These Labor Day side dishes let you do your day off the right way. Prepare to be asked to make crowd favorites for every Labor Day to come.
1/29
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
2/29
Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
3/29
Cucumber Coleslaw
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cucumber coleslaw recipe so I could use a julienne peeler I received as a gift. I had leftover sparkling wine, so I thought I'd try to use it over julienned cucumbers to make this refreshing slaw. It's a nice way to round out a brunch or picnic. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 178 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
4/29
Hawaiian Fried Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up in the South Pacific, rice was the mainstay of our diet. When my husband and I moved stateside, we created this Hawaiian fried rice recipe. We bring this dish to every potluck, and it’s always the hit of the party. It’s especially a crowd favorite as a Labor Day side dish. —Janice Edwards, Plainville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 621 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 220mg cholesterol, 1191mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
5/29
Creamy Macaroni Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
6/29
Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 209 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
7/29
Pea Salad with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So I decided to combine the two, and it was perfect! This salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecues. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
8/29
Sweet & Sour Squash Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This Labor Day salad goes over really well with all ages, and it’s a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman Levelland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 241 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
9/29
Heirloom Tomato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple yet elegant dish that always pleases my guests. Not only is it tasty, but it is healthy too. The more varied the colors of the tomatoes you choose, the prettier the salad will be. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 75 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/29
Pina Colada Molded Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
11/29
Tomato-Melon Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says summer like picking watermelon, tomatoes and raspberries, then tossing them together in a salad. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying summery meal. —Betsy Hite, Wilton, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 266 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
12/29
Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for a wedding I was catering, and it's a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn't stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 476 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
13/29
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
14/29
Salami & Provolone Pasta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone needs a perfect pasta salad that’s easy to make, especially on busy nights when your family wants a dish that’s fast, light and cool. This is just the thing. —Jill Donley, Warsaw, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without optional ingredients): 244 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
15/29
Patriotic Potatoes with Mustard Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Show your true spirit with a bowl of red, white and blue potatoes dressed with bacon and sour cream. They’re tops in my hit parade of patriotic dishes. —Julie Murphy, Peachtree City, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3 potatoes with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 300 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
16/29
Simple Waldorf Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to salad when I need a quick little meal. When I want a sweeter taste, I use whipped cream instead of yogurt. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
17/29
Ranch Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this ranch pasta after making recipes for a bridal shower. It was party day and I needed to take some shortcuts! Everyone loves the simple Parmesan ranch white sauce, and it's easy to throw in veggies you have on hand. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 436 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
18/29
3-Bean Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We make this three bean salad all summer long! It's a delicious summer side dish for a small gathering. —Barbara Wiggins, Lexington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 162 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
19/29
Honey-Pecan Kiwi Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish won second place for a summer salad recipe feature published in our local newspaper. But it takes first place with my family—they're always happy to try my new creations. —Marla Arbet, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 94 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
20/29
Pina Colada Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
21/29
Marinated Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
22/29
Pressure-Cooker Summer Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
We love squash, but I got bored with fixing plain old squash and cheese. I decided to jazz it up a bit by adding seasoned croutons and bacon. This was a huge hit with the family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 111 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/29
Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/29
Broccoli Apple Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my picky daughter loves this fast-to-make salad! Yogurt dressing on a crunchy veggie salad makes a cool and creamy side dish. —Lynn Cluff, Littlefield, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/29
Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This garlic and basil linguine is a perfect way to use up your late-summer tomato harvest. It makes a great light supper when paired with a salad, or you can make it heartier with some chopped chicken. —Susan Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
26/29
Creamed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, in a mild creamy sauce, complement any meat entree, and they're a pleasant change from mashed or baked.
—Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
—Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 243 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
27/29
Ruby Raspberry Slaw
From the Recipe Creator:
Give ordinary coleslaw a "berry" tangy twist. It's sure to get raves at your next picnic or potluck. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
28/29
Instant Pot Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Starting this potato salad off in the Instant Pot speeds up the potato prep and creates a creamy, satisfying potluck and party favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 245 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
29/29
Greek Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright and refreshing version of potato salad bursts with flavor and color, highlighting the beauty of fresh ingredients. Creamy, perfectly cooked potatoes are the canvas for salty olives, crumbly feta, fresh parsley and aromatic dill. It all comes together with a zippy Greek dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Labor Day Side Dish FAQs
What should I serve at a Labor Day party?
Dishes to serve at a Labor Day party include grilled meats, potluck side dishes, all kinds of fun appetizers and finger foods, and really easy feed-a-crowd desserts. Whenever I’m attending a party, I like to ask the host if they need me to grab anything else for the party, like napkins, plates, silverware, cups or drinks to fill out the spread.
How do I make easy Labor Day side dishes?
Easy Labor Day side dishes include coleslaw, potato salad, cucumber salad, broccoli salad and pea salad. I love these because they’re so simple to put together and can be made a day in advance. That way, you can assure it’s up to your standard without retrying the recipe a few hours before the party.
What are good Labor Day side dishes to take to a potluck?
Labor Day side dishes to take to a potluck are tried and true ones, like coleslaw and potato salad, but also highly reviewed, modern sides like esquites or jalapeno popper corn salad. It’s also nice to consider guests who have dietary restrictions, prepping sides that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan if needed.
