I’m so sad that Labor Day is coming up because it means summer is really over. Although my son actually goes back to school the week before, he does have a 4-day weekend for the holiday. We aren’t really doing anything special, but we do have a small family gathering coming up later in September.
I’ve been checking out all the great Labor Day recipes from my favorite bloggers to get ideas for that party. I’m looking for things that I can make ahead of time that will keep pretty well.
Featured Make-Ahead Labor Day Recipes: From Drinks to Dessert
Mermaid Punch Mocktail
Whip up this virgin drink ahead of time in a large pitcher. Then, when it’s time to party, you just need to add the sanding sugar to the glasses and pour! Check out this mocktail recipe at OurFamilyWorld.
Bacon Broccoli Salad
Another great one from Baking Beauty, since this one has to chill for a few hours, you can easily make it the night before and leave it sit in the fridge until you’re ready for your big family picnic. It’ll be a hit for bacon lovers, and you’ll be getting some healthy broccoli into the day’s menu. Get it here.
Supreme Pasta Salad
Every picnic needs pasta salad in my opinion. It’s one of the few salads that I’ll actually eat, being the insanely picky eater that I am. This one is chock full of goodness! Check out the recipe on Love to Be in the Kitchen!
Skinny Classic Coleslaw
My mom absolutely loves coleslaw, so no family party will be complete without it. If you have family members watching their weight (or just trying to eat healthier), this spin on the dish from Healthy Seasonal Recipes is perfect.
Caprese Crostini Skewers
I think Caprese salads are one of the prettiest appetizers, especially when they’re on a skewer. If you’re worried that the crostini will get soft from being in the fridge, you could prep the rest of this recipe from Home Work ahead of time, then just slip on the toasted bread the day of the party. Get the recipe here.
Spicy Mustard Potato Salad
I am so particular about my potato salad. It can’t have too many little chunks of random vegetables in it. I like the smooth texture of the potatoes, and a crunchy piece of celery or carrot totally throws me off. I love this recipe from Bunny’s Warm Oven. She adds eggs, which perfectly complements the potatoes, and doesn’t include a bunch of other weird (to me) veggies. Just pure goodness with a little spicy kick! Get the recipe here!
Grilled Marinated Chicken
Okay, so the grilling part you’ll have to do on the day of your picnic, but the rest of this recipe actually needs to be started the night before. You’ll need to marinade the chicken for 8-12 hours. Imagine how juicy and delicious it will be? Grab the recipe on Love to Be in the Kitchen.
Semi-Homemade BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce goes with so many different picnic foods, from meats to potatoes! Make this semi-homemade sauce ahead of time, then pop it in your cooler the day of the party! Get the recipe at Not Just Paper and Paint.
Strawberry Poke Cake
This is one of my favorite summer desserts! It’s so easy to make and you can use just about any fruit or Jello. You actually HAVE to make it ahead of time (at least a few hours) so it has time to set. Get the recipe on Baking Beauty!
More fabulous Labor Day Recipes to Make in Advance
- Garden Macaroni Salad from Healthy Seasonal Recipes
- Blueberry and Watermelon Poke Cake from April Go Lightly
- Patriotic Fruit Salad from The Homespun Hydrangea
- Chicken Fajitas on the Grill from Passion for Savings (make up the foil packets ahead of time according to recipe and put in the fridge. Then follow the rest of her recipe when it’s time to make them!)
- Jello FireCrackers from Frugal Navy Wife
- Bacon Jam from Bunny’s Warm Oven
- Spicy Sriracha Dip from Brit + Co.
- Watermelon Cupcakes from My Teen Guide
- Spinach Puffs from Deliciously Declassified
- Artichoke Parmesan Bites from Plain Chicken
- Mac & Cheese Muffins from Raining Hot Coupons (these are perfect for the kids!)
- Bacon-wrapped Dates from Tastes Lovely (my sister-in-law makes these and everyone loves them. I don’t eat bacon made from pork though, so I never got to try them.)
Do you have any favorite Labor Day recipes that you can make (or partially make) ahead of time?
That’s a lot of yummy and easy recipes. Parties are always fun and bringing some food will definitely make it even better. I agree, with labor day coming up, the summer is soon to be over. It flew by so fast.
Oh man! I’m definitely going to have to try a few new things this year. These are some awesome options.
I love making things ahead of time, although I think I’m kind of done entertaining for awhile. Thanks for the ideas. Pasta salads can really hit the spot too.
I think I’ll try Watermelon Cupcakes soon, because I love watermelons =D
These all look so tasty. I’d love to try a couple of them for our Labor Day event we have planed.
I can’t believe Labor Day is only a few weeks away. These recipes will perfect for all those football weekends.
They all look so yummy! Love to try and taste them all!
I love being able to bake something and not have to worry about doing it last minute so it’s fresh. Great list!
That Broccoli Salad looks amazing!
I forgot that Labor day was coming up already! Thanks for the reminder and the ideas.
The Supreme Pasta Salad looks really good. I am so bad with holidays dates
Hey you’ve got Labor Day set!! I love the choices. I think the sugar sanding always looks cool on the glasses too.
My goodness, this is such a great list of make ahead recipes that could come handy for many busy moms like me. The Supreme Pasta Salad, Spicy Mustard Potato Salad and that Strawberry Poke Cake are my favorites among them!
All those 21 recipes are awesome! Thanks for sharing. I am so glad I have another additional resource for awesome stuff to make!
That mermaid punch is very colorful! What a fun way to enjoy Labor Day!
Pasta salads are always good to make ahead of time, and desserts can usually be made ahead. I try to make things ahead of big eating events if possible.
I would love to make the Mermaid Punch Mocktails. My family would love this drink!
these recipes are so creative and i must make them soon