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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Easy Labor Day Weekend Dinner Ideas

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 30, 2025, updated August 21, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for a relaxed meal. Whether you're firing up the grill or preparing something cozy indoors, there are plenty of easy dinner ideas to make your holiday special. From classic barbecues to simple one-pot dishes, these 20 recipes will help you celebrate the long weekend with delicious food.

    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    BBQ chicken sliders with homemade sauce are a fantastic choice for summer meals. These sliders are simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Using rotisserie chicken makes it easy to whip them up without much effort.

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    Mexican Citrus Chicken Marinade

    Citrus marinated chicken.
    Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    This Mexican citrus chicken marinade is packed with bright flavors and is great for grilling, whether you're inside or outside. It gives you tender and juicy chicken that's not only healthy but also really enjoyable to eat.

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    Juicy Bacon Burgers

    A cheeseburger without a bun on top.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This recipe features ground beef to create a juicy burger that's perfect for a Labor Day weekend dinner. While grilling outdoors is ideal, you can also use a cast iron pan or grill pan indoors to achieve great results. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burgers

    Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger
    Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    This dish features halloumi cheese, tender lamb, and fresh herbs, all brought together with sweet, grilled red onions and a rich layer of sun-dried tomato pesto. It's a flavorful combination that's perfect for a Labor Day weekend dinner. Enjoy this hearty meal that brings a taste of summer to your table.

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    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Klitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders bring together smoky flavors, tangy sauce, and a nice crunch. You have tender pulled pork coated in rich barbecue sauce, all served on soft buns and topped with fresh, creamy coleslaw. This dish is great for a backyard barbecue, meal prep, or a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick and easy to whip up using simple, healthy ingredients. It's perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking in the oven. With a mix of olive oil, lemon, and basil, the chicken turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

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    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a tasty and simple meal option. They are filled with flavorful shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty BBQ sauce. This dish is great for a quick lunch or dinner, making it a perfect choice for busy days.

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    Lemongrass Chicken

    Lemongrass chicken.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Lemongrass Chicken is perfect for summer barbecues. This Vietnamese dish brings a refreshing mix of citrus and garlic flavors that really brighten up your meals. It's simple to make and is a great option for any get-together.

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    The Best Chicken Street Tacos

    The Best Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These chicken street tacos are simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful homemade taco seasoning, then grilled to perfection. It's an easy and tasty option for a Labor Day weekend meal.

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    Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Grilled Shrimp Kabobs (Skewers).
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Grilled shrimp kabobs are juicy and easy to prepare, making them a great choice for a quick meal. This healthy dish can be ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for a busy evening. Enjoy the fresh flavors and satisfying texture of shrimp cooked on the grill.

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    Seared Steak and Scallops

    Seared Steak and Scallops
    Photo Credit: Champagne Tastes.

    Seared steak and scallops create a perfect cozy dinner for two. It's easy to put together and packed with delicious flavors. This dish is ideal for a special evening or a relaxing meal at home.

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    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for enjoying chicken on the grill. With a simple marinade that adds a nice sweet and smoky flavor, this dish is quick and easy to prepare. It's perfect for a laid-back dinner, especially during the grilling season.

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    Grilled Halloumi Cheese Salad

    A serving of grilled halloumi cheese salad.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This grilled halloumi salad is a simple and delicious option for your Labor Day weekend dinner. It features warm, salty halloumi cheese paired with fresh greens, chickpeas, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. A creamy homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together, making it a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare.

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    Asian Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Asian chciken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

    This dish offers a tasty take on budget-friendly chicken drumsticks, perfect for grilling season. The Asian marinade brings a nice balance of sweetness and saltiness, enhancing the flavor while keeping the chicken juicy. These drumsticks turn out tender and flavorful, making them a great choice for any meal.

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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a tasty dish that really upgrades regular baked beans. Packed with beef, bacon, onions, bell peppers, and three types of beans, they come together in a zesty BBQ sauce that's simple to prepare. This is a great option for a laid-back dinner, especially during the Labor Day weekend.

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    Smoked Spare Ribs

    Smoked Spare Ribs.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Smoked spare ribs are a fantastic choice for a Labor Day weekend dinner. They come out tender and juicy, packed with smoky flavor and coated in delicious barbecue sauce. This dish is perfect for gatherings, bringing everyone together for a satisfying meal.

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    Marinated Pork Chops

    Marinated pork chops.
    Photo Credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

    Marinated pork chops are packed with flavor and are great for grilling or baking. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dinner any night of the week.

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    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast

    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe features a juicy and tender beef chuck roast that’s easy to make, even if you’re just starting out. The smoky flavor from the Traeger wood pellet smoker really brings out the best in the meat. It’s a great option for a satisfying dinner, especially during the Labor Day weekend.

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    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Foil packets are a simple way to enjoy a delicious meal on the grill. This dish features tender boneless chicken thighs paired with sliced peppers and onions, all seasoned with Cajun spices. It's a clean and easy option that cooks up in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.

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    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Crispy smoked chicken wings are a fantastic choice for any backyard barbecue. Their juicy meat and crunchy skin make them a hit with everyone. These wings are ideal for gatherings and are sure to impress your guests.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      23 Labor Day Desserts That Are Easy to Make, but Hard to Resist
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      23 Slow Cooker Potluck Dishes We Crave Right Now
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      21 Easy Fall Dinner Recipes
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      22 Weeknight Pasta Dinners That Are Both Fast and Fabulous

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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