It’s hard to believe Labor Day, the holiday that officially marks the end of summer, is almost here. It’s fitting then, that the best way to celebrate this patriotic holiday is to have one last BBQ bash, complete with all the gorgeous summer produce that’s at its peak right now. And if like us you have a summer eats bucket list, now’s definitely the time to pull it out. Whether you’ve been meaning to try a new tomato salad recipe, grill just one last batch of corn on the grill, or finally find a way to get your kids to enjoy zucchini, there’s no time like the present. Read on for our relaxed Labor Day Weekend menu that makes the best of summer’s flavors.

 

1. Heirloom Tomato Frico Cups

(image via foodie crush)

Start your party off right with these adorably tasty tomato frico cups. They look fancy as all get out, but the secret to those cheesy baskets is just a muffin pan. Make a bunch and serve with pre-dinner drinks – they’re addictive!

2. Marinated Summer Squash with Hazelnut and Ricotta

(image via bon appetit)

Summer Squash (and its cousin zucchini), long written off as a weepy, watery veggie destined to be no more than side dish material is the star in this luscious vegetarian main studded with hazelnuts. The secret is in the post-cook marinating, and if you serve this at your Labor Day table, don’t be surprised if it’s the first thing to go!

3. Garden Fresh Corn Salad

(image via cookie and kate)

This super colorful corn salad is packed with fresh ingredients that really make summer corn’s sweet flavor pop. For a Mexican twist, sub in queso fresco for the feta , cilantro for dill and lime juice in place of the red wine vinegar. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this as a refreshing side to meaty grilled mains.

 

4. BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

(image via damn delicious)

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are an easy, crowd pleasing main dish to grill up. When shopping, plan on one skewer per guest, or half a skewer for younger diners. Kids love them thanks to the sweet charred pineapple and peppers, and you’ll love them because they’re delicious morsels of BBQ Chicken on a stick. ‘Nuff said.

 

5. Boozy Watermelon Mint Lemonade

(image via host the toast)

You’re gonna need something cold and frosty to wash all this deliciousness down, but who wants to be stuck inside, making cocktails to order when you should be outside soaking up the sun? Batch cocktails are the answer. Ideal for summer BBQs, this one features juicy sweet watermelon – just add ice and serve.

 

6. Whiskey Peach Clafoutis

(image via the little epicurean)

You didn’t think we’d forget dessert, did you? If you haven’t noticed, everyone is making the easy french dessert, clafoutis, to showcase perfectly ripe stone fruit. Juicy late summer peaches are the star in this take, but this flexible recipe would be equally delicious with plums, cherries, or nectarines, too – use what you have. Simply serve with sweetened whipped cream for a sweet finish to your holiday weekend.