The summer is almost over, can you believe it? I can’t. Seems like not that long ago I packed up and moved (temporarily) to Vancouver for a short term job and that was already TWO MONTHS AGO! Summer has really flown by this year. That means that school is almost (or in some cases already has) started and pools are closing after Labor Day.
I love Labor Day weekend, mostly because it’s a long weekend but it also usually signifies on final big BBQ or other party to be had before the fall comes in, which means pumpkin everything recipes, hunting season and in the not too distant future, skiing season.
Anyway, it can be tough finding recipes to make on these big holiday festivities, so I’ve listed my Top 10 Recipes that are perfect for the holiday weekend. There’s a little bit of everything here from ribs to ice cream so you’re sure to find something that will please anyone.
Bison Back Ribs with Sriracha Peach BBQ Sauce ~ I made these ribs for Memorial Day weekend and it was a massive hit with everyone. The sweet, spicy flavors of the BBQ sauce combine with the smokiness of the slow cooked ribs perfectly. The only problem you may have is not having enough ribs for everyone.
Cedar Plank Salmon ~ When done right, there’s a subtle flavor of the cedar wood infused in the salmon without really overpowering it and it comes out delicious every time. This recipe calls for the smoked paprika rub but salmon is so amazing it can take a whole host of seasonings and still be amazing.
Teriyaki Pineapple Shrimp Skewers ~ These are ridiculously easy, and as a bonus, you now have a recipe for paleo teriyaki sauce as well!
Avocado Goat Cheese Stuffed Burgers ~ Anyone can make regular burgers on the grill. Why not raise the stakes a little and try making burgers stuffed with avocado goat cheese filling and topped with a sriracha dipping sauce?
Smoked Chicken Wings with Homemade Ranch ~ Perfect for any wing enthusiast. As someone ‘with an obsession’ with wings according to Suz, I can safely say that these are the best I’ve had. Plus they’re 4-year-old approved so that’s good for any Labor Day party where kids may be around. Also: Ranch Dressing!
Smoked Pulled Pork ~ We brought this to one summer party we didn’t host and now it’s pretty much expected that we make it. Whether it’s for yourself or for any party, this smoked pulled pork is sure to get everyone talking about this amazing food you brought.
Fried Catfish with Spicy Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries ~ What’s a BBQ without coleslaw or french fries? Pretty boring if you ask me. This creamy coleslaw is kicked up with a little chipotle for a smoky heat that is second to none. Also, if you’re making burgers or pulled pork, it’s always good to have a solid french fry recipe to go with it right?
Watermelon Basil Salad ~ This is a perfect dish to make if you’re in a hurry and everyone can enjoy a nice summer salad. The best part is, this dish is super easy to make. All you really need is a big mixing bowl and a knife to cut the watermelon.
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon ~ Yet another great, yet entirely simple appetizers or snacks for those summertime get togethers has to be the prosciutto wrapped melon slices. It’s literally two ingredients and the addition of that beautifully cured meat wrapped around a sweet and juicy cantaloupe slice are perfect for those warm summer days.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream ~ This recipe was posted less than a month ago and it’s already one of our most popular recipes of all time! It uses our Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream as a base and then gets wild with some cookie dough from Cappello’s Gluten Free and some homemade magic shell for the chocolate ribbons in the ice cream. The resulting equation comes out every time: Party or gathering + delicious dairy-free ice cream = a huge win. Everyone is sure to love it.
Honey Vanilla Cupcakes ~ Finally our most popular post of all time. These cupcakes are amazing on their own but the dark chocolate frosting is something serious. It definitely rivals the real thing. It’s so rich & delicious yet light that you wouldn’t know it was dairy free.
That’s it for Top 10 Recipes for Labor Day. We really hope these helped get you in the mood for the big day. If you’re not hosting, hopefully you can make one of these other dishes and really blow people away
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