourful Labour Day recipes, your long weekend cookout is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re grilling up juicy ribs, sizzling shrimp, or perfectly charred corn, the key is to keep things simple, seasonal, and full of flavour.
Make the most of the final days of summer by gathering around the grill, sharing great food, and enjoying the company of the people who matter most. For more recipe ideas, check out our blog!
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