Labor Day weekend is your last chance to lean all the way into summer entertaining, so make the most of it with a table full of easy appetizers. Whether you're hosting friends in the backyard, hanging out by the pool, or simply gathering the family for one more cookout, these crowd-pleasing party dips, pull-apart sliders, skewers, and more will make for one epic kickoff to your Labor Day menu.
After a whole summer of hosting barbecues, there's no reason to spend the holiday hovering over the stove. Keep the appetizers for your feast of burgers and hot dogs simple with one of Ree Drummond's favorite Labor Day dishes: Caprese salad (with a watermelon twist), corn fritters, or a pesto feta dip that comes together in just 10 minutes. They're big on flavor and easy enough to prep without missing out on the party.
And while summer's still here, make the most of those seasonal vegetables you'll soon be saying goodbye to. Think tomato recipes and cooked zucchini that put the garden's bounty front and center. Everyone will reach for a second bite—that is, unless they're saving room for one of your show-stopping Labor Day desserts!
1
Shrimpo de Gallo
C.W. Newell
Here’s a zesty twist on pico de gallo. It’s loaded with shrimp, tomatoes, avocado, and plenty of lime. Just remember to serve with tortilla chips.
Think classic Caprese salad with a sweet summer twist! Juicy watermelon, colorful tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and mint come together in just 20 minutes.
Make this one up to two days ahead so you can easily prep before the party starts. Sweet corn gets a little charred before joining a creamy, four-cheese mixture seasoned with plenty of smoky spices.
On a hot day, keep things cool with this 25-minute salad of crisp cucumbers that are tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. It pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and all your other cookout favorites.
This dish combines two cookout classics in one: creamy macaroni salad and tangy deviled eggs. Letting it chill for a few hours only makes it better, so you can easily make it a day ahead.
Folks will say it’s impossible to stop scooping up this creamy and smoky dip! It’s made with sweet corn, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and ranch seasoning. Serve with plenty of tortilla chips.
Is your garden still stocked with zucchini? Make fritters! They're crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside and fry up in just a few minutes on each side.
Make the most out of that fresh, seasonal produce by serving up veggie skewers. All you need is some balsamic vinaigrette and the smokiness from the grill to make them pop.
This creamy dip takes just three ingredients. All you need to do is blitz pesto and feta with Green yogurt in a food processor. In ten minutes, you'll have your new favorite appetizer.
No matter what you're making for your main course, this easy-t0-assemble salad is a great way to start. It features crunchy cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, salty feta, and lots of fresh herbs.
The end of summer is the ultimate excuse to use those tomatoes and basil. It's like combining two favorite dishes in one, and is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh.
Get crisp bread, spicy mayonnaise, salty bacon, crunchy lettuce, and a juicy tomato all in one bite! They're like a teeny version of your favorite summer sandwich.
If you like hummus, you'll love this smoother, creamier cousin. Blended with garlic, shallot, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, cannellini beans become a dippable snack.
Perfectly poppable pizza bites: Now that's something kids and adults of all ages can agree on! Better yet, these are a bit healthier thanks to the zucchini. Plus, at this time of year, you probably have a lot in your garden.
Skip the buns and serve mini burgers on skewers! They are perfect to snack on and then you can get so much more creative on the grill with the main course.
Um yes, "thingies" is a technical cooking term for "delicious appetizer." 😂 These couldn't be easier to make, too―three ingredients are all you need! They're like jalapeño poppers but less of a hassle.
Ree's idea of the perfect family get-together includes a plate of deviled eggs. It's both potluck-friendly and picnic-friendly, so it's great for Labor Day.
If you're looking for a few tips to make perfect guacamole, check out this recipe. You'll learn how to pick ripe avocados and how to prevent your guac from turning brown.
Whether you're hosting a pool party or just a backyard feast, these tropical coconut-crusted shrimp are a fun addition to any Labor Day menu. We especially love the sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Ree called these crispy fritters "delightfully yummy" and that's exactly what they are! Studded with summer corn, they're delicious either sweet or savory.