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Labor Day Side Dish Recipes

When planning the menu for your Labor Day picnic or backyard barbecue, one of the toughest choices is deciding on which side dishes to prepare. Whether you’re grilling up hot dogs and burgers, smoking a pork shoulder, or serving up barbecue ribs, selecting the perfect side dishes often requires the most thought and preparation.

I have to say, even though I love a perfectly grilled burger, I often find myself more excited about the variety of sides. With so many classic picnic options available, it’s hard to settle on just a few.

And since Labor Day marks the last big picnic holiday of the season, I usually end up with a small sampling of several sides on my plate so that I can enjoy them one last time before winter creeps in.

labor day side dish recipes
One of the best things about going to a backyard cookout is all the wonderful food, including the side dishes.

Although, even before the end of the food line, my plate is usually overflowing. Then I have to figure out ways to make just a little more room for those last few items on the table.

So to celebrate the final big cookout of the year, I am sharing my favorite side dish recipes that I like to make for my family and friends. I have included all types of recipes including classic picnic side dishes, fruit dishes and also a few low-carb recipes that even those who are on a Keto diet can enjoy.

39 Labor Day Side Dish Recipes

Before we take a look at all these delicious side dish recipes, we first must distinguish between what counts as a side dish and what might be commonly served as an appetizer. Take Cold Veggie Pizza, for example—while it’s often served as an appetizer, at a laid-back backyard picnic, it could easily double as a side dish.

So, towards the end of this list, I’ve included a few appetizers that could also serve as a side dish as part of your picnic spread. Regardless of how you serve them, I am sure that they will all be crowd pleasers!

1. Pasta & Potato Salad Recipes

No picnic or barbecue feels right without a big bowl of creamy potato salad or a zesty pasta salad. Just check out any barbecue restaurant—you’ll always find these side dishes on the menu.

But instead of buying a tub of your favorite Labor Day side dishes at the grocery store, why not make them at home? It’s a great way to save some cash and customize the recipes to your taste, so you don’t have to worry about picking out any ingredients you don’t like.

southwestern pasta salad
You can’t go wrong serving Macaroni or Pasta Salad at your Labor Day picnic!

2. Corn Recipes

Towards the end of summer, the sweet corn is at the peak of the season where I live. Although we have been enjoying fresh corn on the cob for a few weeks now, the corn is at its sweetest during this time of the year.

Therefore, during our Labor Day picnic, we always have some sort of corn side dish on the table, and most often it is simply corn on the cob.

However, did you know there were some great ways to cook the corn without turning on your stove? I have included 4 different methods for cooking corn on the cob and none of them require you to stand over a hot pot of boiling water.

And just in case you want to make a delicious picnic side dish recipe that doesn’t require any work when you get to your destination, I have included my favorite corn salad recipes that can be made with fresh, frozen or even canned corn.

grilled corn on the cob for labor day side dish
No backyard barbecue would be complete without corn on the cob. However, there is no need to heat up the kitchen when you can make it on the grill, Air Fryer, or Instant Pot.

3. Baked Beans

Just like when making corn on the cob, there are several ways for you to make Baked Beans. Not only can you flavor them in various ways, you can also cook them from canned or dried beans.

I have listed 3 of my favorite Baked Bean Side Dish Recipes so that you can share them with your friends and family at your Labor Day picnic.


When you have some favorite picnic foods that don’t quite fit into any specific category, you create a category just for them. I’ve gathered some of my top picks, from classic coleslaw to my personal favorite side dish recipe – Uncle Garry’s Doritos Taco Salad.

Doritos Taco Salad
My favorite side dish recipe – Doritos Taco Salad.

5. Fruit Side Dishes

If you’re aiming for a healthier side dish this Labor Day, consider adding some fruit to your picnic spread! You can even keep things festive with a red, white, and blue fruit salad or fruit salsa.

Although if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a Fruit Pizza. It’s usually thought of as a dessert, but I doubt anyone would complain if you served it alongside the other dishes!

6. Low-Carb Side Dishes

Sticking to a low-carb diet can be tough when you’re surrounded by picnic food. There are potato and pasta dishes, and even seemingly healthy options like coleslaw often contain sugar in the dressing.

But don’t worry, there are some great Keto-friendly side dishes for Labor Day. Alongside your bunless burger, try a serving of cucumber and onion salad, or bring a Keto Cauliflower Casserole to share with friends.

You don’t have to stick to just raw veggies—try one of these tasty low-carb options instead!

filling eggs
Deviled eggs are always at our backyard barbecues, no matter what we are celebrating.

7. Labor Day Appetizers That Can Be Served As A Side Dish

While the following recipes are usually served as appetizers or desserts, they also work perfectly as picnic side dishes. They’re simple to prepare and pair nicely with other picnic favorites.

There you have it! 39 Labor Day Side Dish recipes to choose from. Although you won’t be making each and everyone of them, I am sure you will find something that your friends and family will enjoy.

Enjoy! Mary

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