Celebrate a long Labor Day weekend by hosting an end-of-summer bash complete with all your summer favorites! These Mediterranean Labor Day recipes—appetizers, mains, salads, sides, and desserts—are a fitting send-off to a delicious summer.
To me, Labor Day always feels like summer’s grand finale, and I wouldn’t miss the chance to fire up the grill and get together for a cookout with our family and friends as the season winds down.
To help you send August off with a bang, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Labor Day food ideas perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, family reunions, or any other gathering you may be hosting or attending this weekend.
Count on big Mediterranean flavors and recipes where colorful, seasonal produce is the star. This list has everything you need, from crowd-pleasing appetizers and grilled mains to festive sides and refreshing desserts. And of course, don’t forget the drinks! Here are our favorite summer cocktails (and mocktails too!) to make your holiday extra fun and delicious.
Table of Contents
- Mediterranean Labor Day Mains
- Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
- Shawarma on a Spit
- Grilled Chicken Kabob with Zesty Garlic Marinade
- Lobster Tails
- Easy Grilled Pizza
- Greek Lamb Burgers
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Kabobs
- Grilled Cod with Pistachio-Herb Salsa
- Mediterranean Salmon Kabobs
- Lentil Burgers with Yogurt-Herb Sauce
- Colorful Mediterranean Labor Day Sides and Salads
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Greek Potato Salad
- Grilled Vegetables
- Burrata Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Prosciutto
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Mediterranean Three Bean Salad
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Peach Tomato Burrata Salad
- Mediterranean-Style Grilled Zucchini Salad with Herbs
- Red Cabbage Salad
- Grilled Romaine Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, and Tahini
- Bell Pepper Salad with Mini Sweet Peppers
- Grilled Carrots with Labneh and Zhoug
- Pesto Pasta Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Labor Day Weekend Treats
- Homemade Popsicles
- Watermelon Fruit Salad with Pistachios and Honey Lime Syrup
- Sicilian Lemon Pudding
- Tahini Brownies
- Persian Saffron Ice Cream
- Strawberry Sorbet with Rose Water
- Easy Yogurt Cake
- Two-Ingredient Lemon Sorbet (Sorbetto al Limone)
- Extras, Appetizers and Add-ons
- Cooling Cucumber Salsa
- Grilled Halloumi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Honey-Rosemary Glaze
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
- Shrimp Ceviche
- Prosciutto e Melone
- More Summer Recipe Roundups
Mediterranean Labor Day Mains
No summer meal is complete without something sizzling on the grill! These Mediterranean recipes are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd, and there’s something on this list for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
These lighter burgers are anything but boring thanks to fresh mint, feta, and a touch of spice. Topped with a Persian-style marinated olive-walnut spread, they’re juicy, flavorful, and a great alternative to red meat. Pair them with a summery smashed cucumber salad with fried lemon and feta.
Shawarma on a Spit
If you love the flavors of shawarma, you’ll be thrilled at how easy it is to recreate on the grill. Juicy, spiced chicken with all the fixings makes for a showstopping main that people will be talking about well into the evening. Serve with homemade pita bread and creamy garlic sauce.
Grilled Chicken Kabob with Zesty Garlic Marinade
This easy chicken kabob recipe is sure to be a family favorite and the first thing to disappear at your Labor Day party. The secret is in the marinade loaded with 15 cloves of garlic, Mediterranean spices, and lemon. Serve it with tahini sauce for the ultimate crowd pleaser.
Lobster Tails
Tender, buttery, and bursting with flavor, these lobster tails are ready in about 20 minutes. Put them under the broiler while you have burgers, steak, or oysters on the grill for a true surf and turf menu.
Easy Grilled Pizza
Grilling Neapolitan pizza dough gives the resulting pie an irresistibly smoky flavor and a perfectly crisp crust. We love it with tomatoes and olives, but you can swap in your favorite toppings or let guests customize their own!
Greek Lamb Burgers
Juicy, seasoned lamb patties topped with creamy tzatziki take burgers to a whole new level. These are gourmet yet approachable, perfect for impressing a crowd. Try them with grilled eggplant and Greek potato wedges with lemon and garlic.
Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Kabobs
These kabobs can double up as an appetizer for a big Labor Day party or dinner next to your favorite side or salad. And if the weather puts a damper on your plans, you can totally grill them indoors on a grill pan. Serve with a side with a side of Garlic Aioli for dipping.
Grilled Cod with Pistachio-Herb Salsa
Flaky grilled cod gets a vibrant lift from a pistachio and herb salsa that’s fresh and zesty. It’s light yet satisfying, a perfect balance for summer. Pair it with easy Grilled Zucchini or Boiled Potatoes with Garlic and Fresh Herbs.
Mediterranean Salmon Kabobs
Tender salmon cubes threaded onto skewers with veggies and brushed with a bright marinade. These are quick, flavorful, and cook in minutes. They’re wonderful when paired with tahini sauce and a refreshing orzo salad.
Lentil Burgers with Yogurt-Herb Sauce
Even meat eaters will dig into these hearty vegetarian burgers made with walnuts and brown lentils. Serve them in a bun topped with lettuce, tomato, and crumbled feta cheese, and add a crunchy pickle spear and some Baked Sweet Potato Fries on the side.
Colorful Mediterranean Labor Day Sides and Salads
No cookout is complete without a table full of sides and salads. These fresh, vibrant dishes balance out the smoky mains and add color to your spread.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and crisp cucumber come together in a way I think is the ultimate summer salad. It’s fresh, juicy, and so easy to make ahead of time. Plus, it’s a refreshing side that balances the rich, smoky flavors of mains cooked on the grill, including grilled lamb kabobs or cilantro lime shrimp. This is one of those recipes that always disappears fast!
Greek Potato Salad
A lighter take on classic potato salad, one without the mayonnaise, this recipe is still plenty flavorful thanks to extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, tangy kalamata olives, and lemon.
Grilled Vegetables
These colorful veggies are smoky, lightly charred, and brimming with Mediterranean herbs. They’re the perfect side dish for grilled seafood, burgers, or pork chops. Drizzle with some gremolata to make them extra flavorful.
Burrata Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Prosciutto
A delicious combination of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, basil, prosciutto, and crusty Italian bread, this burrata salad recipe is a savory summer favorite. Think of it as the cousin to my Summer Berry Burrata Salad.
Grilled Corn Salad
Smoky grilled corn, crunchy carrots, and fresh herbs make this salad a sunshine-in-a-bowl kind of dish. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and always one of the first things to disappear at a party. Paired with chicken souvlaki skewers it also makes a great end-of-summer weeknight dinner, too.
Mediterranean Three Bean Salad
A vibrant twist on the classic three bean salad, my version features kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas tossed with fresh veggies, capers, and herbs in a zesty garlic Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a protein-packed side you can prep in minutes, and it’s even better the next day, which makes it perfect for Labor Day party prep. I also love it with juicy Grilled Swordfish, and a bright and sunny Lemon Tart for dessert.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn gets a smoky upgrade with a quick turn on the grill and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish it with with feta cheese or garlicky Aioli. Take it up a notch and make our Mediterranean twist on elote (Mexican street corn)!
Peach Tomato Burrata Salad
Juicy peaches and tomatoes and creamy burrata come together in a dreamy, late-summer salad that feels both elegant and effortless. A drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted almonds and fresh mint make it shine. It can also be served as an appetizer or first course, along with classic Shrimp Scampi, or the Italian-American favorite Chicken Spiedini.
Mediterranean-Style Grilled Zucchini Salad with Herbs
This zucchini salad is great served at room temperature, which makes it the perfect potluck dish to bring along and great for Labor Day picnics. I love adding it as a side to this Grilled Kofta or my Mediterranean grilled chicken and dill-yogurt sauce.
Red Cabbage Salad
Colorful, crunchy, and full of antioxidants, this simple red cabbage and green apple slaw adds brightness to any plate. Plus, it’s perfect to make ahead of time and pair with all your favorite main courses like baked fish or rack of lamb.
Grilled Romaine Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, and Tahini
Yes, you can grill lettuce! This romaine salad gets smoky edges and pairs beautifully with a garlicky tahini dressing and sweet pops of corn and tomato. Try alongside grilled swordfish or grilled skirt steak.
Bell Pepper Salad with Mini Sweet Peppers
Sweet mini peppers are tossed with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette for a colorful, crunchy side dish. It’s a refreshing change from the usual BBQ salads and always adds a burst of color to the table. This salad is a great compliment for creamy and colorful beet hummus and tangy yogurt marinated chicken.
Grilled Carrots with Labneh and Zhoug
This dish is as stunning as it is delicious—tender carrots with a smoky char on a bed of creamy labneh and a spicy, herby drizzle of zhoug. It’s a healthy yet indulgent way to sneak a little extra veg onto your Labor Day spread. They’re especially delicious alongside grilled chicken kofte or grilled whole chicken.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Fresh basil pesto tossed with rotini or fusilli pasta and an equal amount of fresh summer veggies makes a vibrant side that’s always a hit. Make it a duo with grilled eggplant salad with za’atar pita chips or chicken with one of our favorite marinades.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumber ribbons tossed in a luscious, tangy yogurt dressing make a refreshing side that’s deliciously cooling on a hot day. It’s simple flavor profile makes it a great partner for bold mains like Grilled Harissa Chicken or spicy Harissa Salmon with Lime.
Labor Day Weekend Treats
End your Labor Day cookout on a sweet note with a little something for everyone. From frozen treats and fruit to brownies for chocolate lovers. We have a little something for everyone.
Homemade Popsicles
Bright, fruity, and endlessly customizable, these Greek yogurt-based popsicles are a cool way to end your Labor Day celebration. Kids love them, and they’re a fun project to make ahead of time. Pair with a pitcher of refreshing mint lemonade.
Watermelon Fruit Salad with Pistachios and Honey Lime Syrup
In the Mediterranean, fruit is a common and beloved dessert option. This recipe makes the most of summer’s favorite fruit—melon. Cool cantaloupe and watermelon are cubed for a colorful display, then drizzled with a citrusy honey glaze.
Sicilian Lemon Pudding
Tangy, creamy, and bursting with citrus, this chilled pudding feels like sunshine in a cup. It’s elegant but requires just a handful of ingredients, making it a simple but special ending to your feast. Pair it with a few fresh berries and ricciarelli, tender Italian almond cookies, or a limoncello spritz.
Tahini Brownies
A dessert board brimming with Pistachio Date Cookies and these gooey chocolate brownies, accompanied by a generous swirl of creamy, nutty tahini, is just what your Labor Day party needs—a sweet, handheld treat to finish the festivities!
Persian Saffron Ice Cream
Delicately flavored with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, and topped with crunchy pistachios, this Persian ice cream is as aromatic as it is luxurious—and the prettiest dessert you’ll see all weekend. Serve it after a grilled feast like our Joojeh Kabob (Persian Saffron and Yogurt Chicken Kabobs) or Shish Tawook.
Strawberry Sorbet with Rose Water
Fresh, fruity, and kissed with a hint of rose water, this strawberry sorbet is incredibly refreshing and feels like summer in every spoonful. The flavor is light and clean—perfect for cooling off after a big barbecue. Serve it on its own, or float scoops in Strawberry Bellinis or non-alcoholic Strawberry Lemonade.
Easy Yogurt Cake
I love an easy make-ahead dessert! Simply slice and layer on a dessert tray along with other goodies, like the tahini brownies mentioned earlier. Or serve on a platter with fresh berries or Strawberry Compote and honey nearby so people can dress it up as they see best.
Two-Ingredient Lemon Sorbet (Sorbetto al Limone)
Bright, tart, and ice-cold—this lemon sorbet is a zesty way to cap off a Labor Day feast, especially when you’re craving something refreshing. Add some sparkling wine to make a sgroppino, a classic Venetian cocktail that’s a delightfully grown-up take on a slushy.
Extras, Appetizers and Add-ons
It’s always nice to have something light and colorful to nibble on throughout the day. These Mediterranean dips and appetizers are easy to put together, and guaranteed to impress.
Cooling Cucumber Salsa
Bright, crisp, and a little unexpected, this cucumber salsa is a refreshing twist on the classic. It’s crunchy, cooling, and delicious with pita chips or spooned over grilled chicken. Want some guac, too? Try my Mediterranean version.
Grilled Halloumi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Honey-Rosemary Glaze
Halloumi cheese is made for grilling—it turns smoky and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. It’s salty, creamy flavor is a perfect flavor party paired with juicy cherry tomatoes. Serve it with our Herby Freekeh Salad with Fresh Veggies and Pomegranate Dressing or simply add Grilled Vegetables for a vegetarian Mediterranean barbecue.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
This easy cilantro lime shrimp recipe is an absolute game-changer. The secret to the juicy texture and incredible flavor is roasted garlic sauce. Think zesty citrus, a bold amount of garlic, and a hint of spice, all coming together in just 20 minutes.
Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
Dress up your vegetable tray with Greek salad skewers and dips from around the world. Tirokafteri only takes 10 minutes to make and adds a pop of color to your table. It’s spicy, creamy, and tangy. Serve alongside cooling tzatziki sauce, hummus, and Turkish Ezme for a feast of flavors.
Shrimp Ceviche
Bright, tangy, and beautifully chilled, this shrimp ceviche is like a splash of sunshine. Sharp lime, crisp veggies, and juicy shrimp all come together in a cool, refreshing mixture. It’s perfect Labor Day food because you need to make it ahead of time, just make sure to save some fridge space for a pitcher of Watermelon Sangria to go with it!
Prosciutto e Melone
Sweet melon and salty prosciutto are the ultimate summer duo—no cooking required! It’s light, elegant, and always a hit. Pair with antipasto skewers and Aperol spritzes for an easy Italian-inspired starter.
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